Cherry Cake

Cherry Cake Recipe from Malta - Delicious and Easy-to-Make

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cherry cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of fresh cherries with a light and fluffy cake. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon tea to a special celebration.

History

Cherry cake has been a popular dessert for centuries, with variations of the recipe appearing in cookbooks dating back to the 18th century. Cherries have long been prized for their delicious flavor and vibrant color, making them a perfect addition to cakes and other baked goods.

Ingredients

6 oz (175 g) natural cherries
4 oz (125 g) self-raising flour, sifted
3 oz (75 g) plain flour, sifted
3 tbsp (45 ml) cornflour
rind of 2 oranges
6 oz (175 g) caster sugar
6 oz (759 g) margarine
3 eggs, lightly beaten
caster sugar, to sprinkle
6 glace cherries, halved
angelica, to decorate

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to gas mark 4 / 350°F / 180°C.
Grease and line a tin.
Wash the cherries and pat them dry with kitchen paper, then cut them in half.
Place the flours in a bowl and stir in the cherries and orange rind.
In a separate bowl, beat together the sugar and fat until light and fluffy.
Gradually beat in the eggs, adding a little of the flour after each addition to avoid curdling.
Once all the egg has been incorporated, carefully fold in the remaining flour mixture containing the cherries and rind.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin, ensuring that the cherries are evenly distributed.
Using a spatula, smooth out the top and create a slight dip in the middle.
Cook in the center of the oven for 1 hour.
After 20 minutes, cover with foil to prevent burning.
Continue cooking until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes.
Turn out onto a wire rack and allow it to cool.
Sprinkle with caster sugar and decorate with the cherries and angelica.

Variations

Try adding almond extract or almond flour to the batter for a subtle nutty flavor.
Substitute the cherries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to wash and dry the cherries thoroughly before cutting them in half for the cake batter.

- Folding in the flour mixture gently will help ensure a light and fluffy cake texture.

- Covering the cake with foil halfway through baking will prevent the top from burning while allowing the center to cook through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cherry cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Preheating the oven and properly greasing and lining the tin will help ensure even baking and easy removal of the cake.

- Folding in the flour mixture gently and not overmixing the batter will help create a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries if they are not in season.

- Butter can be used instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The cherry cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the cherry cake with additional fresh cherries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy a slice of cherry cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cherry cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Cherries are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help boost the immune system and protect against cell damage.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and gluten from the flour, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cherry cake is a delicious dessert that provides a moderate amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also offers a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants from the cherries.

Summary

Cherry cake is a classic dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of fresh cherries with a light and fluffy cake. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon tea to a special celebration. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Cherry Cake. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Emily in her cozy kitchen. She had just returned from a trip to the countryside and brought back a basket full of fresh cherries. As soon as I saw those plump, ruby red cherries, I knew that I had to learn how to make a delicious cherry cake.

Emily was a fantastic cook, and she graciously agreed to teach me her secret recipe. She explained that this cherry cake was a family favorite, passed down through generations. The recipe was a simple one, but it held a special place in her heart.

To start, we gathered all the ingredients we needed: flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, baking powder, vanilla extract, and of course, the star of the show - fresh cherries. Emily showed me how to pit and chop the cherries, explaining that their sweet and tart flavor would be the highlight of the cake.

As we mixed the batter together, Emily shared stories of her grandmother, who used to bake this cherry cake for special occasions. She told me how her grandmother would carefully measure each ingredient, and how the kitchen would be filled with the warm, comforting scent of baking cake.

Once the batter was ready, we poured it into a greased cake pan and arranged the chopped cherries on top. Emily showed me how to bake the cake just right, so that it would be moist and fluffy. As the cake baked in the oven, the sweet aroma of cherries filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the cake was finally done, we let it cool before slicing into it. The first bite was pure bliss - the cake was light and tender, with bursts of juicy cherry in every bite. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a symphony of sweetness and tanginess.

From that day on, I was hooked on making cherry cake. I practiced the recipe over and over, tweaking it here and there to suit my taste. I experimented with different types of cherries, adding a touch of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Over the years, I shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of cherry cake baking. It became a staple dessert at family gatherings and special occasions, loved by all who tried it. Each time I baked a cherry cake, I felt a connection to Emily and her grandmother, as if their love and passion for baking had been passed down to me through this recipe.

As I sit here now, with a slice of cherry cake in front of me, I can't help but smile at the memories this simple dessert holds. It's more than just a recipe - it's a story, a tradition, a connection to the past. And every time I take a bite, I am reminded of the joy and love that baking can bring.

So here's to cherry cake, and to the cherished memories and traditions that it represents. May it continue to bring happiness and warmth to all who taste it, just as it has done for me. And may the spirit of baking and sharing recipes live on for generations to come.