Cherry jelly and vanilla cream dessert cake

Cherry Jelly and Vanilla Cream Cake

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

When it comes to celebrating special moments, a cake made with love and attention to detail can transform any event into a memorable one. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a delicious cake with cherry jelly and vanilla cream. This recipe is a perfect combination of fluffy sponge, smooth cream, and cherry jelly, adding a touch of freshness and a contrast of flavors that will delight everyone's taste buds.

The history of cake as a dessert is fascinating. It has evolved over the centuries, from simple pies to culinary masterpieces. The cake you will prepare today is a modern take on old traditions, combining accessible ingredients with contemporary techniques, so that each bite is a pleasant experience.

The ingredients needed for this cake are:

For the sponge:
- 6 eggs (at room temperature, for better beating)
- 6 tablespoons of flour (use wheat flour, preferably type 000)
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (to give fluffiness)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (or more, to taste)
- 3 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or canola oil)
- a pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1/2 packet of baking powder (to help the sponge rise)
- vanilla essence (for the unmistakable aroma)

For the vanilla cream:
- 250 ml milk (use whole milk for a richer cream)
- 200 ml cream (liquid cream, not powder)
- 100 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch (to thicken the cream)
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)
- vanilla essence (or seeds from a vanilla pod, for an authentic taste)
- 50 g butter (for added creaminess)

For the caramel:
- 100 g sugar (buy granulated white sugar)

For the cherry jelly:
- 1 jar of 200 g cherry jam (choose a quality jam)
- 1 packet of gelatin (to thicken the jelly)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (optional, depending on the sweetness of the cherries)

For decoration:
- chocolate (dark or milk, grated or melted)
- cream (to add an elegant touch)
- fresh cherries (for a colorful and fresh decoration)

Now that we have all the ingredients, let's get started!

Step 1: Preparing the sponge

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a cake pan (preferably 24 cm) greased with butter and lined with flour or baking paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until you get a frothy and light-colored mixture. This process will take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the oil and vanilla essence, mixing gently.
4. In another bowl, sift the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Incorporate the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, mixing with a spatula, using gentle up-and-down movements to avoid losing air from the mixture.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the vanilla cream

1. In a saucepan, bring the milk to a boil together with the sugar and vanilla essence.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the cornstarch until creamy. When the milk is boiling, gradually pour it over the egg mixture, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the eggs.
3. Transfer the mixture back to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cream thickens. When ready, remove from heat and add the butter, stirring until completely melted.
4. Let the cream cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap to prevent a crust from forming.

Step 3: Preparing the caramel

1. In a pan, melt the sugar over medium heat, without stirring. Wait until it becomes a golden caramel, then remove from heat.
2. Quickly pour the caramel onto a sheet of baking paper and let it cool. Once hardened, break it into small pieces for decoration.

Step 4: Preparing the cherry jelly

1. In a bowl, mix the cherry jam with the sugar. In another saucepan, bring 50 ml of water to a boil and add the gelatin, stirring until completely dissolved.
2. Combine the gelatin with the jam mixture, mixing well. Let it cool slightly.

Step 5: Assembly

1. Cut the sponge in half. Place the first half on a serving platter.
2. Spread a generous layer of vanilla cream over the first half, followed by the cherry jelly, then cover with the second half of the sponge.
3. Spread the remaining vanilla cream over the entire surface of the cake.

Step 6: Decoration

1. Decorate the cake with cream, grated chocolate, and fresh cherries. You can also use the broken caramel to add a crunchy touch.
2. Let the cake sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving, to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving suggestions:

This cake is wonderful served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Additionally, vanilla or cherry ice cream can perfectly complement this dessert.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other fruits for the jelly?
Yes, you can replace the cherry jam with other types of jam, such as raspberry or strawberry.

2. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
Substitute the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be careful with the proportions of ingredients.

3. How long can the cake be stored?
The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap.

Nutritional benefits:

This cake contains ingredients that can provide some nutritional benefits. Eggs are an excellent source of protein, while butter and cream bring healthy fats. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making this cake a healthier choice for a dessert.

In conclusion, this cherry jelly and vanilla cream cake is not just a delicious dessert, but also a satisfying experience. Whether it’s for a birthday, a party, or simply a moment of indulgence, this cake will bring smiles and appreciation from loved ones. So, put on your apron and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!