Cherry cake

Welcome to the sweet world of fruit cakes! Today, I will share with you the recipe for a wonderful cake that is moist with a crispy top, sure to win you over with the first bite. This cherry cake is perfect to enjoy alongside a cup of tea or a scoop of ice cream, providing not only an exquisite taste but also a visual delight.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:
- 6 eggs
- 1 ½ cups of sugar (approximately 300 g)
- 1 ⅓ cups of flour (approximately 170 g)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- ½ cup of oil (approximately 125 ml)
- 500-600 g of pitted cherries (you can also use other fruits like sour cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, or grapes)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon

Step by step:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This step is essential for achieving an even and well-aerated cake.

2. Beat the egg yolks: In a large bowl, add the egg yolks and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and turns a whitish color. This is when the sugar will dissolve perfectly, giving your cake a fine texture.

3. Add oil and lemon: Incorporate the oil and lemon zest into the egg yolk mixture. Continue mixing to blend the ingredients. The lemon aroma will add a refreshing touch to the cake.

4. Beat the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites, gradually adding ½ cup of sugar. Use a clean, dry mixer to achieve firm peaks. The egg whites are ready when they form stiff, glossy peaks. This step is crucial as it will give your cake an airy and fluffy texture.

5. Combine the mixtures: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture. Use a spatula or whisk and mix lightly from the bottom up to avoid losing air from the egg whites. This is the key to achieving a light and delicious cake.

6. Incorporate the flour and baking powder: In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture while continuing to mix gently. This step helps prevent lumps and ensures an even distribution of dry ingredients.

7. Prepare the baking pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the pan, making sure it is evenly distributed.

8. Add the cherries: Arrange the pitted cherries evenly over the batter. Don’t worry if they sink a little during baking; the texture and flavor of the cake will remain perfect!

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a delightful appearance. This cake is best served at room temperature but is equally delicious slightly warm.

Practical tips:
- If using frozen fruit, there is no need to thaw it before use; add it directly to the batter.
- Substitute cherries with other seasonal fruits to vary the flavor of the cake. Each fruit brings a distinct note, turning the cake into a new experience every time.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the egg mixture.

Nutritional benefits: This cake is a good source of protein due to the eggs, and fresh fruits provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, it can be a healthier option compared to other desserts rich in saturated fats, as long as it is consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
- Why do the fruits sink to the bottom?: This is a normal characteristic of fruit cakes, especially when the batter is lighter. The secret is not to increase the amount of flour, as it will affect the texture.
- Can I use brown sugar?: Yes, using brown sugar will add a caramelized note and a deeper flavor to your cake.
- How can I store the cake?: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature, where it can last a few days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual portions.

So, get ready to enjoy a delicious, moist, and flavorful cake that will surely become a family favorite! Enjoy!