These soft and tender cherry shells are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cherries with a subtle vanilla flavor. Perfect for a light dessert or an indulgent snack, this recipe is easy to prepare and adds a touch of elegance with the optional edible flower decoration. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious shells!
Gather Your Ingredients
For the Shells:
- 125 ml cherry or plain yogurt
- 50 ml seed oil
- 1 egg
- 140 g all-purpose flour (farina 00)
- 50 g sugar
- 1/2 sachet of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100 g pitted cherries
To Decorate:
- Dark chocolate, melted
- Edible flowers (optional)
Steps to Follow
1. Prepare the Batter
Start by whisking the egg and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy. An electric whisk works best for this step to achieve that airy texture.
Next, mix in the vanilla extract, oil, and yogurt, ensuring everything is well combined.
Gradually sift the flour and baking powder into the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Finally, fold in the pitted cherries carefully using a spatula. Be gentle to avoid crushing the cherries.
2. Prepare the Shell Molds
Preheat your oven to 180°C (static mode).
Grease and flour your shell-shaped molds, or any other mold you prefer. This helps ensure the shells release easily after baking.
3. Bake the Shells
Pour the batter into the molds, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shells are a beautiful golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the shells cool completely in the molds before attempting to remove them.
4. Decorate
When the shells are fully cooled, melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over each shell. The rich chocolate complements the cherries perfectly.
For an elegant touch, you can also decorate with edible flowers, adding a pop of color and charm.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overmix: When folding in the cherries, be gentle to maintain the structure of the batter and prevent the cherries from sinking.
- Room temperature ingredients: For a smooth batter, make sure your egg and yogurt are at room temperature before mixing.
- Flour your molds: To ensure the shells release easily after baking, properly grease and flour your molds.
Serving Suggestions
These soft cherry shells are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat. They also make a great dessert at parties or gatherings.
Storing the Shells
Store the cherry shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, they freeze well for up to 1 month. Simply defrost at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Soft Cherry Shells Cake
Ingredients
For the Shells
- 125 ml cherry or plain yogurt
- 50 ml seed oil
- 1 egg
- 140 g all-purpose flour (farina 00)
- 50 g sugar
- ½ sachet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 100 g pitted cherries
To Decorate
- Dark chocolate, melted for drizzling
- Edible flowers optional, for decoration
Instructions
Prepare the Batter
- In a bowl, whisk the egg and sugar together using an electric whisk until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract, oil, and yogurt to the mixture and mix well.
- Gradually sift in the flour and baking powder, stirring until smooth.
- Gently fold in the pitted cherries with a spatula, making sure not to overmix.
Prepare the Shell Molds
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (static mode).
- Grease and flour the shell-shaped molds (or any other molds you have).
Bake the Shells
- Pour the batter into the molds, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shells are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the shells to cool completely before removing them from the molds.
Decorate
- Once cooled, melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the shells.
- For an extra touch of beauty, decorate with edible flowers if desired.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve and enjoy these delightful soft cherry shells!
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries depending on availability.
- Optional: Substitute plain yogurt with cherry-flavored yogurt for enhanced flavor.
- Ensure the shells are fully cooled before decorating to avoid the chocolate melting off.
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