Cherry foam cake

Cherry Mousse Cake – A Summer Delight

Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Today, I’m sharing a recipe for cherry mousse cake, a delicious and refreshing dessert, perfect for hot summer days. This cake is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor, making it a wonderful alternative to classic cakes. Here’s how you can create a dessert that will impress family and friends!

Ingredients

For the base:
- 4 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 50 g of margarine or butter
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

For the filling:
- 1 cup of cherries (fresh or frozen, pitted)
- 200 g of heavy cream
- 3-4 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of gelatin

Preparation

1. Making the base
- Start by preparing the oven. Preheat it to 180 degrees Celsius. This will ensure even baking of the cake.
- In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with 4 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue. This is the crucial step for a light cake.
- In another bowl, mix the yolks with the remaining sugar (4 tablespoons), vanilla extract, and melted but cooled margarine. Mix well until the mixture is homogeneous.
- Add the flour mixed with baking powder and gently fold in the beaten egg whites using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture. This will make the cake fluffy.
- Pour the mixture into a loaf pan lined with parchment paper and place it in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and passes the toothpick test.

2. Preparing the filling
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling. If using frozen cherries, let them thaw. In a small saucepan, combine the cherries with 3-4 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes, until the cherries soften.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cherries from the saucepan and let them drain. Keep the remaining syrup, as you will use it later to drizzle over the cake.
- Puree the cherries using a blender until smooth. Let it cool.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cream with powdered sugar until you achieve stiff peaks. Add the cherry puree and gelatin dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water and melted over a double boiler, gently mixing to combine all ingredients.

3. Assembling the cake
- Once the base has completely cooled, cut it in half horizontally. Place the first half of the cake on a serving platter and spread the cherry mousse evenly on top.
- Place the second half of the cake on top and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set.

4. Serving
- When ready to serve, slice the cake and drizzle each slice with the reserved cherry syrup. This detail will add a sweet-tart note and an attractive appearance.

Helpful Tips
- Make sure the cherries are pitted to avoid unpleasant surprises while tasting.
- You can experiment with other fruits like raspberries or cherries to customize the recipe to your liking.
- For a more intense vanilla flavor, add the seeds from a vanilla bean instead of extract.
- This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a chocolate sauce for a more decadent dessert.

Nutritional Benefits
This cherry mousse cake is a healthier choice compared to other calorie-dense desserts. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while the cream can provide a dose of calcium. However, it's best to enjoy this dessert in moderation, as it contains sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of fruit for the filling?
Yes, you can substitute cherries with cherries, raspberries, or strawberries, depending on the season and your preferences.
- How can I make this cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the base and filling, or use a natural sweetener like stevia.
- What is the best way to store the cake?
You can keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for later enjoyment.

I hope you enjoy this cherry mousse cake recipe! It’s a dessert that brings joy and refreshment on hot summer days, perfect for savoring with loved ones. Bon appétit!