Vanilla cake with pudding, cherries, and chocolate

Vanilla Cake with Pudding, Cherries, and Chocolate: A Delight for Any Occasion

If you are looking for a dessert recipe that will impress and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones, then you have come to the right place! The vanilla cake with pudding, cherries, and chocolate is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, blending the delicacy of vanilla with the tartness of cherries and the richness of chocolate. Whether it's an anniversary, a celebration, or simply an ordinary day worth celebrating, this cake will surely be the star of the table.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes (30 minutes baking, 45 minutes cooling and filling)
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients for the batter:
- 1 vanilla bean
- 4 fresh eggs
- 120 g sugar
- 120 g flour
- 20 g cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 40 g butter or margarine (preferably Rama), melted

Ingredients for filling and decoration:
- 1 L milk
- 1 packet chocolate pudding mix
- 1 packet whipped cream pudding mix
- 5-6 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
- 200 g canned cherries (well drained)
- 100 g chocolate, melted

Recipe History:
Layered cakes have a history spanning several centuries, being a cherished delicacy worldwide. They have evolved from simple basic cakes to elaborate creations filled with delicious fillings. Our vanilla, cherry, and chocolate cake is a modern reinterpretation of these traditions, combining accessible ingredients to create a sophisticated dessert.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Pan:
Start by preheating the oven to 190°C. This step is essential for achieving a perfectly baked layer. Grease the baking pan with butter or margarine and dust it with flour to ensure the cake will release easily after baking.

2. Preparing the Batter:
- Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with a knife. These seeds will add an intense vanilla flavor to the batter.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla seeds until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. This step will add air and make the cake light and fluffy.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Adding cornstarch will help achieve a fine texture.
- Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture using a spatula. Add the melted butter and continue mixing until well combined.

3. Baking the Layer:
Pour the prepared batter into the baking pan and bake for 30 minutes. Check if it is done by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

4. Preparing the Pudding:
While the cake cools, prepare the pudding according to the package instructions, using 1 L of milk. Add sugar according to your preferences. Once the pudding has thickened, let it cool.

5. Assembling the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it horizontally in half. Place the first half on a serving platter and spread it with the chocolate pudding. Sprinkle the drained cherries on top, then add a layer of whipped cream pudding. Place the second half of the cake on top.

6. Decorating the Cake:
Melt the chocolate and pour it over the cake, letting it drizzle down the sides for a spectacular effect. You can also add some cherries on top for an extra touch of beauty and flavor.

Practical Tips:
- You can use fresh cherries if available; make sure they are well washed and pitted.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the pudding.
- The cake can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with whipped cream for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional Benefits:
This vanilla cake with pudding, cherries, and chocolate is a more balanced dessert choice due to the inclusion of fruits, which add fiber and vitamins. Additionally, chocolate contains antioxidants, making this delicacy not only tasty but also beneficial in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other fruits instead of cherries? Yes, you can experiment with other fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, or peaches.
- Is this cake suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using flax eggs and plant-based milk, but the texture and flavor will be different.
- How long does the cake keep? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but I recommend consuming it as soon as possible to retain its freshness.

This vanilla cake with pudding, cherries, and chocolate is not just a simple recipe but a cooking experience that will bring you joy and satisfaction. I wish you success in making it, and remember, every dessert made with love is a gift for your loved ones!