Belarusian sour cherry cake, known locally as "vishnevka," is a traditional and beloved dessert from Belarus. It features a soft, moist sponge cake filled with a tangy sour cherry filling and topped with a light, creamy frosting. This cake balances the tartness of sour cherries with the sweetness of sugar and the richness of vanilla frosting, creating a harmonious and indulgent treat.
Vishnevka is a classic representation of Belarusian baking traditions. Sour cherries are commonly used in Eastern European desserts, prized for their vibrant flavor and natural tartness. The cake’s origins reflect the region's love for fruit-based pastries and the practice of making the most of seasonal produce. Historically, cakes like vishnevka have been enjoyed during festive occasions and family gatherings, highlighting the region's emphasis on rich flavors and home-cooked comforts.
Ingredients:
- Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- Sour Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups pitted sour cherries (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Make the Sour Cherry Filling:
- Combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and cherries break down (about 10 minutes).
3. Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice the cake horizontally into two layers. Spread the sour cherry filling on the bottom layer, then place the top layer back on.
- Frost the top and sides with the whipped cream frosting. Garnish with additional sour cherries if desired.
Notes:
- Fresh or canned sour cherries can be used. Drain canned cherries before use.
Nutrition Value
1. Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour:
- Calories: 910
- Carbohydrates: 190 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins
- Minerals: Iron, calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy through complex carbohydrates and contributes to overall daily vitamin and mineral intake.
-2 tsp baking powder:
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1,200 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
-1/2 tsp salt:
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1,150 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor and improves texture.
-1 cup sugar:
- Calories: 774
- Carbohydrates: 200 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness and energy through simple carbohydrates.
-1/2 cup unsalted butter:
- Calories: 814
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 92 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 258 mg
- Vitamins: A, D, E
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds richness, flavor, and fat-soluble vitamins.
-3 large eggs:
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 1.8 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Cholesterol: 615 mg
- Vitamins: A, D, B12
- Minerals: Iron, calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and healthy fats.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract:
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and aromatic compounds.
- 1/2 cup milk:
- Calories: 61
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fat: 3 g
- Sodium: 49 mg
- Cholesterol: 14 mg
- Vitamins: A, D, B12
- Minerals: Calcium, potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides protein, calcium, and essential vitamins.
2. Sour Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups pitted sour cherries:
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, A
- Minerals: Potassium, manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support immune function and overall health.
- 1/4 cup sugar:
- Calories: 194
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness and energy through simple carbohydrates.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch:
- Calories: 30
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Thickens sauces and fillings, improving texture.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice:
- Calories: 4
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C
- Minerals: Potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides vitamin C and adds tangy flavor.
3. Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy cream:
- Calories: 821
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 88 g
- Sodium: 62 mg
- Cholesterol: 330 mg
- Vitamins: A, D
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds rich flavor and provides vitamins A and D.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar:
- Calories: 200
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness and energy through simple carbohydrates.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract:
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and aromatic compounds.
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