Sponge cake with fruits and fine cheese cream

Fluffy Sponge Cake with Sour Cherries and Cream Cheese - A Refreshing Delight

Who doesn't love a simple yet flavorful cake? This recipe for fluffy sponge cake with sour cherries and a fine cream cheese is perfect for summer days when we seek something refreshing and delicious. It is a perfect combination of the sweetness of cherries and the creaminess of cheese, with each bite being an explosion of flavors.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 7 eggs
- 350 g sugar
- 320 g flour
- 7 tablespoons oil
- 7 tablespoons milk
- 1 packet baking powder (10 g)
- 1 vanilla essence
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt
- 1 large jar of sour cherries for baking (approximately 400-500 g)

For the cream cheese:
- 250 g mascarpone
- 300 ml liquid cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream

For the berry cream:
- 200 g frozen blueberries
- 50 g frozen raspberries
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 100 ml syrup from the cherries
- 2-3 tablespoons cream cheese

For the soaking syrup:
- 100 ml cherry syrup (from the jar of cherries)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Sponge

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Use a large bowl for the egg whites and a medium one for the yolks.

2. Beating the egg whites: Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat them with a mixer until they form stiff peaks. Once the foam is stable, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy meringue.

3. Mixing the yolks: In the bowl with the yolks, add the oil and milk. Mix well until combined.

4. Sifting the flour: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder to remove any lumps.

5. Combining the ingredients: Pour the yolk mixture over the egg white foam, gently folding with a spatula. Add the flour, alternating between the two, being careful not to deflate the egg whites. Finally, add the vanilla essence and lemon zest.

6. Baking: Prepare a 38x25 cm baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the tray and level it. Place the drained cherries on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180 degrees and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cooling: Once baked, remove the sponge from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream Cheese

1. Whipping the cream: In a bowl, whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm.

2. Mixing with mascarpone: Add the mascarpone and powdered sugar, gently mixing to avoid deflating the whipped cream. Finally, add the heavy cream and mix again to combine.

3. Cooling: Place the cream cheese in the refrigerator to keep it cool.

Step 3: Preparing the Berry Cream

1. Cooking the fruits: In a saucepan, add the blueberries, raspberries, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruits break down and the mixture thickens.

2. Adding the syrup: Add the cherry syrup and let it boil until slightly thickened. Let it cool, then mix in 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake

1. Dividing the sponge: Cut the sponge in half horizontally.

2. Soaking: Use the cherry syrup to soak each half of the sponge.

3. Adding the creams: On the first half, spread the berry cream, then add the cream cheese on top. Cover with the second half of the sponge and refrigerate for a few hours to set.

Serving

For an extra touch of flavor, serve the cake with a slice of fresh lemon or a few mint leaves. This not only adds a pleasant appearance but also a fresh aroma.

Practical Tips

- Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh eggs and good quality ingredients to achieve a fluffier sponge and a finer cream.
- Check the baking: Every oven bakes differently, so check the cake a few minutes before the indicated time.
- Vary the fruits: You can substitute the sour cherries with other seasonal fruits like peaches or apricots for a different version of the recipe.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake provides a significant amount of vitamins and antioxidants from the fruits, especially sour cherries and berries. It is a healthier choice due to the natural ingredients, and the mascarpone cheese offers a good source of calcium. Additionally, moderate portions can be included in a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Of course! You can experiment with various seasonal fruits to create delicious combinations.

2. How can I store the cake?
It is recommended to keep the cake in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for 3-4 days.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is best to portion it before freezing for easier thawing.

Conclusion

This fluffy sponge cake with sour cherries and cream cheese is perfect for any occasion, whether you are hosting a party or simply want to indulge in a special dessert. Your culinary treat awaits! Prepare this simple recipe and savor every bite. Enjoy!