Chocolate Cake with Cherries

This delightful chocolate cake with cherries is a sumptuous dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with the tartness of cherries. Perfect for any festive occasion or as a sweet treat, this cake is both simple to make and incredibly flavorful. The chocolate sponge provides a moist texture that perfectly complements the juicy cherries. Adding a touch of rum infuses the cake with a slight depth of flavor that enhances its overall richness. Baked to perfection, this cake is topped with melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar. It's an irresistible treat that will captivate any chocolate lover. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe guides you through making a dessert that’s sure to impress. Serve this cake on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 250 g butter
• 1 packet vanilla sugar
• 175 g sugar
• 4 eggs
• 125 g all-purpose flour
• 125 g potato starch
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder

Additional Ingredients

• 3 tbsp rum
• 2 jars of pitted cherries (or use fresh cherries)

Preparation Time

Total: 80 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Butter Mixture: Begin by creaming the butter with the sugar and vanilla sugar until it's fluffy.
2. Add Egg Yolks: Gradually add the egg yolks to the butter mixture while continuing to beat until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, potato starch, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
4. Integrate Dry Mixture: Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter, blending until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
5. Whip Egg Whites: In another bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6. Fold Whites into Batter: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cake batter with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
7. Prepare the Pan: Grease a cake pan and pour half the batter into it.
8. Layer Cherries: Drain the cherries well and distribute them evenly over the batter in the pan.
9. Cover Cherries with Batter: Pour the remaining batter over the cherries, ensuring they are completely covered.
10. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
11. Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the oven and bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Decorate: Melt chocolate and drizzle over the cooled cake, or simply dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.

Tips

• Substitutions: If you can't find potato starch, cornstarch can be a substitute.
• Technique: Be gentle when folding the egg whites to retain air in the batter for a lighter cake.
• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbs: 37g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Non-Alcoholic: Omit the rum or replace it with a non-alcoholic rum flavoring.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairing: Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Garnish: Top with fresh berries or mint for added freshness and color.

Best Places

1. Chocolate Heaven - A cozy café known for its variety of chocolate desserts. Location: 123 Sweet Street, Paris, France.
2. Cafe Cherry Blossom - Specializes in cherry-based dishes and delightful pastries. Location: 56 Blossom Lane, Tokyo, Japan.
3. The Cake House - Offers a wide range of cakes, including the popular chocolate cherry cake. Location: 78 Baker's Avenue, London, UK.
4. Choco & Co - Known for their artisanal chocolates and desserts. Location: 34 Cocoa Road, Brussels, Belgium.
5. Sweet Indulgence - A popular spot for dessert lovers with a unique chocolate cherry cake. Location: 90 Sweet Circle, New York, USA.
6. Café du Chocolat - Features an extensive menu of chocolate dishes. Location: 41 Rue du Dessert, Lyon, France.
7. Cherry Delight Café - Famous for its cherry-based treats in a quaint setting. Location: 7 Cherry Lane, Munich, Germany.
8. The Dessert Room - Offers modern takes on classic sweets. Location: 62 Treat Avenue, Melbourne, Australia.
9. Chocolate Dream - A must-visit for chocolate enthusiasts. Location: 27 Cocoa Boulevard, Zurich, Switzerland.
10. Cake and Coffee - A charming café with a focus on homemade cakes and quality coffee. Location: 15 Baker's Street, Toronto, Canada.