Cherry cake

Cherry Cake: A Delight at Home

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we present a recipe for cherry cake, a delicious dessert that combines the sweetness and tartness of the fruits. This cake is perfect for an afternoon snack or as a dessert to impress your guests. Let's discover together how to prepare this treat!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

- 5 large, fresh eggs (preferably from free-range hens)
- 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar (you can adjust the amount to your taste)
- 4 tablespoons of oil (sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 150 g of flour (for a fluffier texture, use type 000 flour)
- 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder (make sure it's quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Cherries from a compote (about 200 g, drained and pitted)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration, optional)

The Story Behind the Recipe

The cherry cake is a classic dessert that blends tradition with innovation. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, being a recipe adapted and cooked in various corners of the world. Most often, it is associated with family moments, bringing generations together around a table full of goodies. Today, we teach you how to make it at home, bringing a touch of nostalgia and warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This will help with even mixing and contribute to the cake's rise.

2. Separating the Eggs: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until a stiff foam forms. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a shiny meringue.

3. Mixing the Yolks: In another bowl, use a wooden spoon to mix the yolks. Gradually add the oil, stirring continuously to incorporate air. This will give the cake a fluffy texture.

4. Combining the Mixtures: Using a spatula, fold the yolk mixture into the egg white meringue. Be careful not to lose the air from the egg whites!

5. Adding the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the batter, one tablespoon at a time. Gently fold with the spatula until everything is well incorporated.

6. Preparing the Baking Pans: Line the loaf pans with parchment paper or grease them with butter and sprinkle with flour to prevent sticking.

7. Adding the Cherries: Pit the cherries from the compote and let them drain. Spread them evenly over the cake batter to achieve a delicious taste in every slice.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Important! For the first 10-12 minutes, do not open the oven door! This is a crucial time for the cakes to rise evenly.

9. Checking for Doneness: After 25 minutes, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready! If not, leave it for a few more minutes.

10. Cooling and Serving: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and place them on a rack to cool completely. Before serving, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Useful Tips

- Cherries: If you don't have cherries from compote, you can use fresh cherries, but add a little extra sugar to balance their tartness.
- Variations: Experiment with other fruits, such as cherries or peaches, for a different flavor.
- Recommended Drinks: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of fruit tea or a creamy cappuccino. It is also delicious alongside a glass of cold milk!

Nutritional Benefits

This cherry cake is not only delicious but also brings some nutritional benefits. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help strengthen the immune system. Additionally, cocoa contains flavonoids that are beneficial for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the texture will be denser. It is recommended to combine white flour with whole wheat flour for a balanced result.
- How can I keep the cake fresh? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Personal Note

This cherry cake recipe brings back beautiful childhood memories when my grandmother baked a similar cake every weekend. The aroma of cocoa and cherries wafting through the house was simply irresistible. I encourage you to try making it at home and bring a touch of joy into your life!

So, don't hesitate any longer! Treat yourself and your loved ones to this cherry cake – a simple yet flavorful dessert that will make any meal more special!