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Sweet Cherry Hazelnut Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of hazelnuts with the sweet, tartness of fresh cherries. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday celebration, or simply a treat for yourself. The nutty aroma of hazelnuts paired with juicy cherries creates a moist and flavorful cake that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the step-by-step process to create this scrumptious cake!
Ingredients
- 1 cup of hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Hazelnuts
Toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool, then chop coarsely.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in Hazelnuts and Cherries
Gently fold in the toasted hazelnuts and halved cherries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
How should I store the Sweet Cherry Hazelnut Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I substitute hazelnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! You can substitute hazelnuts with walnuts or almonds, depending on your preference.
Is this cake suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make this cake gluten-free, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the baking powder as well for gluten-free options.
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