Cherry Cake

Fluffy Cherry Cake - A Summer Delight in Every Slice

Who doesn't love the fresh aroma of cherries, with that perfect sweetness and acidity that instantly stirs pleasant childhood memories? Cherry cake is a quick and simple dessert, ideal for warm summer days or any occasion when you want to bring a touch of joy to your loved ones' lives. Whether you serve it at a party, on a lazy afternoon, or as a light dessert after dinner, this cake is sure to gather praises.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:

- 4 eggs (separate yolks and whites)
- 11 tablespoons of sugar
- 11 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or light olive oil)
- 11 tablespoons of milk (you can use cow's milk or a plant-based substitute)
- 11 tablespoons of flour (white or whole wheat, depending on preference)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 small bowl of cherries (about 300g), pitted
- A pinch of salt

A Bit of History

It is said that fruit cakes are among the oldest forms of desserts. They were used in the past not only for their flavor but also to enhance texture and add moisture. Cherries, with their rich history and versatility, have become a favorite ingredient in many cake recipes, bringing a perfect contrast between the sweet batter and the acidity of the fresh fruit.

Preparing the Cherry Cake - Detailed Steps

1. Separating the eggs: Start by carefully separating the 4 eggs, placing the yolks in a large bowl and the whites in another bowl. Make sure the bowl for the egg whites is clean and dry, so you can achieve a perfect foam.

2. Preparing the mixture: In the bowl with the yolks, gradually add the 11 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well with an electric mixer until you obtain a creamy and light-colored mixture. Continue to add the oil and milk, also gradually, mixing continuously to integrate the ingredients.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and a pinch of salt over the yolk mixture. Use a spatula or whisk to gently mix, being careful not to form lumps. Mix until the mixture becomes smooth and fine.

4. Beating the egg whites: Start beating the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve a stiff foam. It is essential that the egg whites are well beaten, as they will give the cake that fluffy and airy texture. When the foam is ready, gently fold it into the yolk mixture, mixing from top to bottom to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

5. Preparing the baking pan: Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it with butter and sprinkle flour. This will help the cake not to stick.

6. Adding the cherries: Pour the mixture into the tray and level it gently. Before baking the cake, sprinkle the cherries with a little flour to distribute them evenly in the batter. Place the cherries on the surface of the batter, making sure they are well positioned.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes to prevent the cake from collapsing.

8. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. You can dust it with powdered sugar for a more elegant appearance and an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestion

The cherry cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a vanilla sauce for a perfect contrast. If you want to turn it into a more sophisticated dessert, add a few fresh mint leaves on top for an extra touch of freshness.

Variations and Tips

- You can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches.
- If you want a more intense flavor, add a few drops of vanilla or almond extract to the mixture.
- Instead of oil, you can use melted butter for a richer taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals, also having anti-inflammatory properties. This cake, although a dessert, can bring a note of freshness and vitality due to its natural ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I store the cake?
You can store it at room temperature for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap or in a closed container. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.

2. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and dry them well before adding them to the batter.

3. What should I do if the cake doesn't bake evenly?
Always check the oven temperature with a thermometer, as there may be variations. Make sure the tray is well positioned on the middle rack of the oven and avoid opening the oven door in the first 20 minutes.

In conclusion, the cherry cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a recipe that allows you to experiment and bring a touch of creativity to the kitchen. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for your loved ones, each slice will bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it. So, put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy the magic of cooking! Enjoy your meal!