Cherry Spice Cake

Cherry Spice Cake Recipe - Ingredients and Instructions

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Cherry Spice Cake is a delicious and moist dessert that combines the tartness of sour cherries with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This cake is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

History

Cherry Spice Cake has been a popular dessert for many years, with variations of the recipe appearing in cookbooks and family recipe collections. The combination of cherries and spices creates a unique and flavorful cake that is loved by many.

Ingredients

16 oz (454 g) can of water-packed sour cherries
0.5 cup of sweet milk (recipe below)
0.5 cup of packed dates
0.25 cup of light oil
2 large eggs, separated
0.75 cup of unsweetened applesauce
1.75 cup of whole wheat flour
2 tbsp of low fat soy flour
2 tbsp of non-fat dry milk powder
1 tbsp of cinnamon
1 tbsp of baking powder
1 tsp of baking soda
0.5 tsp of cloves
0.5 tsp of nutmeg
0.25 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Prepare an 8-inch square cake pan by greasing and flouring it.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Drain the water-packed cherries. Once drained, measure 1 cup of cherries and set them aside.
In a blender, puree 0.5 cup of sweet milk with 0.5 cup of packed dates.
Blend together oil, egg yolks, and applesauce. Set aside.
In a small bowl, beat 2 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine flours, dry milk, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Stir well.
Gradually mix the blended liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients until well moistened.
Gently stir in the cherries. Then fold in the beaten egg whites just until combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 50 minutes.
Allow the cake to cool to room temperature.
Cover the cake and refrigerate it.

Variations

This recipe can be used to make cupcakes.
You can substitute 1 cup of fresh sliced strawberries for the cherries.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Substitute the sour cherries with another fruit like raspberries or blueberries.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the cherries well before using them in the recipe to prevent the cake from becoming too wet.

- Folding in the beaten egg whites gently will help to keep the cake light and fluffy.

- Refrigerating the cake after baking will help to enhance the flavors and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cherry Spice Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.

Cooking Techniques

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

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

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sour cherries, you can use canned or frozen sweet cherries instead.

- You can substitute the applesauce with mashed bananas for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Cherry Spice Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cherry Spice Cake pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 15-20 seconds or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 220 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 35g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 6g per serving

Saturated Fat: 1g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Cherry Spice Cake is a good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

Alergens

Contains eggs and milk. May contain wheat.

Summary

Cherry Spice Cake is a moderately healthy dessert option, with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cherry Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of tart cherries and warm spices, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious treat!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was passed down to me by my dear friend Martha, who had learned it from her own grandmother. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watered at the thought of the delicious Cherry Spice Cake that would soon be coming out of my oven.

Martha had always been an excellent cook, and I knew that anything she recommended would be sure to impress. She had a way of infusing her dishes with love and care, and I could only hope to replicate that same magic in my own kitchen.

I set to work gathering all of the necessary ingredients - flour, sugar, butter, eggs, cherries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of almond extract. As I mixed and measured, memories of Martha's kitchen flooded my mind. The warmth of her home, the sweet smells wafting through the air, and the sound of laughter as we shared a meal together.

The recipe called for a special touch - a sprinkle of love, Martha had written at the bottom of the page. I smiled as I added this final ingredient, knowing that it was the most important one of all. With a prayer in my heart and a song on my lips, I placed the cake in the oven to bake.

As the scent of cherries and spices filled my kitchen, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This cake was more than just a dessert - it was a connection to the past, a link to all of the women who had come before me and shared their love through food.

When the timer finally chimed and I pulled the cake from the oven, my heart swelled with joy. It was perfect - moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. I couldn't wait to share it with my family and friends, to pass on the tradition of this Cherry Spice Cake to the next generation.

As I served slices of the cake to my loved ones, their faces lit up with delight. They could taste the history and love baked into every bite, and I knew that Martha's recipe would live on for years to come.

In the years that followed, I continued to make the Cherry Spice Cake for special occasions and holidays. It became a staple in my repertoire, a dish that brought comfort and joy to all who tasted it.

And as I grew older, I found myself passing down the recipe to my own grandchildren. I shared stories of Martha and the magic of her kitchen, of the connection between food and love, and of the importance of tradition.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the laughter of my family and the aroma of Cherry Spice Cake baking in the oven, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the recipes that have been passed down to me, for the memories of loved ones who have come and gone, and for the joy that cooking has brought into my life.

And as I take a bite of the warm, delicious cake, I know that Martha's legacy lives on in every crumb. This Cherry Spice Cake is more than just a recipe - it is a reminder of the power of food to connect us, to nourish us, and to bring us together in love and joy.