Cherry, coconut, and orange cake

Cherry, coconut, and orange cake

Discover a sweet and tangy delight that combines the fresh flavors of cherries with the tropical sweetness of coconut and oranges. This cake will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of joy to any moment of the day. Whether you serve it at a family meal or at a gathering with friends, the cherry, coconut, and orange cake will surely be the star of the evening.

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

Ingredients:

- 6 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Sugar to taste (approximately 6-7 tablespoons)
- 100 ml oil
- 1 pinch of salt
- 200 g wheat flour
- Grated zest of one orange
- 1 peeled orange cut into pieces
- 300 g pitted cherries
- Juice from the cherries
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Semolina (for sprinkling)
- 50 g coconut (for decoration)

Preparation:

1. Separate the eggs
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the egg whites until you achieve a firm foam. This is an essential step that will give the cake a fluffy texture. Once done, place the egg white foam in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

2. Prepare the yolk mixture
In the same bowl, beat the yolks with sugar (adjusting the amount to your taste) using the mixer on low speed. Gradually add the 3 tablespoons of oil, continuing to mix to integrate well.

3. Add the dry ingredients
Now, start adding the flour, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once you have added 3 tablespoons, incorporate the baking powder mixed with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Continue adding flour until you achieve a homogeneous, slightly thicker mixture.

4. Incorporate the flavors
Add the grated orange zest and mix well to evenly distribute the flavors in the batter. This will add a fresh and vibrant note to your cake.

5. Prepare the cherries and oranges
In a separate bowl, sprinkle the cherries and orange pieces with semolina. This will help absorb moisture and prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

6. Incorporate the egg white foam
Return to the egg whites you placed in the refrigerator. Using a wooden spoon, gently fold the egg white foam into the yolk mixture. Do this with delicate movements to preserve the air in the egg whites, which will make the cake fluffy and light.

7. Assemble the cake
Cover a baking tray with parchment paper and pour the batter into it. Evenly arrange the cherries and orange pieces on top.

8. Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the tray in the oven. Bake the cake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. This is the perfect time to check if the cake is done!

9. Cool and soak
After the cake is baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, soak the cake with cherry juice, which will add moisture and enhance the flavors.

10. Decorate
Sprinkle coconut on top for an attractive look and a crunchy texture. Cut the cake into squares and serve generously.

Practical tips:

- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences. If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar amount.
- Fruits: This recipe is versatile; you can substitute cherries with other seasonal fruits like cherries or peaches for a different variation.
- Serving: The cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with melted chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits:

This cake is not only a treat for your taste buds but also contains beneficial nutrients. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, which help combat inflammation and support heart health. Coconut provides healthy fats that can help maintain energy levels. Oranges offer a good dose of vitamin C, essential for the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a healthier option.
- How can I improve the texture of the cake? Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the egg whites to keep the air and achieve a fluffy texture.
- What can I do with leftovers? If you have leftover cake, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. It is just as delicious the next day!

Personal variation:

To add a personal touch, you can experiment with spices. A teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg will add an interesting depth of flavor and transform the cake into a true treat for the senses.

Enjoy your cooking moment and savor every slice of this cherry, coconut, and orange cake with your loved ones! Bon appétit!