Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• A pinch of salt
• 150 grams (4/5 cup) sugar
• 150 ml (3/4 cup) vegetable oil
• 150 ml (3/4 cup) milk
• 300 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 15 grams (3 tsp) baking powder
• 100 grams (1/2 cup) dried cherries
• 1 egg (for topping)
• 100 grams (5 tbsp) yogurt
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for topping)
• 50 grams fresh or frozen cherries
• Powdered sugar for decoration

Ingredient Notes

Using dried cherries contributes not only sweetness but also texture. If you don’t have dried cherries, you can substitute with raisins or cranberries. Fresh or frozen cherries on top add a burst of flavor and are visually appealing, making your cake even more tempting.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Baking dish (28×18 cm or 10×7 inches)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Toothpick for testing doneness

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and sugar until the mixture lightens in color—about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable oil and milk, mixing until well combined.
4. Gradually sift in the flour and baking powder while mixing, ensuring there are no lumps.
5. Fold in the dried cherries gently, and pour the batter into a greased baking dish.
6. In a separate bowl, mix one egg with the yogurt, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
7. Halve or slice your fresh or frozen cherries and arrange them evenly over the cake batter.
8. Drizzle the yogurt mixture over the cherries, making sure to cover as much as possible.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool before dusting with powdered sugar for a lovely finish.

Pro Tips

• Make sure your eggs are at room temperature; they blend better into the batter.
• For a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
• Avoid over-mixing once you add the flour—this keeps the cake light and fluffy.
• Check the cake a few minutes early to ensure it doesn’t overbake.

Common Mistakes

• Not greasing the baking dish can lead to sticking. Make sure to use a light coating of oil or butter.
• Overbaking can dry out the cake, so watch it closely during the last few minutes.
• Forgetting to mix in the baking powder thoroughly can lead to uneven rising; make sure it’s well combined with the flour.

Variations

• Substitute the dried cherries with other dried fruits like apricots or figs for a different flavor.
• Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a lovely nutty essence.
• For a chocolate twist, mix in half a cup of mini chocolate chips.
• Swap out the yogurt for sour cream if you’d like a slightly tangier flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Slice and serve your Cherry Cake as is or with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful addition to any gathering.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a particularly warm climate, refrigeration is recommended to prolong freshness.

Reheating Tips

If your cake is cold from the fridge, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. This will restore some of the deliciously moist texture.

Nutrition Estimate

Approximate values per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 230
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fat: 12g

Recipe Summary

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 12

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Calories: 230

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Yes, you can adjust the quantity as desired, but the texture may differ slightly.

What if I don’t have yogurt?

You can substitute it with sour cream or buttermilk for a similar effect.

Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! The cake freezes well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container.

How can I make it gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Is it necessary to use both types of cherries?

While it’s not necessary, using both adds depth to the flavor and texture of the cake.

Embrace the simplicity and deliciousness of this Cherry Cake; it’s bound to become a favorite in your home!