Marble cake with cherries

Marble Cake with Sour Cherries: A Seasonal Delight

Total Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Number of Servings: 12-15

If you're looking for a quick dessert that brings the taste of summer to your plate, this marble cake with sour cherries is the perfect choice! The combination of juicy cherries with fluffy batter will delight your taste buds. It's a simple recipe but with an impressive impact, ideal for any occasion. Let's get started!

Brief History
The marble cake, with its cocoa stripes, is a classic recipe loved by many, which gained popularity due to its versatility. It can be customized with various fruits, but sour cherries remain a favorite due to their pleasant acidity that balances the sweetness of the batter. This cake is often made during cherry season when the fruits are at their peak flavor.

Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 1.5 cups of sugar (approximately 300 g)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1.5 cups of oil (approximately 375 ml)
- 2 cups of milk (approximately 500 ml)
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour (approximately 500 g)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 4 tablespoons of milk (for cocoa)
- 600 g of sour cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar (for cherries)

Ingredient Details
- Cherries: Choose fresh, seasonal cherries for an authentic taste. If you can’t find them, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well.
- Sugar: It can be adjusted based on how tart the cherries are.
- Oil: Use sunflower oil or a neutral oil so it doesn’t affect the cake's flavor.
- Flour: Opt for type 000 or 550 flour for optimal results.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Cherries:
Start by washing the cherries, removing the pits, and placing them in a bowl. Add 4-5 tablespoons of sugar and mix. Set them aside for 15-20 minutes to release their juice. Then, place the cherries in a strainer to drain the excess juice.

2. Preparing the Batter:
In a large bowl, add the eggs, a pinch of salt, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix the ingredients until you get a creamy mixture of a deep yellow color. It’s important to use your mixer on medium speed to incorporate air, which will make the batter fluffier.

3. Adding Oil and Milk:
Continue mixing and add the oil and milk alternately, ensuring each ingredient is well incorporated before adding the next.

4. Including Flour and Baking Powder:
Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually add them to the mixture. Use a spatula to homogenize the batter, taking care not to rush, in order to keep the air in the batter.

5. Preparing the Baking Pan:
Line a 38x25 cm baking pan with parchment paper. Pour about 3/4 of the yellow batter into the pan, saving one cup of batter for later.

6. Preparing the Marble Effect:
In the cup with the remaining batter, add the 2 tablespoons of cocoa and the 4 tablespoons of milk. Mix well until homogenized. Use a spoon to place the cocoa mixture in the pan, on top of the yellow batter. Using a fork, draw lines to create a marbled effect.

7. Adding the Cherries:
Sprinkle the drained cherries on top of the mixture. They will give the cake a fresh note and an attractive appearance.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). Place the pan in the oven and bake the cake for 35-40 minutes. Check if it’s baked using a toothpick test: insert the toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

9. Preparing the Syrup:
While the cake is baking, take the juice left from the cherries and place it on low heat, allowing it to boil for a few minutes until it reduces slightly. This sweet-tart syrup will add an extra flavor to your cake.

10. Finalizing:
When the cake is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan. Cut it into servings and pour the cherry syrup on top. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.

Serving Suggestions
I recommend serving the cake alongside a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This will perfectly complement the taste of the cherries and add a creamy texture. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon over the cake for an extra flavor boost.

Possible Variations
- Without Cocoa: You can make the cake without cocoa for a simpler but equally delicious batter.
- Various Fruits: Instead of sour cherries, you can use cherries, peaches, or even apples, depending on the season. Each fruit will add its own note of sweetness and acidity to your cake.
- Adding Nuts: For a crunchy texture, you can add chopped nuts to the batter or on top of the cake before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You can replace the sour cherries with any other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries.

2. How do I store the cake?
The cake can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Make sure it is covered to prevent drying out.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe can be adapted using egg substitutes (such as banana puree or plant yogurt) and coconut oil or another vegetable oil.

Nutritional Benefits
Sour cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and A. They can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. Additionally, the cake, due to its ingredients, can provide a quick source of energy, ideal for an afternoon snack.

Now it’s time to get cooking! With this marble cake with sour cherries, not only will you impress family and friends, but you’ll also bring a touch of summer to every slice. Enjoy!