Lemon and cherry cake

Lemon and Cherry Cake

If you're looking for a dessert that perfectly combines the tartness of juicy lemons with the sweetness of cherries, you've come to the right place! This lemon and cherry cake not only looks spectacular but also offers an explosion of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Besides its unique taste, it is an excellent choice for any occasion - from festive meals to gatherings with friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

*For the fluffy base:*
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- A pinch of turmeric (for color)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon

*For the cream:*
- 250 ml milk
- 100 g sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 1 ½ tablespoons of flour
- Juice of 1 lemon (to taste)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 100 g butter, cut into cubes
- 2 teaspoons of gelatin

*For the cherry jelly:*
- 200 ml cherry juice (preferably homemade; can be replaced with compote juice)
- Sugar to taste
- 3 teaspoons of gelatin

Preparation

1. Preparing the base:
Start by separating the eggs. Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, gradually adding the sugar. Continue beating until you achieve a glossy and firm meringue.

In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and turmeric. Turmeric not only provides a vibrant color but also adds a subtle flavor note.

Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the whipped egg whites, using a spatula to maintain the airiness. Gradually add the flour, continuing to mix delicately.

Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan and bake at a low temperature (about 160-170°C) for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The base should be lightly golden and elastic to the touch.

2. Preparing the cream:
In a saucepan, mix the milk with flour and sugar. Place over low heat and stir constantly until it thickens, achieving a consistency similar to thick sour cream.

Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and add the cubed butter, lemon juice, and zest, as well as the previously soaked gelatin. Mix well until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Allow the cream to cool.

3. Preparing the cherry jelly:
Gently heat the cherry juice and add the soaked gelatin. Stir well until the gelatin dissolves, then let the mixture cool slightly.

4. Assembling the cake:
Once the base has cooled, cut it into two equal layers. Place the first layer on a platter and spread half of the cooled cream. You can reserve a few tablespoons of cream for decorating the cake later. Place the second layer on top and cover with the remaining cream.

Pour the cherry jelly on top and use a spatula to level it. Refrigerate the cake for a few hours until the jelly sets completely.

5. Serving:
You can decorate the cake with thin slices of lemon or a few fresh cherries for an attractive appearance. This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of fresh lemonade, adding an extra refreshing touch.

Nutritional information:
This cake contains nutrient-rich ingredients. Lemons provide a good source of vitamin C, while cherries are full of antioxidants. Flour and oil offer carbohydrates and healthy fats, and butter adds a delicious flavor, but in moderation. However, if you're mindful of calories, you can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.

Tips and variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or peaches. Also, for a more intense flavor, add a splash of gin or vodka to the lemon cream before spreading it on the base.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of gelatin?
Yes, you can use vegan gelatin or agar-agar, but make sure to follow the specific preparation instructions for each variant.

2. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, this cake freezes very well, but I recommend not freezing the jelly, but adding it fresh before serving.

3. What can I do if I don't have cherry juice?
You can use orange or peach juice, or even fruit tea, to make a flavorful jelly.

This lemon and cherry cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a satisfying experience, learning each step of its preparation. So, put on your apron and enjoy every moment in the kitchen!