Fluffy Cherry Cake

Fluffy Cherry Cake: A Fragrant Delight for the Soul

Who doesn't love a fluffy cake filled with delicious fruits that beckons with its aroma? Today, I invite you to discover the perfect recipe for fluffy cherry cake, which will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia to every slice. This recipe, as simple as it is tasty, is ideal for celebrating beautiful moments with loved ones. What do you say we get to work?

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 70-80 minutes
Total time: 90-100 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

- 1/2 kg cherries (pitted and stemmed)
- 4 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 2 cups sugar (preferably granulated)
- 6 cups flour (use high-quality wheat flour)
- 1 cup oil (sunflower or canola oil)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk for a richer texture)
- 1 packet baking powder
- Vanilla essence (optional, for a deeper flavor)

Preparing the Fluffy Cherry Cake

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the cherries are fresh and properly pitted. If you want to keep them even more aromatic, you can dust them with a little flour before adding them to the batter. This trick will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan.

2. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, add the 4 eggs along with a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat them well until they become frothy. This step is essential for achieving an airy texture in the cake.

3. Adding the sugar: Gradually start adding the 2 cups of sugar, continuing to mix until it completely dissolves and the mixture becomes a thick, glossy foam. This is the perfect base for your fluffy cake!

4. Adding the liquid ingredients: Add the oil, milk, and vanilla essence, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture. The oil will provide moisture, while the milk will enrich the flavor.

5. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the 6 cups of flour together with the baking powder. This will help evenly combine the ingredients and prevent lumps from forming.

6. Combining: Start adding the flour mixture to the liquid mixture in several rounds. Mix gently until everything is perfectly incorporated. Avoid over-mixing to prevent a dense cake.

7. Preparing the pans: Line two loaf pans with parchment paper, ensuring they are well covered on the bottoms and sides. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking.

8. Adding the cherries: Divide the cake batter between the two pans. Then, add the floured cherries, distributing them evenly in each pan. They will add a note of freshness and a delicious contrast of acidity.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pans in the oven and let them bake for 70-80 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

10. Caramelizing: About 10 minutes before removing the cake from the oven, sprinkle sugar on top. This step will create a crunchy, caramelized crust, giving your dessert an attractive appearance.

11. Cooling: Once the cake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

12. Serving: Slice the cake and enjoy it plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sweet cream. This fluffy cherry cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee.

Practical Tips and Variations

- You can try this recipe with other fruits, such as raspberries, cherries, or apricots. You'll get equally delicious variations!
- If you want an even more intense vanilla flavor, you can also add some seeds from a vanilla pod.
- For a healthier cake, you can substitute some of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- This cake keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days.

Nutritional Benefits

This fluffy cherry cake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, providing an extra boost of nutrients to the dessert. Additionally, the eggs and milk contribute to the protein intake, while the oil brings healthy fats. Each slice has approximately 250 calories, but this depends on the portion size and the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the mixture.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh longer?
I recommend storing it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, but keep in mind that it will dry out faster in the fridge.

3. Can I replace the sugar?
You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquids to maintain the consistency of the batter.

I hope this fluffy cherry cake recipe inspires you to spend time in the kitchen and enjoy the aroma of these delicious fruits. Each slice is an invitation to savor and an opportunity to share beautiful moments with loved ones. Enjoy!