Coffee Cake with Cherries

Coffee Cherry Cake: A Sweet and Aromatic Indulgence

When it comes to desserts, few combinations are as delightful as that of coffee and cherries. This coffee cherry cake is not just a simple recipe, but a culinary experience that blends the rich flavors of coffee with the natural sweetness of cherries, all in a fluffy and creamy texture. It is perfect for serving at a gathering with friends or simply to treat yourself on an ordinary day. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 160 g flour
- ½ packet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 20 g cocoa
- 1 tablespoon coffee (ground or instant)

For the coffee cream:
- 200 ml milk
- 60 g powdered sugar
- ½ packet vanilla pudding
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon coffee (ground or instant)
- 2 tablespoons rum

For the cherry filling:
- 250 ml cherry juice
- 50 g sugar
- 200 g cherries (pitted)
- 1 packet vanilla pudding

For decoration:
- Glaze (optional)
- Ground almonds (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Base

1. Whip the egg whites: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Use an electric mixer to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy and firm meringue.

2. Incorporate the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, mixing gently after each addition. This step is essential for achieving an airy texture.

3. Adding the dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cocoa, and coffee. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, mixing from the bottom up with a spatula. Be gentle to avoid losing air in the batter.

4. Baking the base: Grease a cake pan with butter and dust it with flour or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the base to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream

1. Cooking the pudding: In a saucepan, mix the milk with the powdered sugar and pudding powder. Place over low heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and homogeneous cream.

2. Adding the butter: Once the pudding has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly. Incorporate the softened butter, mixing well. Add the coffee and rum, stirring until smooth.

Step 3: Cherry Filling

1. Boiling the cherry juice: In a saucepan, boil the cherry juice with the sugar and vanilla pudding. Stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

2. Adding the cherries: Once the mixture has started to boil, add the pitted cherries and simmer for a few minutes until the cherries soften slightly.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

1. Slicing the base: Once the base has cooled completely, slice it into three horizontal layers. This will allow you to add alternating layers of cream and cherry filling.

2. Assembling the cake: Place the first layer on a serving platter, spread generously with coffee cream, and cover with the second layer. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.

3. Adding the filling: Spread the cherry filling over the second layer and cover with the last layer. Refrigerate again for 30 minutes to allow the cake to stabilize.

4. Glazing and decorating: Remove the cake from the refrigerator. If desired, you can glaze the cake with chocolate glaze or a mixture of powdered sugar and water. Decorate with ground almonds for an elegant look and added texture.

Serving Suggestions

This coffee cherry cake is delicious served plain, but you can elevate it by adding a dollop of whipped cream on top or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fruit tea pairs perfectly with this dessert.

Helpful Tip

To achieve an even fluffier base, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before using. You can also experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or raspberries, in place of cherries for a personal touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the cake last?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Can I use decaffeinated coffee?
Of course! If you prefer a caffeine-free dessert, use decaffeinated coffee for the base and cream.

How can I make the cake less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet taste, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream, adjusting the cherry filling to taste as well.

Nutritional Benefits

This coffee cherry cake is not just a culinary delight but also brings some nutritional benefits. Coffee provides antioxidants, and cherries are rich in vitamin C and fiber. By using high-quality butter, you incorporate essential fatty acids into the diet.

By trying this recipe, you'll not only create a sophisticated dessert but also turn a simple gathering into a special occasion. So, embrace the art of cooking and enjoy every bite of this delicious coffee cherry cake!