Cherry cake

Cherry Cake: A Sweet and Tart Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8

Who doesn’t love a cherry cake? This delicacy is perfect for bringing smiles to the faces of loved ones, whether it’s a celebration, an anniversary, or simply a gathering with friends. The cherries, with their sweet-tart flavor, transform a simple cake into a memorable culinary experience. Let’s discover together how we can create this quick and delicious dessert that can quickly become your favorite!

Ingredients and Details

To create a cherry cake worthy of appreciation, we need the following ingredients:

- 1 jar of 800 g cherry compote (or, for an even more intense flavor, fresh or frozen cherries)
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of boiling water
- 2 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 1 vanilla essence (or, for a more sophisticated note, use a vanilla pod)

Helpful tips about ingredients:

1. Cherries: If using fresh cherries, make sure to pit and wash them well. If you choose frozen cherries, it’s recommended to let them thaw and drain before use.

2. Eggs: Ensure that the eggs are at room temperature for easier incorporation into the mixture.

3. Oil: Light olive oil provides a subtle taste, while sunflower oil is more neutral. Choose the one that suits you best.

The story behind cherry cake:

Cherry cake is a classic recipe loved by many generations. Its origins are hard to pinpoint, but everyone seems to have a favorite version. It’s a dessert that evokes nostalgia, reminding us of summers spent at grandparents’ homes, where cherries were picked right from the tree. This simple and quick recipe brings together the natural flavors of the fruit with the delicacy of a fluffy base.

The Technique of Preparing Cherry Cake

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by draining the cherries from the compote. Use a sieve to allow the liquid to drain completely, then remove the pits. If opting for fresh cherries, clean them carefully and ensure they are well washed.

2. Creating the egg mixture: In a large bowl, crack the 4 eggs and add the sugar and vanilla essence. Mix well with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Adding the oil and water: While continuing to mix, gradually add the oil and boiling water. This step is essential for achieving a moist and flavorful base.

4. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour and fold it into the egg mixture with a spatula, gently mixing to avoid lumps. Use up-and-down motions to retain the air in the mixture.

5. Beating the egg whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This technique will give the cake an airy texture.

6. Incorporating the egg whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the air that has been incorporated.

7. Preparing the baking dish: Choose a 20 cm diameter baking pan. If you’re unsure it won’t stick, it’s recommended to line the bottom with parchment paper.

8. Assembling the cake: Place the drained cherries at the bottom of the prepared dish, then carefully pour the cake batter over them. Ensure the cherries are evenly distributed.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and place the cake inside. Let it bake for 30-35 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, it’s done.

10. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan. Once completely cooled, carefully invert it onto a plate using another plate to turn it over.

Serving suggestions: The cake can be served plain, but adding a topping of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream will elevate the dessert to an unforgettable experience. Additionally, a chocolate glaze or caramel sauce could add an extra touch of sweetness.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits: This cherry cake has approximately 250 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and A, while flour provides essential carbohydrates. This dessert can be a healthier option compared to other cakes, having a low-fat content as well.

Possible variations:
- Cake with other fruits: Experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, to create a unique cake.
- Gluten-free version: Use almond flour or rice flour to create a gluten-free version.
- Adding nuts: Sprinkle ground nuts or almonds on top of the cherries for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, frozen cherries are an excellent option. Make sure to let them thaw and drain well before use.

2. What if I don’t have oil? You can replace the oil with melted butter, but make sure it has cooled before adding it to the mixture.

3. How can I tell if the cake is baked? Do the toothpick test; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Also, the edges should be slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan.

I hope this cherry cake recipe becomes a part of your culinary traditions! Preparing this dessert is not only a pleasant activity but also a way to bring joy to those around you. So, put on your apron and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!