Cherry cake

Cherry Cake - Quick and Delicious Dessert

I propose a recipe for cherry cake that will quickly become your favorite! This quick and easy-to-make dessert brings a splash of joy in every bite, making it perfect to accompany a fragrant coffee or to be enjoyed at a gathering with friends.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

- 4 fresh eggs
- 1 cup of oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil for a neutral taste)
- 1 cup of milk (you can also use plant-based milk if you prefer)
- 3 cups of flour (white flour or a combination with whole wheat flour for added fiber)
- 1 packet of baking powder (approximately 10-12 g)
- Vanilla (can be vanilla extract or vanilla sugar)
- 1 ½ cups of sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- A pinch of salt
- Sour cherries from jam (about 1 cup, well drained) or pitted fresh cherries

Ingredient tips:

- Eggs: Make sure they are at room temperature for easier beating. They help aerate the batter, making the cake fluffier.
- Oil: Adds moisture to the cake and makes it richer. You can also experiment with olive oil, but choose one with a milder flavor.
- Cherries: If using fresh cherries, make sure to remove the pits and let them drain well. If using cherries from jam, choose a quality jam for a more intense flavor.

Preparation:

1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat). This will ensure even baking of the cake.

2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light yellow. This step is important as it will determine the final texture of the cake.

3. Add the oil and milk, mixing continuously to combine the ingredients. Make sure there are no lumps.

4. In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and salt. This will help aerate the flour and prevent lumps from forming.

5. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or whisk. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake will become dense.

6. Add the vanilla and gently mix to combine.

7. Now, add the cherries: if using cherries from jam, carefully fold them into the batter. If using fresh cherries, you can add them at the end, sprinkling them on top of the batter.

8. Prepare a loaf pan (approximately 25x10 cm) by lining it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving:

The cherry cake can be served plain, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant look. You can accompany it with vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce for a decadent experience. It also pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.

Possible variations:

- You can add candied orange peel, diced, for an extra flavor and texture.
- Instead of cherries, try other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for delicious variations.
- For a cake with a more intense flavor, you can add some chopped nuts or almonds to the batter.

Nutritional benefits:

This cherry cake contains protein from the eggs, fiber from the flour, and vitamins and antioxidants from the cherries. Cherries are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and for helping improve sleep due to their melatonin content.

Estimated calories per serving: 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Yes, you can replace cherries with other berries or even seasonal fruits like peaches or plums.

2. What can I do if I don't have baking powder?
You can use baking soda, but make sure to add an acidic ingredient (like yogurt or lemon juice) to activate the reaction.

3. How can I store the cake?
You can keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the fridge for a longer period.

4. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using flaxseed or chia eggs to replace the eggs and plant-based milk to make this cake vegan.

I hope this cherry cake recipe brings you smiles and moments full of flavor! Remember, cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to create delicious memories. I encourage you to experiment and put your personal touch on every dish. Enjoy!