Shiny Cherry Cake

Shiny Cherry Cake - A delicacy that will delight your senses

Total preparation time: 3 hours (preparation time: 30 minutes, baking time: 30 minutes, cooling time: 2 hours)
Number of servings: 10-12

If you are looking for a quick and refined dessert, this shiny cherry cake is definitely the ideal choice. Like a sweet jewel, this cake perfectly combines the fluffy texture of the sponge with the refined cream cheese and juicy cherries. The history of this dessert is lost in the mists of time, but it has managed to remain a favorite for many due to its simplicity and exquisite taste. Perhaps you remember the moments spent with loved ones, savoring a slice of cake made with love. Let's get started!

Ingredients

*For the sponge:*
- 4 fresh eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 140 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 80 g flour
- 50 g cornstarch

*For the filling:*
- 750 g fresh cherries (or from a jar, but preferably fresh)
- 400 g whipped cream
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 100 ml sour cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 packet of red jelly
- 50 ml cherry liqueur (optional, for extra flavor)

*For decoration:*
- Crushed cookies, dried cranberries, chopped almonds or nuts (according to preference)

Preparation

1. Preparing the sponge
Start by carefully separating the egg whites from the yolks. Use a clean, dry bowl for the egg whites, as any trace of fat can prevent them from whipping. Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat until foamy. Continue mixing, gradually adding the sugar and vanilla sugar, until you obtain a shiny meringue that forms stiff peaks.

2. Adding the yolks
Gently fold the yolks into the meringue using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients
Sift the flour and cornstarch together over the egg mixture and gently mix with a spatula until the ingredients are perfectly combined.

4. Baking the sponge
Prepare a 26 cm diameter cake pan by lining it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and level the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 175 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, until the sponge is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Preparing the cherries
Meanwhile, wash the cherries and pit them, letting them drain. It is important to keep the juice released by the cherries, as you will use it later for the jelly.

6. Preparing the cream
In another bowl, whip the cream until it becomes stiff. In another container, mix the cottage cheese with the sour cream and powdered sugar until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Fold this mixture into the whipped cream, adding 2/3 of the cherries.

7. Assembling the cake
Once the sponge has cooled, cut it into three equal slices. Place the first slice on a serving plate, surrounded by the ring of the cake pan. Add half of the cherry cream, level it, and place the second slice of sponge on top. Continue with the remaining cream and cover with the last slice of sponge.

8. Decorating the cake
Place the remaining cherries on top of the cake. Use the juice left from the cherries, combined with cherry liqueur, to prepare the jelly according to the package instructions. Pour the jelly over the cherries and refrigerate the cake for about 2 hours to set.

9. Finalizing and serving
After the cake has cooled and the jelly has set, you can decorate it with crushed cookies, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts, adding a personal touch. When you are ready to serve, cut it with a wet knife to achieve uniform and beautiful slices.

Tips and practical advice

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and easy-to-work batter.
- If you want an even more aromatic cake, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the cheese cream.
- The cake can be made a day in advance, and the flavor will become even more intense after cooling overnight in the fridge.
- This shiny cherry cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic coffee, making it an ideal dessert for a special occasion.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use canned cherries?
Yes, you can use canned cherries, but make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the cake.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.

3. What can I do if I don't have cornstarch?
You can replace the cornstarch with the same amount of flour, but the result may be slightly denser.

Nutritional benefits

This shiny cherry cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also an excellent source of antioxidants due to the cherries. Additionally, the cottage cheese provides valuable proteins, while the whipped cream adds a touch of creaminess that makes every bite a true indulgence.

In conclusion, this shiny cherry cake is not just a delicious dessert but also a way to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So take your time to prepare it and don’t forget to savor every moment of the process! Enjoy!