Cake with Sour Cherries

Cake with Sour Cherries Recipe - Traditional Romanian Dessert

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

This delicious Cake with Sour Cherries recipe is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of sour cherries with a sweet and buttery cake base. Perfect for a special occasion or as a sweet ending to a meal, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The Cake with Sour Cherries recipe has been a popular dessert in Eastern European countries for generations. Sour cherries are a common fruit in the region, and their tart flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet cake base. This recipe has been passed down through families and is a beloved treat for many.

Ingredients

7 oz / 200 g of confectioner's sugar
7 oz / 200 g of butter
2 eggs
2 - 3 tbsp of sour cream
0.5 tsp of baking soda
vanilla
4 lb / 2 kg of sour cherries
flour as needed
vanilla flavored confectioner's sugar

How to prepare

In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
Add the sour cream and butter to the mixture. Mix thoroughly.
Next, add the baking soda and continue mixing until well incorporated.
Gradually incorporate flour into the mixture, kneading until a medium stiff dough is formed.
Roll the dough into a sheet that is about the thickness of a finger.
Place the dough sheet into a baking pan.
Bake the dough until it lightens in color.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven.
Quickly arrange the pitted and well-drained sour cherries on top of the dough.
Allow the dish to bake further.
While still hot in the pan, cut the baked dough into medium-sized squares.
Transfer the squares onto a plate.
Sprinkle confectioner's sugar over the squares.
Once the squares have cooled, sprinkle them with more vanilla-flavored confectioner's sugar.
If desired, strawberries or apricots can be used as alternatives to sour cherries.

Variations

Try using different fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries in place of the sour cherries.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm and spicy flavor.
For a boozy twist, soak the cherries in rum or brandy before adding them to the cake.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pit the sour cherries before adding them to the cake to prevent any unwanted crunchiness.

- Be sure to drain the cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.

- Adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe based on the tartness of the cherries.

- For a more decadent treat, serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cake with Sour Cherries warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat your oven before baking the cake to ensure even cooking.

- Use a toothpick to test the doneness of the cake - if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute.

- Margarine can be used in place of butter if desired.

- Almond or coconut flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

This Cake with Sour Cherries can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Cake with Sour Cherries on a decorative platter with a sprig of mint for a beautiful presentation. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This Cake with Sour Cherries pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a more indulgent pairing, serve with a glass of dessert wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Cake with Sour Cherries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Cake with Sour Cherries contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Cake with Sour Cherries contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Cake with Sour Cherries contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this Cake with Sour Cherries contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Sour cherries are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and protect your cells from damage.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, sour cream, eggs) and gluten (flour), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

This Cake with Sour Cherries is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Summary

This Cake with Sour Cherries is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of sour cherries with a sweet and buttery cake base. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Cake with Sour Cherries. It was a warm summer afternoon and I was rummaging through an old recipe box that belonged to my grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and faded newspaper clippings, my eyes landed on a handwritten recipe titled "Grandma's Famous Sour Cherry Cake."

I had never heard of this particular cake before, but the name intrigued me. Sour cherries were not a common ingredient in most baking recipes, but I was always willing to try something new. I carefully read through the recipe, taking note of the ingredients and instructions. It seemed fairly straightforward, with a simple batter and a layer of sour cherries on top.

Excited to try my hand at making Grandma's Famous Sour Cherry Cake, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. As I mixed together the flour, sugar, and eggs, the sweet aroma of vanilla filled the air. I carefully folded in the sour cherries, their deep red color standing out against the pale yellow batter.

As the cake baked in the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. Would this cake live up to its name? Would it be as delicious as my grandmother had claimed? When the timer finally dinged and I pulled the cake out of the oven, my mouth watered at the sight of the golden brown crust and the ruby red cherries peeking through.

I let the cake cool for a few minutes before cutting myself a generous slice. As I took my first bite, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. The tangy sweetness of the cherries paired perfectly with the buttery cake, creating a flavor that was both familiar and new. This cake was truly something special, a hidden gem that had been waiting to be discovered.

Over the years, I made Grandma's Famous Sour Cherry Cake countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own taste. I shared it with friends and family, who all marveled at the unique combination of flavors. Some even asked for the recipe, eager to recreate the magic in their own kitchens.

As I continued to bake and experiment with different recipes, I realized that each one had a story behind it. Whether it was a family heirloom passed down through generations or a new discovery from a cookbook, every recipe had its own history and significance. And with each batch of cookies or loaf of bread that came out of my oven, I felt a connection to the past and a sense of pride in carrying on the tradition of home cooking.

Now, as I sit here reflecting on the countless recipes I have collected over the years, I am grateful for the memories they hold and the joy they bring to those who taste them. From Grandma's Famous Sour Cherry Cake to my own creations, each recipe is a reminder of the love and care that goes into every dish we make.

And so, I will continue to bake and cook, sharing my passion for food with those around me. Because in the end, it's not just about the ingredients or the techniques—it's about the stories we create and the memories we cherish with each bite we take.