Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet bakery with this show-stopping Morello Cherry Layer Cake that will make your taste buds dance with delight! Imagine cutting into a luxurious, creamy cake with layers of tender sponge, bursting with the tangy-sweet flavor of morello cherries, and crowned with billowy whipped cream. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a spectacular dessert, this European-style cake promises to be a game-changer that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: European
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 200g sugar
- 100g unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 200g morello cherries, pitted
- 300ml heavy cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line two 20cm round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While cakes are cooling, prepare the cherry filling. Pit and chop the morello cherries, reserving some whole cherries for decoration.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Once cakes are completely cool, slice each cake horizontally to create four layers.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream between each cake layer, alternating with chopped morello cherries.
- Cover the entire cake with remaining whipped cream, creating a smooth finish.
- Decorate the top of the cake with reserved whole morello cherries.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and cream to set.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test - it should come out clean with just a few crumbs when the cake is perfectly baked.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow cakes to cool completely before layering to prevent cream from melting and ensure structural integrity.
- Chill for Best Results: Refrigerating the cake helps set the cream and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cherry Tip: If morello cherries are hard to find, you can substitute with sour cherries or a good quality cherry preserves.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
