Cherry cake in heart shape

Cherry Heart-Shaped Cake

Welcome to your kitchen! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a delicious cherry cake, perfect for celebrating special moments or simply to indulge your taste buds. This recipe will help you create a refined dessert, with a soft and moist base, a smooth cream, and an attractive decoration. Get your ingredients ready and let’s get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 8 eggs
- 8 tablespoons water (added at the beginning)
- 16 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons oil
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla essence
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons water (at the end)
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 2 vanilla puddings
- 1 liter milk
- 15 tablespoons sugar
- 150 grams butter (at room temperature)
- 1 packet vanilla essence
- 1 jar strawberry jam or 500 grams fresh strawberries
- 10 tablespoons ground walnuts (optional)

For the syrup:
- 300 ml water or syrup from compote
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- Lemon juice (to taste)
- 1 packet rum essence

For decoration:
- 250 grams whipped cream
- 4 cubes of cooking chocolate
- Fresh cherries (for decoration)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with 8 tablespoons of water, adding a pinch of salt. Use a mixer on high speed until you achieve a fluffy and firm foam.
2. Gradually add the sugar (16 tablespoons) while continuing to mix. Ensure that the sugar dissolves completely and the foam becomes shiny.
3. In another bowl, beat the yolks with 5 tablespoons of sugar, 5 tablespoons of oil, and the vanilla essence until the mixture is smooth.
4. Incorporate the yolk mixture into the egg white foam, adding it gradually and folding gently with a spatula from top to bottom to avoid losing air from the egg whites.
5. Sift the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon into the egg mixture and mix carefully.
6. Pour the batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C for about 25 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it’s done.

Step 2: Preparing the cream
1. In a pot, bring 1 liter of milk to a boil. When it starts boiling, add the vanilla puddings and sugar. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
2. When the pudding has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add the pudding, one spoonful at a time. Continue to beat until the cream is smooth.
4. Add the vanilla essence, strawberry jam, and ground walnuts (if using) and mix well.

Step 3: Preparing the syrup
1. In a container, combine 300 ml of water or syrup from compote with 5 tablespoons of sugar, lemon juice to taste, and the rum essence. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
1. Once the base has completely cooled, cut it into two equal parts.
2. Soak each part with the prepared syrup, ensuring the base absorbs the liquid well.
3. Spread the cream evenly over the first half of the base, then place the other half on top.

Step 5: Decorating the cake
1. Whip the cream until firm and use it to decorate the cake. You can use a piping bag to create elegant shapes.
2. Melt the cooking chocolate in a double boiler and pour it over the whipped cream, allowing it to drip down the sides.
3. Decorate with fresh cherries for a vibrant look and delicious taste.

Useful tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth mixture.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or syrup.
- The cake can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional benefits
This cherry cake is not only a delicacy but also offers some nutritional benefits. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and the use of nuts provides a healthy source of fats and proteins.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
Yes, you can use strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, depending on your preferences.
2. How do I keep the cake fresh?
I recommend keeping the cake covered in the refrigerator. It can last a few days, but it is best in the first 2-3 days.
3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but make sure it is well covered to prevent freezer burn.

Variations
- You can turn this recipe into a chocolate cake by adding cocoa to the cake base and cream.
- Replace the strawberry jam with peach jam or a caramel sauce for a different flavor.

Now that you have all the necessary information, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron and prepare this delicious cherry heart-shaped cake, perfect for impressing anyone. Enjoy every slice and cherish every moment in the kitchen!