Cherry cake

Cherry Cake – an irresistible delicacy that will make you forget about your diet!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12

Who wouldn’t want a cake that combines the crunchy texture of cookies, the richness of chocolate, and the juicy sweetness of cherries? This cherry cake is not just a delicious dessert, but also a culinary experience that will delight you. Perfect for any occasion, from parties to family gatherings, this recipe is simple yet impressive.

The history behind this cake is rich in tradition. Over the years, desserts featuring grains and fruits have been cherished for their versatility. Cherries, with their sweet and tangy flavor, add a touch of freshness and vibrancy, transforming a simple cake into a masterpiece. Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

Ingredients needed

For the first layer:

- 200 grams of cookies (preferably cocoa cookies for a more intense flavor)
- 125 grams of soft butter (leave it at room temperature for easier incorporation)
- 100 grams of walnuts or almonds
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder (dark, if using cookies without cocoa)
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar

For the second layer:

- 125 grams of butter
- 200 grams of powdered sugar
- 300 grams of dark chocolate (or milk chocolate, according to preference)
- 100 ml of heavy cream
- 150 grams of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (optional, for a fluffier texture)
- 5 eggs

For the cream:

- 500 ml of heavy whipping cream
- 250 grams of mascarpone cheese
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla or lemon extract
- 600 grams of pitted cherries
- 2 tablespoons of vanilla sugar

Steps for preparation

1. Preparing the first layer

- Crushing the cookies: Start by crushing the cookies and nuts in a large bowl. You can use a food processor for a fine texture or place them in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Mixing the ingredients: Add the 2 tablespoons of cocoa and the soft butter to the cookie mixture. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.
- Egg white: Whip the egg white with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg white foam into the cookie mixture, being careful not to deflate the air in the foam.
- Baking: Pour the mixture into the baking pan, ensuring it matches the size of the pan you will use for the second layer. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for about 15 minutes. Allow the layer to cool.

2. Preparing the second layer

- Melting the butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter with the sugar over low heat. Stir constantly until combined. Allow to cool slightly.
- Chocolate: In a bowl, melt the chocolate in a double boiler (over a pot of boiling water, ensuring it doesn’t touch the water). Once melted, add the melted butter and mix well.
- Eggs and cream: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the cream and finally the flour mixed with the baking powder. Mix everything until you have a homogeneous composition.
- Baking: Pour the mixture into the baking pan over the first layer. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for about 40 minutes. Allow to cool completely.

3. Preparing the cream

- Whipping the cream: In a cold bowl, whip the cream until it becomes firm. Then, add the mascarpone cheese and the vanilla or lemon extract. Gently mix to obtain a smooth cream.
- Cherries: Mix the cherries with the vanilla sugar and let them sit for a few minutes to release some juice.

4. Assembling the cake

- The crunchy layer: Once the chocolate layer has cooled, place it over the crunchy cookie layer.
- Add the cream: Pour the mascarpone cream over the cookie layer and spread it evenly. You can add some cherries and chocolate flakes into the cream for extra flavor.
- Finalizing: Place the second chocolate layer on top. Decorate with cherries and their juice for an appealing look.

5. Cooling

- Place the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.

Practical tips

- Buy fresh cherries: Choose firm, unblemished cherries for a flavorful dessert.
- Make a taller layer: If you want a more impressive look, you can slice the chocolate layer in half, creating an extra layer of cream or cherries between the two halves.
- Serve with a sauce: You can serve the cake with warm chocolate sauce or cherry syrup for a delicious contrast.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can replace the cherries with strawberries, blueberries, or peaches, depending on the season and your preferences.
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. The flavor will actually improve as the flavors meld.
- Is the cake suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using plant-based butter and cream, but adjustments to the ingredients will be needed to achieve a similar texture.

Serving suggestions

This cherry cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of sweet wine. A fragrant coffee or a refreshing citrus iced tea will complement your dessert beautifully.

In conclusion, this cherry cake is a true culinary indulgence, ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a moment of personal pampering. I encourage you to try it and put your personal touch on the recipe! Bon appétit!