Cherry Cake

Cherry Cake - a quick and delicious dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Cherry cake is a simple dessert that combines the sweetness of whipped eggs with the tartness of cherries, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This dessert is ideal for serving at a family meal or a gathering with friends. Whether you choose to use fresh or canned cherries, the result will always be delicious. Let's explore the necessary steps to achieve a perfect cake!

Ingredients:
- 4 eggs (separated)
- 120 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Grated seeds from 1 vanilla pod
- 1 teaspoon orange extract
- 50 ml grape seed oil
- 100 ml sour cream
- 120 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Pitted cherries (canned), well drained

Preparation:

1. Start by preheating the oven to 190 °C. This is the ideal temperature for achieving a well-baked and fluffy cake.

2. Prepare the baking tray: grease it with a thin layer of fat (oil or butter) and dust it with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. Use a tray of about 20x30 cm to achieve an even cake.

3. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve a firm foam. This step is crucial to ensure an airy texture for your cake. Make sure the bowl is completely degreased, otherwise the egg whites will not whip well.

4. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar, vanilla seeds, and vanilla and orange extracts. Use an electric mixer to obtain a creamy and homogeneous mixture. The sugar should dissolve completely, and the mixture should become light in color.

5. Incorporate the grape seed oil and sour cream into the egg yolk mixture. This will give the cake a pleasant moisture.

6. In another container, mix the flour with the baking powder. Now, gradually incorporate this mixture into the egg yolk mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until well integrated.

7. Add the whipped egg whites to the above mixture. Gently fold in with up-and-down movements to avoid losing the air from the egg whites. This step will ensure a fluffy cake.

8. Pour the obtained batter into the prepared tray, leveling it evenly. Sprinkle the drained cherries on top of the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor in every slice.

9. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 50-60 minutes. Check if it's baked using a toothpick - if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

10. Let the cake cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Once completely cooled, you can slice it into portions and serve.

Serving suggestions:
For an extra touch of flavor, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving or accompany it with a dollop of whipped cream. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce to transform this simple dessert into a true delicacy.

Possible variations:
If you don't have cherries on hand, you can experiment with other fruits, such as cherries, peaches, or blackberries, each bringing a unique note to your cake. If you desire a more intense flavor, you can add grated lemon zest to the egg yolk mixture.

This cherry cake is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every slice and delight in a dessert that blends tradition with modern flavor!