SAEDNEWS: Cherry slice is a delicious and elegant treat enjoyed internationally. It falls into the category of dry pastries, making it a perfect snack for tea time or as a festive dessert. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing this delightful dessert.
To prepare cherry slices, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Cherry jam (without syrup): ½ cup
Dark chocolate: 100 g (chopped into small pieces)
Crumbled sponge cake: 250 g (you can use homemade or store-bought sponge cake)
Condensed milk: ½ cup (for sweetness and creaminess)
Walnuts (chopped): ½ cup (or your choice of nuts like almonds or pecans)
Cocoa powder: 1 tsp (for added depth of flavor)
Melt the Chocolate
Start by chopping the dark chocolate into small pieces for easy melting. Use the double-boiler method to melt the chocolate gently. To do this, place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir the chocolate constantly until it is fully melted and smooth.
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the melted chocolate along with the condensed milk, cocoa powder, crumbled sponge cake, chopped walnuts, and cherry jam. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should have a thick, sticky consistency that holds its shape when pressed together.
Prepare the Baking Pan
Take a 20x30 cm baking pan and line it with parchment paper. To ensure the paper stays in place, grease the bottom of the pan lightly with butter or solid shortening before placing the parchment paper. This step prevents the slice from sticking to the pan and makes it easier to remove later.
Form the Slice
Transfer the prepared mixture into the lined pan. Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. The surface should be smooth and compact to ensure even slicing later.
Chill the Mixture
Place the pan in the refrigerator and allow the mixture to chill for at least 2–3 hours or until it is firm and set. If you’re short on time, you can also place it in the freezer for faster setting (about 1 hour).
Slice and Serve
Once the mixture is set, carefully lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into slices or squares of your preferred size. Arrange the pieces neatly on a serving platter.
Serve the cherry slices as is for a classic presentation, or drizzle them with melted white chocolate for a decorative touch.
Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for an indulgent snack.
Garnish the slices with additional chopped walnuts or a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
Choose Quality Ingredients: The quality of the chocolate and cherry jam will significantly impact the flavor, so opt for high-quality products.
Avoid Overly Wet Jam: Ensure the cherry jam is drained of any excess syrup to prevent the mixture from becoming too soft or sticky.
Add Personal Touches: Feel free to incorporate additional ingredients such as dried cranberries, raisins, or desiccated coconut for added flavor and texture.
Storage: Store the cherry slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to a week and are perfect for preparing ahead of time for parties or gatherings.
By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll create a dessert that not only looks stunning but also tastes absolutely delicious. Cherry slice is sure to impress your family and friends with its rich chocolatey goodness and the delightful tartness of cherries. Happy baking!
