Strawberry and cherry cake

Strawberry and Cherry Cake: a fragrant and refreshing delicacy, perfect for warm days or for moments when you want to impress guests with an elegant dessert. This recipe combines the sweetness of fresh fruits with a fine white chocolate cream, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Let's discover together the steps to create this delicious cake!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: approx. 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 3 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 6 tablespoons of sugar (about 150 g)
- 3 tablespoons of oil (about 45 ml)
- 1 vanilla essence (or a vanilla pod, if preferred)
- 5 tablespoons of flour (about 180 g)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder (about 3 g)
- 100 g pitted cherries + one tablespoon of sugar
- 100 g strawberries

*For the syrup:*
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 250 ml water

*For the cream:*
- 75 g white chocolate
- 300 ml sweetened liquid cream (kept in the fridge)

*For the jelly:*
- 350 g strawberries
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 5 g gelatin
- 50 ml cold water

*For decoration:*
- A few whole strawberries and cherries

Preparation:

1. Preparing the oven and the base:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It is essential that the temperature is constant to achieve a perfect, airy, and fluffy base.

2. Preparing the fruits:
The pitted cherries are mixed with one tablespoon of sugar and left to sit for a few minutes to release their juice. The strawberries are washed well, their stems removed, and cut in half or quarters, depending on their size.

3. Beating the eggs:
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become frothy. Then, gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture becomes firm and shiny, similar to a meringue.

4. Combining the ingredients:
Incorporate the yolks, oil, and vanilla essence into the egg white mixture, gently mixing to avoid deflating the foam. Add the flour and baking powder, starting with one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a silicone spatula from the bottom up to maintain the air in the composition.

5. Enriching the dough:
Add the cherries and cut strawberries into the prepared dough and incorporate them carefully. This step is crucial to ensure an even distribution of the fruits in the base.

6. Baking:
Pour the mixture into a 22 cm pan, greased with oil and lined with baking paper. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the base becomes golden and passes the toothpick test. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

7. Preparing the syrup:
In a small pot, caramelize the sugar, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Once the sugar has melted, add the water and let it boil until completely dissolved. Allow the syrup to cool.

8. Chocolate cream:
Break the white chocolate into small pieces and place it in a pot along with the liquid cream. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it reach room temperature, then place it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. Once cooled, mix it with the remaining cold cream until it becomes a fluffy cream.

9. Preparing the jelly:
In a pot, boil the strawberries with the sugar until they become soft and a sauce begins to form. Let it cool, then puree it with a food processor. Hydrate the gelatin in cold water, then dissolve it in a double boiler. Mix the gelatin with the cooled strawberry jelly.

10. Assembling the cake:
Pour the cold syrup over the cooled base, followed by the white chocolate cream. Place the cherries around the edge of the cake and sprinkle small pieces of strawberries over the rest of the cream. Finish with the strawberry jelly, and in the center, form a flower from halved strawberries, completed with whole cherries.

11. Serving and decorating:
The cake can be served immediately or left in the fridge for a few hours to set. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or a fragrant coffee.

Useful tips:
- Use fresh, seasonal fruits for a perfect taste. You can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or raspberries.
- Ensure that the cream is well chilled before whipping to achieve a fluffy texture.
- If you want a sugar-free version, you can use natural sweeteners, but the textures may vary.

Nutritional benefits:
This strawberry and cherry cake is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, thanks to the fresh fruits, making it a healthier option than other heavier desserts. Strawberries, for example, are an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, while cherries contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries and cherries?
Yes, you can experiment with various fruits such as peaches, raspberries, or even berries.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the fridge, covered, for 2-3 days.

3. Can I replace white chocolate with another type of chocolate?
Sure! You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate, but the taste will be different.

Whether it's a special occasion or just a relaxing afternoon, this strawberry and cherry cake will bring a smile to everyone's face. Happy cooking and enjoy!