Home

Chocolate and cherry crumb cake

17/11/2023

The chocolate and cherry crumb cake is a delicious variant of the classic American dessert, enriched with the intense flavor of chocolate and the sweetness of cherries. Here’s how to prepare it, with a touch of Italian flair by using a typical liqueur to enhance the flavor of the cherries.

Ingredients

For the base:

  • 150 g of all-purpose flour
  • 30 g of unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 130 g of granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • A pinch of salt
  • 115 g of unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 120 ml of whole milk

For the cherry filling:

  • 300 g of pitted fresh cherries (or canned cherries if not in season)
  • 50 g of granulated sugar
  • The juice of half a lemon
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons of Amaretto di Saronno (optional)

For the crumble:

  • 100 g all-purpose flour
  • 50 g of brown sugar
  • 50 g of cold butter, cubed
  • A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and butter and flour a square baking pan (approximately 20x20 cm).

  2. In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar together, then incorporate the eggs one at a time and the vanilla extract.

  4. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing until you have a homogeneous dough.

  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.

  6. For the cherry filling, in a small saucepan, combine the cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until the cherries are slightly softened and their juice has thickened into a sauce. If desired, add the Amaretto di Saronno and let the alcohol evaporate.

  7. Spread the cherry filling over the batter in the pan.

  8. For the crumble, combine the flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a bowl. Work the mixture with your fingers until you have coarse crumbs.

  9. Sprinkle the crumble over the cherries.

  10. Bake in the oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  11. Let cool completely before cutting and serving.

Curiosity

The crumb cake is famous for its “crumble” layer, which gives it a unique crunchiness. The addition of Amaretto di Saronno is a distinctly Italian touch that enhances the flavor of the cherries.

And this delicious crumb cake is even more enjoyable when accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of whipped cream. Enjoy your meal!

Chocolate and cherry crumb cake