Celebrate cherry season with this classic Cherry Cake, a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer with its juicy, fresh cherries embedded in a soft, sweet cake. This recipe is a staple for any home baker, combining simple ingredients with straightforward baking techniques to create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just enjoying a quiet afternoon, this cherry cake is sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This:
This Cherry Cake is not just easy to make but also incredibly versatile. The combination of light, fluffy cake with the tartness of the cherries provides a balanced flavor that’s not overly sweet. It’s a perfect way to use seasonal cherries and can be easily adapted by adding lemon zest or almond extract to enhance the fruit flavors. Every slice is moist, airy, and bursting with cherries, making it a favorite for both children and adults.
Perfect Occasion:
This cake is ideal for summer picnics, family gatherings, or as a comforting treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or coffee. It's also great for potlucks and bake sales, as it's a crowd-pleaser that's easy to transport and serve. The vibrant appearance and delightful taste make it a wonderful dessert for celebrating the cherry season.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful and professional finish, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple glaze. Garnish with fresh cherry halves around the edge or on top for a decorative touch. If desired, a light spread of whipped cream can also be added just before serving to add an extra layer of indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups of sugar (200ml cup)
- 1 cup of yogurt
- 1/3 cup of oil
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 2 1/2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour
- 300-400 g pitted cherries
- Optional: juice and grated zest of half a lemon
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F). Line a 28 cm baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, vigorously beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the yogurt and oil until well combined. If using, add lemon juice and zest at this stage.
- Gently fold the sifted flour mixed with baking powder into the wet ingredients using a whisk to ensure the mixture is uniform.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly distribute the pitted cherries over the top of the batter.
- Place the dish in the oven. After 10 minutes, reduce the temperature to 200°C (392°F) and continue baking for about 30 more minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar.
Enjoy this delectable Classic Cherry Cake, a staple recipe that brings the freshness of cherries into a delightful dessert perfect for any summer celebration!