Cherry cake with vanilla cream

Cherry and Vanilla Cream Cake

I suggest you prepare a delicious cake that combines the intense flavor of cherries with a fluffy base and fine vanilla cream. This recipe is perfect for warm summer days or for moments when you want to impress family and friends with a sweet snack. This cake not only looks wonderful but also offers an explosion of flavors that will win you over from the first bite. Let's get started!

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 20-30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 12 servings

Recipe history:
Fruit cakes have always been a favorite choice among desserts, thanks to the perfect combination of fruit sweetness and fluffy cake texture. Cherries, with their distinct flavor, are often used in sweet dishes to add a touch of freshness and acidity, balancing the sweet taste. This recipe pays tribute to these culinary traditions by combining the ingredients in a simple yet elegant manner.

Ingredients:

*For the base/spong cake:*
- 300 g pitted cherries (preferably fresh)
- 7 eggs
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 7 tablespoons flour
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 3 tablespoons oil

*For the vanilla cream:*
- 500 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 100 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter

*For decoration:*
- 100 g white chocolate
- 50 ml liquid cream
- 2 tablespoons black cherry syrup

Step by step:

1. Preparing the base:
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Separate the egg whites from the yolks.
- In a bowl, mix the yolks with the oil and vanilla sugar until you get a homogeneous mixture with a bright yellow color.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff, gradually adding the sugar until you achieve a glossy meringue.
- Gently fold the yolks into the egg white meringue, being careful not to lose volume.
- Sift in the flour mixed with baking powder and gently combine.
- Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leveling it evenly.

2. Adding the cherries:
- Wash the cherries and remove the pits. You can choose to coat them in flour before placing them on the base to prevent sinking. If you prefer them to sink, you can leave them as they are.
- Distribute the cherries evenly over the surface of the batter.

3. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
- Bake the sponge for 20-30 minutes, or until golden and passes the toothpick test.
- After baking, let it cool completely.

4. Preparing the vanilla cream:
- In a non-stick pot, mix the milk with the eggs, sugar, and flour.
- Place the pot over medium heat and stir continuously to prevent sticking. When the cream thickens, add the butter and vanilla sugar, mixing well.

5. Decorating:
- In another pot, place the broken white chocolate and liquid cream. Heat them gently, stirring constantly, until the chocolate completely melts and you achieve a homogeneous mixture.
- Add the cherry syrup and mix well.

6. Assembling:
- Once the base has completely cooled, pour the hot cream over it, spreading it evenly.
- Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut it into cubes.
- Use a brush to apply the white chocolate glaze over the pieces, ensuring to cover both the cream and the base.

7. Serving:
- Serve the cake with a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea. It is especially good and can be enjoyed both at breakfast and as an afternoon dessert.

Practical tips:
- If you want to improve the texture of the base, you can replace part of the flour with ground almonds.
- Add a little vanilla extract to the vanilla cream for an even more intense flavor.
- You can use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones, just make sure to let them thaw and drain well before adding them to the cake.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream.

Nutritional benefits:
Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to heart and skin health. Eggs and milk provide protein and calcium in the diet, while white chocolate, although higher in calories, adds extra flavor and a sense of satisfaction.

This cherry and vanilla cream cake is a true treat that will bring a smile to your face. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every bite!