White chocolate and cherry cake

White Chocolate and Cherry Cake – A Decadent Choice for Any Occasion

When it comes to desserts, few combinations are as delightful as white chocolate with cherries. This cake is a true explosion of flavors, where the fluffy chocolate base perfectly blends with the smooth white chocolate cream and cherry jam. It is the ideal dessert for parties, anniversaries, or simply to indulge after a long day. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

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

Ingredients for the cake base:
- 6 large eggs
- 180 g sugar
- 180 g flour
- A pinch of salt
- 50 g dark chocolate (for an intense flavor)
- 6 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- Flavorings (vanilla or rum, to taste)

Ingredients for the white chocolate cream:
- 400 ml Hulala cream (or liquid cream for whipping)
- 100 g white chocolate (for a delicious sweetness)
- Raspberry, strawberry, or cherry jam (for filling and decorating)

Ingredients for decoration:
- 600 g pitted cherries (from compote or fresh, depending on the season)
- A packet of vanilla pudding (which will add a creamy texture)
- 50 g sugar
- Extra cream for decorating

My tip: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This will help achieve a smooth and airy texture for the cake base.

Step 1: Preparing the cake base
In a large bowl, start by beating the egg whites with the sugar until you obtain a fluffy and firm foam. It is important to use a clean bowl, free of grease, to achieve the best results. You can use an electric mixer to facilitate this process.

Separately, in another bowl, mix the egg yolks with a pinch of salt, the oil, and the chosen flavorings. The mixture should become smooth and slightly frothy. Once you have achieved this mixture, pour it over the beaten egg whites, being careful to gently fold with a spatula to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.

Then, sift the flour directly into the egg mixture and gently mix until everything is well incorporated. Finally, add the chopped or grated dark chocolate, which will add a note of richness and intensity to the flavor.

Pour the mixture into a greased and floured cake pan, and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 2: Preparing the white chocolate cream
To make the cream, start by whipping the cream until it becomes firm. This will be the light and airy base of the cream. In another bowl, melt the white chocolate in a bain-marie or in the microwave, being careful not to burn it. Once the chocolate is melted and slightly cooled, gradually incorporate it into the whipped cream, mixing gently to preserve the air.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
After the cake base has completely cooled, carefully remove it from the pan and cut it into three equal parts. Place the first layer on a platter and soak it with the chosen jam. Add a generous layer of the cream made from whipped cream and white chocolate, then cover with the second layer, which you will also soak. Repeat the process, adding jam and cream.

To finish the cake, place the last layer and prepare the cherry cream. Drain the cherries from the compote, keeping 300 ml of their juice. Bring the juice to a boil. In a small bowl, mix the pudding powder with 3 tablespoons of the cherry juice and the sugar. When the juice starts to boil, add the pudding mixture and the drained cherries. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens.

Pour the cherry cream evenly over the last layer and let it cool. Finally, decorate with cream around the edges and, if desired, add a few fresh cherries for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Step 4: Serving
Let the cake sit in the refrigerator for a few hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to develop. When you are ready to serve, slice and enjoy the combination of white chocolate and cherries that will delight any palate.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
- Sure! You can adapt the recipe to your preferences, but keep in mind that this will change the final flavor of the cake.

2. What type of jam can I use?
- Any fruit jam will work, but raspberry, strawberry, or cherry jam pairs perfectly with white chocolate.

3. How can I keep the cake fresh?
- Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator. It can be consumed for 3-4 days without any problems.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains white chocolate, which provides a source of calcium and antioxidants. Cherries are rich in vitamin C and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet. However, considering the sugar and fat content, it is recommended to be consumed in moderation.

Possible variations:
For a healthier cake, you can replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners or use whole wheat flour instead of white flour. Additionally, adding chopped nuts to the batter will add a crunchy texture and extra flavor.

This white chocolate and cherry cake is not just a recipe, but a culinary experience that you can share with loved ones. Whether it's for a party or a quiet evening at home, each slice will bring a smile to the faces of those who enjoy it. Enjoy!