Poppy seed and sour cherry cake

Poppy Seed and Cherry Cake - A Sweet Delicacy with Unmistakable Flavors

Who doesn't love a fluffy and moist cake, full of flavors? This poppy seed and cherry cake recipe is perfect for anyone looking to combine delicious textures and tastes. Moreover, it is an excellent way to use cherries, whether fresh or canned.

Throughout history, cakes have been a popular dessert due to their versatility. Whether we prepare them for a special occasion or simply to indulge during tea time, cakes are always an inspired choice. This one, in particular, combines the subtle flavor of poppy seeds with the sweetness of cherries, resulting in a dessert that is sure to impress.

Preparation and Baking Time:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 40-50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 8 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 16 tablespoons of sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 8 tablespoons of oil (approximately 120 ml)
- 1 vanilla essence
- 8 tablespoons of flour (approximately 100 g)
- A pinch of baking powder (10 g)
- 100 g of poppy seeds
- 400 g of pitted canned cherries

Step by Step for a Perfect Cake:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This will ensure even baking of the cake.

2. Separate the eggs: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowl is clean and dry; any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping well.

3. Beat the egg whites: Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and use an electric mixer to beat them until frothy. Then, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and shiny meringue.

4. Add the yolks: Gently fold in the yolks, oil, and vanilla essence into the egg white mixture. Use a spatula to mix, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture.

5. Incorporate the flour: Sift the flour and baking powder over the egg mixture and gently fold in from top to bottom until everything is homogenized. It is essential to be delicate at this stage to maintain the airiness of the batter.

6. Add the poppy seeds: At this point, you can add the poppy seeds, gently mixing to distribute them evenly in the batter.

7. Incorporate the cherries: Squeeze the canned cherries well to remove excess liquid. Add 1/3 of the cherries to the batter and mix gently.

8. Prepare the baking pans: Grease two pans with oil and line them with baking paper. Divide half of the batter into each pan.

9. Add the cherries: Distribute the remaining cherries on top of the batter in the pans, then pour the remaining batter over them.

10. Baking: Place the pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick test comes out clean.

11. Cooling: Once the cakes are baked, let them cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes, then carefully remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on a rack.

12. Serving: You can dust the cakes with powdered sugar, if desired, for a more attractive appearance. Serve them plain, alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Practical Tips:
- Cherries: If using fresh cherries, make sure they are ripe and remove the pits. Additionally, you can use other fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to vary the recipe.
- Flour: Wheat flour can be replaced with whole wheat flour for a healthier version of this cake.
- Poppy seeds: If you don't have poppy seeds, you can try using ground nuts or almonds for a different flavor.
- Powdered sugar: A delicious option is to add a sugar glaze made from powdered sugar and a little water or lemon juice on top of the cake.

Nutritional Benefits:
This poppy seed and cherry cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Poppy seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, and fiber, while cherries provide a significant amount of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, eggs are an excellent source of protein.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of oil? Yes, you can replace sunflower oil with coconut oil or olive oil for a different taste.
- How long does the cake last? This cake can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, it is best to portion it and wrap it well before freezing. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Delicious Pairings:
This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce that contrasts with its fluffy texture. Additionally, a cup of fruit tea or fresh lemonade will ideally complement this dessert.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! Enjoy every moment of the preparation and delight in the final result: a poppy seed and cherry cake that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Bon appétit!