Bird Cherry Cake with Sour Cream Frosting

The aroma of bird cherry rarely leaves anyone indifferent, as it brings to mind the freshness of spring. You can capture this springtime vibe even on frosty evenings by making a Bird Cherry Cake with Sour Cream Frosting— a dessert made from bird cherry flour, which has a magical fragrance. In this recipe, the cake layers are paired with a very simple cream, but despite its simplicity, it perfectly completes the flavor composition.

Cooking time: 20 hours.

Servings: 6 (1200 gram).

Calories: 223 kcal per 100g.

Cuisine: Russian.

Ingredients

For the layers:

• 120 g of bird cherry flour;
• 250 g sour cream;
• 150 g wheat flour;
• ½ tsp soda;
• 2 egg;
• 200 g sugar;
• 50 g butter;
• 20 ml lemon juice.

For the frosting:

• 600 g sour cream;
• 80 g of powdered sugar.

Cooking

1. Mix the bird cherry flour with sour cream and whisk the mixture well. Cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 10-12 hours. The bird cherry mixture should become pliable so the cake layers turn out tender. If your sour cream is too thick, you can replace 1/5 of it with milk.

2. Once the bird cherry mixture has rested, continue with the next steps. In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, typically for 4-5 minutes on high speed.

3. Gradually add the bird cherry flour mixture to the egg-sugar base while continuing to beat the batter for another 2-3 minutes until smooth. Then, add the melted butter and lemon juice, which will help make the layers lighter. Beat for 1 more minute.

4. Now, incorporate the dry ingredients into the batter. Sift the wheat flour mixed with baking soda into the mixture. There’s no need to neutralize the soda—it will react with the lemon juice and the acidity in the sour cream. Mix everything well with a spatula, then pour the batter into a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Smooth the batter out with circular motions to ensure it rises evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 35-40 minutes, depending on your oven.

5. Let the cake rest in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it onto a flat surface with the top side facing down. Be sure to remove the parchment from the bottom. Leave the cake to cool completely for about 4-5 hours. Once cooled, slice it into 3-4 layers using a cake cutter or a sharp knife. There’s no need to soak the layers, as the frosting will keep them moist.

6. For the frosting, use the richest sour cream you can find. Add powdered sugar, adjusting the sweetness to your taste. Beat the sour cream on low speed until the sugar is fully dissolved. You can add a little vanilla at the end for extra flavor.

7. Start assembling the cake. Place 1-2 tablespoons of frosting in the center of a serving plate to “glue” the bottom layer in place. Spread 3-4 tablespoons of frosting on top of the first layer, then add the next layer, repeating the process for the entire cake. Cover the top layer with frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula or a spoon. Use the remaining frosting to cover the sides. Make sure to use plenty of frosting since it will absorb quickly into the cake. If your sour cream is too runny or there isn’t enough frosting, the cake layers might end up with thin frosting in between.

8. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 3-4 hours to let the flavors meld and the cake firm up. After a long chill, the frosting may take on a yellowish tint from the cake layers. Before serving, you can refresh the outer layer of frosting to eliminate this yellowish hue. For decoration, fresh berries or edible flowers work beautifully, but if you don’t have any, you can use jam, chocolate, dried fruits, or other sweets. You can also dust the top with a bit of leftover bird cherry flour.

9. Your bird cherry cake with sour cream frosting is now ready to serve. Be sure to cut the cake with a sharp knife to achieve neat slices without squashing the layers. Wipe the knife clean after each cut for the best results. This cake will not only enhance a casual tea time but also become the centerpiece of a family celebration. Its sweet berry aroma and creamy, delicate flavor are sure to make it a lasting favorite!