Cherry Cake Oana

Cherry Cake Oana: An Irresistible Summer Delight

When we think of cakes, we can rarely resist the charm of a cherry cake. The tart flavor of cherries perfectly blends with the fluffy texture of the egg layers, while the note of dark chocolate adds a depth of flavor that will delight your taste buds. Today, I will present you with the recipe for Cherry Cake Oana, an adaptation that combines tradition and innovation, offering you a sublime experience in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

- 6 fresh eggs (ideally from free-range chickens)
- 6 tablespoons of flour (preferably type 000 for a finer texture)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (you can use brown sugar for a more complex flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa for an intense taste)
- 500 g cherries (fresh, but you can also use frozen cherries)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (for the cherries)

For the glaze:

- Melted dark chocolate (about 100 g)
- The syrup left from the cherries

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries well under a stream of cold water. Remove the pits, being careful not to damage their shape. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of sugar over the cherries and let them sit for a few minutes. The sugar will extract juice from the cherries, making them more flavorful.

2. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). This will ensure even and quick baking of your cake.

3. Separating the eggs: Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure there are no traces of yolk in the egg whites; otherwise, they will not whip well.

4. The yolk cream: In a large bowl, use a non-metal whisk to beat the yolks together with the sugar. Add the sugar one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix until you achieve a creamy and light-colored mixture.

5. Incorporating the flour: Add the flour, one tablespoon at a time, gently folding from the bottom up. This is an essential technique to keep the air in the mixture, which will make the cake fluffy.

6. Whipping the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. This is the secret to an airy cake.

7. Combining the mixtures: Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to lose the air in the egg whites. Then, separate about half of the mixture and add 2 tablespoons of cocoa, mixing until well combined.

8. Assembling the cake: Line a small rectangular baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the cocoa mixture into the dish, followed by the white mixture. On top, add the cherries, distributing them evenly.

9. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about 30 minutes. Check if it is baked using the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

10. Cooling and glazing: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the dish. Meanwhile, for the glaze, melt the dark chocolate in a bain-marie and add the syrup left from the cherries. Mix well to obtain a smooth glaze. Once the cake is cool, pour the chocolate glaze on top.

Serving the cake:

I recommend serving the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These flavors perfectly complement the tartness of the cherries and the dark chocolate.

Tips and variations:

- You can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as cherries or raspberries, to create a cake with different flavors.
- If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, add some dark chocolate chips to the batter.
- For a note of freshness, you can add a little vanilla or almond extract to the yolk mixture.

Nutritional benefits:

This cake is not only delicious but also full of antioxidants due to the cherries, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. The eggs provide quality protein, and dark chocolate offers cardiovascular benefits when consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the cake.

2. How can I tell if the cake is done?
The toothpick test is the simplest. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done.

3. Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, but be careful not to reduce it too much, as sugar helps with the cake's texture.

The Cherry Cake Oana recipe is an excellent choice for a family meal or to impress guests. With a perfect combination of sweet and tart, this cake will surely become a favorite in your home. So, put on your apron and enjoy cooking!