The Chilean cherry kuchen is a delicious fusion of German baking and the flavors of southern Chile. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of fresh cherries with a soft dough base and a creamy topping that delights every palate.
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How to Make Cherry Kuchen?
The key lies in selecting ripe and juicy cherries, preparing a perfect shortcrust pastry, and baking the cake until golden brown. The result is a dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of cherry kuchen contains approximately 400 kcal, 45 g of carbohydrates, 22 g of fats, 5 g of proteins, 2 g of fiber, 25 g of sugars, 90 mg of cholesterol, and 150 mg of sodium.
Chilean Cherry Kuchen Recipe
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients
1. Dough
- 300 g plain flour
- 150 g butter
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
2. Filling
- 500 g pitted cherries
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Preparation Steps
- Sift the flour with a pinch of salt into a large bowl to remove lumps and achieve a light texture. Add cubed butter at room temperature and mix with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Make a well in the center and add the egg yolks, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Wash and pit the cherries, then place them in a colander to drain. Whisk the cream, eggs, and sugar until smooth. Dissolve the cornstarch and almond extract into the mixture and combine well.
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and line a springform pan, trimming off any excess dough. Spread the cherries evenly over the dough and pour the cream mixture on top. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
History and Origin
The kuchen arrived in Chile during the 19th century with German immigrants to the southern region of the country, specifically Los Lagos. The settlers adapted their traditional recipes using local fruits, creating a unique variant of the German cake that became a fundamental part of Chilean gastronomy.
Did You Know?
The word “kuchen” simply means “cake” in German, but in Chile, it has become a specific term referring to these fruit tarts with a shortcrust base and creamy filling.
