Quick Cherry and Walnut Cake

Cherry and walnut cake – a delicious and fragrant combination that will delight your taste buds and bring joy in every bite! This recipe is perfect for utilizing the cherries you have stored, whether frozen or preserved. With a fluffy texture and a sweet-sour taste, this quick cake is ideal for any occasion – from a family meal to a gathering with friends.

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

Necessary ingredients:

- 8 fresh eggs
- 150 g brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons melted butter (ideally with 80% fat)
- 9 tablespoons flour (sifted to avoid lumps)
- a pinch of salt
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- about 500 g cherries (either frozen or preserved)
- 100 g walnuts (coarsely chopped)
- powdered sugar (for coating the cherries and dusting the cake)

Step by step for a perfect cake:

1. Preparing the cherries: If using frozen cherries, it is advisable to take them out of the freezer a few hours in advance to thaw and drain well. If they are preserved, make sure to drain them well. You can leave the cherries in a strainer to ensure they do not add moisture to the batter.

2. Whip the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat them at high speed until you achieve a stiff and glossy foam. This step is essential for giving the cake a fluffy texture.

3. Adding the sugar: While continuing to mix, gradually add the brown sugar and vanilla sugar. Keep mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved in the egg whites. This will contribute to creating an airy base for the cake.

4. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, gently folding in with a spatula or wooden spoon. It is important not to mix too vigorously to avoid losing the air in the egg whites.

5. Adding the butter: Pour the melted (still warm, but not hot) butter into the mixture and gently mix until well incorporated.

6. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour directly into the egg mixture and carefully fold in with up-and-down motions to avoid losing the accumulated air.

7. Preparing the baking tray: Line a tray of approximately 35 x 25 cm with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking and facilitate its removal from the tray after baking.

8. Pouring the mixture: Pour the batter into the tray and level the surface with a spatula to achieve an even layer.

9. Adding the cherries and walnuts: Coat the cherries in powdered sugar to lightly cover them. This step will not only give them a sweet taste but will also help absorb moisture during baking. Place the cherries on the surface of the batter, then sprinkle the coarsely chopped walnuts on top.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the tray inside. Bake the cake for about 40 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (when the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean).

11. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray. Once cooled, you can cut it into squares and dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance.

Serving suggestions: This cherry and walnut cake is delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Possible variations: You can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as cherries, plums, or even blueberries. Additionally, for an interesting flavor note, you can add a few drops of almond or rum essence to the batter.

Nutritional information: Each serving of cake contains approximately 220 calories, providing a good combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats from walnuts, and a source of protein from eggs. Cherries contribute antioxidants and vitamin C, being beneficial for health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use cherries from a compote?
Yes, make sure to drain them well.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of brown sugar by 50 g, depending on your preferences.

3. Can I make the cake gluten-free?
You can try replacing the flour with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or rice flour.

4. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with chopped dark chocolate or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give it a different flavor.

Enjoy this simple and flavorful recipe! It is a great way to use cherries and treat family and friends with a delicious homemade dessert. I look forward to hearing your impressions after you try it!