Plum and sour cherry cake

Plum and sour cherry cake – a delight that combines sweet-sour flavors, perfect for accompanying moments spent with loved ones. This recipe is ideal not only for pampering the family but also for impressing at a gathering with friends, being an excellent choice for a quick and easy dessert to prepare.

The history of this cake is rich in traditions, with deep roots in Romanian cuisine, where seasonal fruits are celebrated and transformed into irresistible delights. Plums and sour cherries are key ingredients that bring not only a wonderful taste but also an explosion of color to the cake.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

- 9 eggs (at room temperature)
- 200 g yogurt (preferably natural)
- 150 ml milk (whole for a richer taste)
- 1 cup sugar (about 200 g)
- 80 g butter (melted and cooled)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh aroma)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (about 10 g)
- 1 essence of rum (for a flavorful taste)
- Flour as needed (about 300-400 g, until a sponge cake consistency is achieved)
- 1 cup pitted sour cherries (about 150 g)
- 1 bowl of pitted plums, halved (about 200 g)

Preparation instructions

1. Preparing the ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature. This step is crucial for achieving a homogeneous and well-aerated batter.

2. Beating the yolks: In a large bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar using a mixer on high speed. Continue beating until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume, about 5-7 minutes. Here, the sugar will dissolve completely, and the texture will become airy.

3. Adding the butter and dairy: Incorporate the melted (but cooled) butter into the yolk mixture, mixing continuously. Then, add the yogurt and milk and mix well until all ingredients are evenly integrated.

4. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This will add a light structure to the cake, so don't skip this step.

5. Combining the ingredients: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula. This step must be done carefully to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.

6. Preparing the baking powder: Quench the baking powder with a little lemon juice to activate the chemical reaction. Add it to the batter mixture along with the rum essence and lemon zest.

7. Adding the flour: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing gently, until you achieve a fine and homogeneous composition, similar to sponge cake batter. The flour should not be excessive to avoid weighing down the batter.

8. Preparing the baking tray: Take a larger baking tray (about 30x40 cm) and grease it with a little margarine. Place parchment paper at the bottom of the tray to prevent the cake from sticking.

9. Pouring the batter: Pour the batter into the tray, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

10. Adding the fruits: Evenly arrange the sour cherries and halved plums on top of the batter. These will add a note of freshness and a contrast of textures.

11. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until it turns golden and passes the toothpick test. Check if it's baked by inserting a toothpick in the middle – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

12. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the cake cool in the tray, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top before cutting it into servings.

Useful tips

- Seasonal fruits: You can experiment with various seasonal fruits, such as apples or peaches, to diversify the cake's flavor.
- Serving: This cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent dessert.
- Storage: The cake keeps well at room temperature for a few days but can also be frozen to be enjoyed later.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is a good source of protein due to the eggs, and the yogurt provides beneficial probiotics for digestion. The fruits add vitamins and antioxidants, making this dessert not only tasty but also a healthier choice.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can try whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but the result will vary.
- Why is it important to use ingredients at room temperature? Room temperature ingredients combine better, leading to a more aerated texture of the cake.
- How can I tell if the cake is done? Besides the toothpick test, the edges of the cake will be slightly detached from the tray, and the surface will be golden.

This plum and sour cherry cake recipe is certainly one that will bring joy and flavor to any occasion. Experiment with flavors and don't hesitate to add a touch of creativity to your kitchen! Enjoy every slice and cherish unforgettable moments with your loved ones!