Frozen Cherry Cake

Cherry cake from the freezer - a delicacy that combines the fresh flavors of summer with fluffy textures and intense fillings. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress your guests at a party or desire a delicious dessert for weekend evenings. Over time, fruit cakes have always been a popular choice due to their versatility and the way they can adapt to the season.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

The necessary ingredients for this cherry cake are:

- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup of sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 1 cup of milk (250 ml)
- 1 cup of oil (approximately 250 ml, preferably sunflower oil or canola oil)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- 2 cups of flour (approximately 300 g; use a smaller or larger amount as needed to achieve a thicker batter)
- Grated zest of one orange (for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (approximately 7 g)
- Cherries (approximately 200 g, either fresh or frozen, drained and dusted with flour)

Before starting, make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature. This detail is essential for achieving a uniform and well-incorporated batter.

Step 1: Beat the eggs and sugar
In a large bowl, add the 3 eggs and sugar. Use an electric mixer and beat the mixture well until it becomes frothy and creamy white. This step will add air to the batter, making the cake fluffier.

Step 2: Add the liquid ingredients
Pour the oil and milk over the egg and sugar mixture. Continue mixing on low speed until completely incorporated. The grated orange zest will provide a fresh taste and pleasant aroma, so don't skip it.

Step 3: Integrate the dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the wet composition, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure there are no lumps, but do not overmix, as this can lead to a dense texture.

Step 4: Prepare the cocoa mixture
Take 2 tablespoons of the batter and add the cocoa powder. Mix gently, just until combined. This mixture will add a nice color contrast and an intense chocolate flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the baking tray
Line a baking tray (approximately 30 x 20 cm) with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking. This way, you will be able to easily remove it after baking.

Step 6: Assemble the cake
Pour the main batter into the tray, spreading it evenly across the surface. Use a spoon to add small dollops of the cocoa mixture, creating a beautiful pattern. Finally, sprinkle the drained cherries (which have been dusted with flour to prevent sinking) on top, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the tray in the oven. Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes. You can check if it is baked by using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Step 8: Cooling and serving
Once the cake has cooled, dust powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance. It can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Useful tips:
- You can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as strawberries or peaches, to create delicious variations of the recipe.
- If you don't have cocoa powder, you can add a tablespoon of cinnamon or vanilla for a different flavor.
- This cake keeps well in the refrigerator if covered, but I recommend serving it fresh out of the oven to enjoy its fluffy texture.

Nutritional benefits:
The cherry cake provides a source of antioxidants from the fruit, fiber, and protein from the eggs. Additionally, the sugar content can be adjusted according to your preferences, making it a healthier option.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of sweeteners?
Yes, you can replace sugar with honey or maple syrup, but you will need to adjust the amount of liquids in the recipe.

2. What do I do if the batter is too liquid?
Gradually add flour until you achieve a thicker consistency. Be careful not to overdo it, as the batter shouldn't be too dense.

3. How can I enhance the flavor of the cake?
Add flavor extracts such as vanilla or almond to intensify the cake's aroma.

Pair this cake with a berry tea, a flavored coffee, or a fresh smoothie for a complete culinary experience. Every meal becomes special when you have a delicious dessert at the end, and the cherry cake from the freezer will surely be a favorite for all your loved ones. Enjoy!