Sour Cherry Cake

Sour Cherry Cake: A Chocolatey Delight with Cherry Accents

If you are looking for a cake that combines the intense flavor of chocolate with a tangy and fruity note, you have come to the right place! The Sour Cherry Cake is not just a recipe, but a true culinary experience, full of surprising textures and flavors. This chocolatey cake, with a fluffy base and a delicious cherry cream, will delight you with every slice.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the Base:
- 8 egg whites
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 300 g walnuts (can be chopped or ground, as preferred)

For the Cream:
- 8 egg yolks
- 250 g Rama margarine
- 250 g sugar
- 60 g cocoa
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 50 ml milk
- 150 g sour cherries from compote (drained and chopped)

For Decoration:
- 24 whole sour cherries
- 200 ml whipping cream
- 2 sachets of vanilla sugar

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (moderate heat). In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes glossy and the sugar is completely dissolved.

Add the chopped walnuts to the egg white mixture and gently fold with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the egg whites. Prepare a 41x26 cm baking tray by lining it with parchment paper, then pour the mixture into the tray. Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the base is firm to the touch and passes the toothpick test.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream
In a saucepan, mix the egg yolks with the sugar, cocoa, and flour. Add the milk and place the saucepan over a double boiler, stirring continuously until the cream thickens. This step is essential for obtaining a smooth and homogeneous cream. Once thickened, let the cream cool for about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in another bowl, beat the margarine until fluffy. Gradually add the warm cream and mix until homogeneous. Finally, fold in the chopped sour cherries, which will add a delicious taste and interesting texture to the cream.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake
Once the base has cooled, carefully peel it off the parchment paper. You can use a knife that has been held in hot water for a moment to make this easier. Place the base on a serving platter and spread the cream evenly on top.

For an attractive appearance, decorate the cake with whole sour cherries and a generous layer of whipped cream. To prepare the whipped cream, beat the cream with the two sachets of vanilla sugar until fluffy.

Step 4: Cooling and Serving
Let the cake cool for about 30 minutes before cutting it. This step allows the flavors to blend perfectly and will give you a cake that is much easier to slice. When you are ready to serve, you can accompany each slice with a glass of sweet wine or a fruit tea to enhance the flavors.

Practical Tips
- If you prefer a finer texture, you can grind the walnuts, but chopped walnuts add a nice crunch.
- If you don't have sour cherries from compote, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to drain them well to avoid diluting the cream.
- When cutting the cake, use a knife moistened in hot water to achieve perfectly even slices.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can try replacing the sour cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or cherries.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake offers a balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats from walnuts, and a source of antioxidants from cocoa and sour cherries. Although it is a sweet cake, consumed in moderation, it can be a delicious choice within a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of oil instead of margarine?
- Yes, you can use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.
2. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
- No, as it contains animal-derived ingredients, but you can look for veganized recipes for similar cakes.
3. How can I store the cake?
- You can store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Conclusion
The Sour Cherry Cake is more than just a simple recipe; it is a way to bring joy and flavor into every day. Cooking is an art form, and each ingredient added is a shade of a delicious work of art. Don’t hesitate to experiment and put your personal touch on this recipe! Enjoy!