Sponge cake with cherries and pudding

Cherry Sponge Cake with Pudding - An Irresistible Delight

If you are looking for a simple yet spectacular recipe that brings joy and flavor to any meal, you have come to the right place! The cherry sponge cake with pudding is a quick and delicious dessert, perfect for summer evenings or any special occasion. This recipe combines the fluffy texture of the sponge cake with the intense flavor of cherries and the creaminess of the pudding, resulting in a treat you will surely not forget anytime soon.

Before you start cooking, let’s familiarize ourselves a bit with the history of this dessert. Sponge cake is a classic recipe, often associated with pastry traditions, and is one of the most versatile types of cakes. Cherries, on the other hand, are fruits rich in antioxidants and vitamins, and their combination with pudding transforms the dessert into not only a tasty but also a nutritious choice.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:
- 5 eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 9 tablespoons of flour
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 baking powder
- 400 g pitted cherries
- 1 packet of cream-flavored pudding
- 500 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (for pudding)
- 50 g grated chocolate for decoration
- a few walnut halves for decoration

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the sponge cake mixture:
Start by preparing the ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft, at room temperature. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using a mixer. It is important to start with the eggs and sugar, as these ingredients are essential for achieving a fluffy texture. Beat them for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and frothy.

2. Incorporating the butter:
Add the butter cut into cubes into the egg and sugar mixture. Continue to mix until the butter is completely incorporated and the mixture becomes homogeneous.

3. Adding flavors and flour:
Incorporate the vanilla essence and the baking powder, activated with a little lemon juice. Then, gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed, to avoid developing gluten, which could make the sponge cake denser.

4. Preparing the baking pan:
Use a round detachable pan, grease it with a little margarine, and place parchment paper at the bottom. Pour the sponge cake mixture into the pan, making sure it is evenly distributed.

5. Adding the cherries:
Wash the cherries, remove the pits, and toss them in a little white flour. This will help them not to sink during baking. Carefully place the cherries over the mixture in the pan in a single layer, side by side.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the pan inside. Bake the sponge cake for 30-35 minutes, or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be careful not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes, as it could affect the baking process.

7. Preparing the pudding:
After the sponge cake has cooled slightly, prepare the pudding. In a saucepan, mix the pudding packet with 500 ml of milk and the 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the pudding has thickened, pour it hot and evenly over the cooled sponge cake.

8. Cooling and decorating:
Let the dessert cool completely at room temperature. After it has cooled well, decorate it with grated chocolate and a few walnut halves. You can also add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a few mint leaves for an extra touch of color and flavor.

9. Serving:
Cut the sponge cake into slices and serve it with a glass of milk, tea, or coffee. It is a perfect dessert for a relaxing afternoon with loved ones or at a festive meal.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with other berries or even peaches, depending on the season.
- If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the mixture or use a natural sweetener.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Nutritional benefits:
The cherry sponge cake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, contributing to a stronger immune system. Additionally, the pudding adds a portion of calcium, essential for bone health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes! Whole wheat flour can be an excellent choice for a healthier version.

2. How can I store the sponge cake?
You can store the dessert in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days, and even after it cools, its taste remains delicious.

3. Is it possible to make vegan pudding?
Of course! You can use almond or coconut milk and an egg replacer to adapt the recipe.

This cherry sponge cake and pudding recipe is truly a fantastic choice for any occasion. By experimenting with flavors and ingredients, you can create a unique dessert that reflects your culinary style. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicacy that will bring a smile to everyone’s faces!