Cherry cake with walnuts and vanilla cream

Cherry, walnut, and vanilla cream cake: a refined delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Welcome to the world of delicacies! Today we will prepare a cake with cherries, walnuts, and a vanilla cream, a dessert that combines unique textures and flavors. This recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also an opportunity to add a touch of joy to the lives of your loved ones. It is an ideal dessert for holidays, gatherings with friends, or simply to indulge yourself.

The history of the cherry and walnut cake is rich in tradition, often associated with moments of conviviality and celebration. The combination of tart cherries with crunchy walnuts and smooth vanilla cream is a choice that will never go out of style.

Necessary ingredients:

Base 1:
- 4 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 40 g cocoa
- 100 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

Base 2:
- 6 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 150 g ground walnuts
- 200 g cherries (preferably fresh, but canned can also be used)
- 50 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

Cream:
- 6 egg yolks
- 250 g sugar
- 5 packets of vanilla (or one fresh vanilla pod)
- 400 g butter (at room temperature)

Glaze:
- 150 g chocolate
- 50 g cream for whipping

Step 1: Preparing the first base

In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar until you obtain a stiff and shiny meringue. It is essential to ensure that the bowl is clean and dry to achieve optimal foam. A useful technique is to add a pinch of salt to the egg whites to stabilize them. Once the meringue is ready, add the egg yolks, gently mixing to avoid losing the incorporated air.

Sift the cocoa and flour along with the baking powder over the egg mixture. Mix with a spatula using gentle, upward strokes to maintain the air in the mixture. Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

Step 2: Preparing the second base

For the second base, repeat the process of beating the egg whites with the sugar, just like in the previous step. Once the meringue is ready, add the flour, baking powder, and ground walnuts. Gently mix to combine the ingredients. Finally, add the cherries, being careful not to crush them too much. If using canned cherries, drain the juice well before adding.

Pour the mixture into the tray and bake at the same temperature for about 20 minutes, checking again with a toothpick.

Step 3: Vanilla cream

In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. This is a classic technique that helps achieve a fine and aromatic cream. Once you have a smooth texture, place the bowl over a water bath and continue mixing until the cream thickens. It is important not to let the cream boil, otherwise the egg yolks may coagulate.

After the cream has thickened, let it cool slightly, then incorporate the whipped butter, mixing gently to obtain a smooth and velvety cream.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

Now that all components are ready, it's time to assemble the cake! Start by placing the first base (the cocoa one) on a platter. Pour half of the vanilla cream over the base, leveling it evenly. Then, add the second base (the one with walnuts and cherries) and top with the remaining cream.

Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, ideally two, to firm up well.

Step 5: Glaze

To finish the cake, melt the chocolate together with the cream for whipping over a water bath, stirring continuously until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Pour the glaze over the cake, leveling it with a spatula. Let it chill again for the glaze to set.

Serving suggestions

For an extra flavor boost, serve the cake with a caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. A cup of coffee or a fragrant tea will perfectly complement this sophisticated dessert.

Useful tips

- Ensure that the ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
- Use fresh cherries when in season for a more intense flavor.
- You can replace the walnuts with ground almonds or hazelnuts for a different variation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits instead of cherries?
- Yes, you can try using cherries, peaches, or plums, depending on your preferences.

2. How can I store the cake?
- Keep it in the refrigerator, covered, to stay fresh for 3-4 days.

3. Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?
- You can replace the flour with a gluten-free option, but the texture may vary.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is a good source of antioxidants due to the cherries and contains healthy fats from the walnuts. It can be enjoyed in moderation, due to the sugar and butter content.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Feel free to experiment and add a personal touch to the recipe. Enjoy!