Three-colored cake with sour cherries

The three-colored cherry cake is a dessert that harmoniously blends textures, flavors, and colors, bringing a splash of joy to every slice. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party with friends or a family gathering. With a layer of juicy cherries, a delicious cream, and a fluffy base, each bite will take you on an unforgettable taste journey.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 7-8 large eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of water or sparkling water
- 7-8 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 vanilla essence
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
- 200 g of drained canned cherries
- 50 g of semolina for dusting the cherries
- Coconut for decoration

For the cream:
- 100 g of butter
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- Juice from a cherry compote (approximately 200 ml)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. It is essential that they are at room temperature, especially the eggs, to achieve a fluffy and airy base.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with 10 tablespoons of sugar. Use a mixer on high speed to achieve a firm and glossy foam. This is a crucial step, as the egg white foam will give the cake a light and airy texture.

3. Preparing the yolk mixture: In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with 4 tablespoons of water (or sparkling water), vanilla essence, a pinch of salt, and the grated zest of a lemon. This mixture will add a fresh and invigorating taste to the cake.

4. Combining the ingredients: Gently fold the yolk mixture into the egg white foam, mixing with a spatula using up-and-down motions to avoid losing air from the egg whites. Then, add the sifted flour along with the baking powder and carefully incorporate everything.

5. Dividing the mixture: Divide the mixture into two equal parts. In one part, add the cocoa powder, mixing well to obtain a uniform composition.

6. Preparing the baking tray: Place baking paper at the bottom of a tray (approximately 30 x 40 cm). Pour the cocoa mixture into the tray, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the drained cherries (which have been dusted with semolina) on top of the cocoa mixture. The semolina will help the cherries not to sink too much to the bottom of the cake.

7. Adding the white mixture: Use a spoon to add the white mixture on top of the cherries, starting from one corner of the tray and continuing to add spoonfuls of batter across the entire surface. This will create the effect of colored layers.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes. Once baked, you can check if it is ready by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

9. Preparing the cream: While the cake is in the oven, you can prepare the cream. In a saucepan, combine the cherry compote juice with 4 tablespoons of sugar and the pudding packet. Boil the mixture over high heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. When the pudding becomes dense, add the butter cut into cubes and the vanilla sugar, stirring until completely melted.

10. Final assembly: Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the cream over it, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle coconut on top for an attractive appearance and delicious taste.

11. Cooling and serving: Allow the cake to cool completely, then you can slice it. This cake can be served warm or cold and pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee.

Practical tips:
- Make sure the cherries are well-drained before adding them to the cake to avoid a too-wet mixture.
- You can replace the cherries with other fruits, such as cherries or peaches, depending on your preferences.
- If you enjoy a more intense vanilla flavor, add a vanilla pod instead of essence.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains protein from the eggs and antioxidants from the cherries, which are known to support heart health and improve mood. Additionally, coconut adds fiber and healthy fats, making this dessert a more balanced choice.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can this cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so without the cream. Add the cream after thawing for the best taste.
- Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can replace wheat flour with a gluten-free alternative, but you may need to adjust the amount to achieve the desired texture.

The three-colored cherry cake is not just a dessert, but a cooking experience that will bring smiles to your face. Share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy the moment of preparing a sweet treat!