Cherry cake

Fluffy Cherry Cake - A Seasonal Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

When it comes to desserts that bring a touch of joy to every day, the fluffy cherry cake is on the list of favorites. It's a quick and simple dessert, perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or coffee, and also an ideal choice for parties and festive meals. Whether it's a special occasion or a simple afternoon, this dessert will quickly become everyone's favorite!

A Brief History of Cherry Cake

Fruit cakes, especially those with cherries, have a long tradition in world cuisine. Cherries, with their tart flavor and intense aromas, have been used as an ingredient in various recipes throughout the centuries. These fruits not only add a special charm to cakes but also provide a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, the combination of chocolate and cherries is a classic, appreciated by many generations.

Necessary Ingredients

- 6 fresh eggs
- 9 tablespoons of sugar (6 for the batter and 3 for the cherries)
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 and a half cups of pitted cherries
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
- Oil or butter for greasing the pan

Preparing the Fluffy Cherry Cake - Step by Step

1. Prepare the cherries: Start by washing the cherries well, ensuring they are clean. Remove the pits and sprinkle them with 3 tablespoons of sugar. This step will help extract the juice from the cherries, adding a sweet-tart flavor to the cake. Set the cherries aside while you prepare the batter.

2. Prepare the batter: Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. In a large bowl, mix the egg yolks well with the 6 tablespoons of sugar and the vanilla sugar until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. It's important to ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved for an optimal final result.

3. Add the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and gradually incorporate them into the egg yolk mixture, one spoon at a time. Mix well until homogeneous, avoiding the formation of lumps.

4. Beat the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, adding the lemon juice to help them become firmer. This step is essential, as it will give the cake an airy texture.

5. Unify the mixtures: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture, taking care not to deflate them. Add the vanilla essence for an extra flavor boost.

6. Cocoa and variations: Divide the mixture into two equal parts. In one of them, add the 2 tablespoons of cocoa, mixing well to achieve a uniform and rich composition.

7. Prepare the pan: Grease a loaf pan with a little oil or butter and line it with baking paper to facilitate the removal of the cake. This is an essential technique, especially for fluffy cakes that can stick to the pan.

8. Assemble the cake: Add the white mixture to the pan, followed by the cocoa mixture. Finally, place the cherries on top, distributing them evenly. This step will ensure that each slice has a generous portion of delicious fruit.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to low heat (about 160°C) and bake the cake for 15-20 minutes. Perform the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. It's important not to open the oven in the first 15 minutes to prevent the cake from collapsing.

10. Cooling and decorating: Remove the pan from the oven and let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, you can slice the cake and dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance and sweet taste.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with warm chocolate sauce, which will add a touch of indulgence. Additionally, a cup of green tea or an espresso will perfectly complement the culinary experience.

Interesting Variations

If you want to experiment, you can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries. Also, for a crunchy note, add some chopped nuts or almonds to the batter.

Nutritional Benefits

Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet. This dessert, although sweet, can be enjoyed in moderation, having a moderate caloric intake due to the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use canned cherries? Yes, but make sure to drain them well to avoid adding too much liquid.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the batter by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure it's well packaged to prevent freezer burn.

This fluffy cherry cake recipe not only promises an explosion of flavors but also unforgettable moments with loved ones. Start cooking and let the taste guide you on this culinary journey full of flavor! Enjoy!