Fluffy Cherry Cake

Fluffy cherry cake is a dessert that brings joy to any table, with its smooth flavors and the perfect combination of the sweetness of cherries and the fluffy texture of the cake. This recipe is simple and accessible, and the result will surely impress everyone. Moreover, it is an ideal dessert to be served at birthdays, gatherings with friends, or simply to indulge yourself after a long day. Let's begin our culinary adventure!

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

Ingredients:

For the cake layers:
- 6 fresh eggs
- 180 g granulated sugar
- 180 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For the filling:
- 250 g liquid cream (30% fat)
- 400 g cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For decoration:
- Coconut flakes (optional)

Preparing the cherries:

1. Start by preparing the cherries. Place them in a pot along with 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar. This step will not only extract the juice from the cherries but also intensify the flavors.
2. Boil the cherries over high heat for 3-4 minutes, until they release their juice. It is important not to boil them too much, as you want to retain some of their texture. After boiling, strain the cherries through a sieve to separate them from the syrup.

Preparing the cake layers:

3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar for 15-20 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy cake layer, as the incorporated air will help the batter rise beautifully in the oven. Once the mixture has doubled in volume, it's time to add the dry ingredients.
4. Sift the flour mixed with a pinch of salt, gradually adding it to the egg mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold it in, using an up-and-down motion to avoid losing the air in the mixture.
5. Add the vanilla sugar and mix gently.

Baking the cake layers:

6. Preheat the oven to 160°C. Prepare a rectangular baking tray (35 cm x 26 cm) by lining it with baking paper.
7. Pour half of the batter into the tray and level it with a spatula. Bake the layer in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until it is lightly golden and passes the toothpick test. Once baked, let it cool in the tray, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Repeat this process with the remaining batter to obtain the second layer.

Preparing the filling:

8. While the cake layers are cooling, you can prepare the cream. Whip the liquid cream in a large bowl until it becomes firm. If you prefer it a bit sweeter, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar and a packet of vanilla sugar while whipping.
9. Once the layers are completely cooled, you can start assembling the cake.

Assembling the cake:

10. On the first layer, spread a generous layer of whipped cream, then add the drained cherries, arranging them evenly.
11. Place the second layer on top and cover with the remaining whipped cream. For a special look, you can decorate with coconut flakes, which will add a tropical touch and a crunchy texture.

Serving suggestions:

The fluffy cherry cake is served chilled, cut into squares or rectangles. It is perfect alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast between hot and cold.

Helpful tips:

- If using frozen cherries, there is no need to thaw them before cooking, but make sure to drain them well of excess water.
- You can substitute cherries with other berries, such as raspberries or blackberries, to vary the recipe.
- If you want a healthier version, you can use brown sugar instead of white sugar and add a little Greek yogurt to the cream for an extra boost of protein.

Nutritional information (per estimated serving):
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 35g

This fluffy cherry cake recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, even for beginners in cooking. It is a perfect way to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, and it will surely become a favorite recipe in any household. Enjoy and good luck in the kitchen!