Thunderstorm cake with sour cherries

**For the filling:**
– 2 cups sour cherries (fresh, frozen, or jarred – drained well)
– 1 packet (about 3.5 oz / 100g) instant vanilla pudding powder
– 2 1/2 cups milk (for the pudding)

**Optional Topping:**
– Powdered sugar or whipped cream for serving

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### 👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch (or similar) baking dish.

2. **Make the pudding** first: In a saucepan, whisk pudding powder into the milk and bring to a gentle boil, stirring until thickened. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. **Prepare the cake batter:**
– In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy.
– Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
– In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
– Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until smooth.

4. **Assemble the cake:**
– Pour the cake batter into the prepared dish.
– Spoon the warm vanilla pudding over the batter in dollops—don’t spread it.
– Distribute the sour cherries evenly on top. As the cake bakes, the pudding and cherries will sink and swirl like storm clouds.

5. **Bake** for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake part (not the pudding) comes out clean.

6. **Cool and serve:** Let cool for at least 20–30 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream.

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### 🌧 What Makes This Cake Special?

– **The surprise texture** – It’s part cake, part pudding, part cobbler.
– **Sour cherries** – Add a tangy contrast to the sweet vanilla layers.
– **Rainy-day comfort** – It’s warm, soft, and perfect with coffee or tea.

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### 💡 Tips & Variations

– You can use **sweet cherries**, but reduce the sugar in the batter slightly.
– Try **chocolate pudding** for a richer twist.
– Want it more dramatic? Add a swirl of cherry juice to the top before baking.

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### Final Thought

The **Thunderstorm Cake with Sour Cherries** isn’t just dessert—it’s an experience. From the moment you pour the pudding onto the batter to the way it looks when it comes out of the oven, this cake brings a little magic to your kitchen.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this storm is one everyone wants to get caught in. ☁️🍒⚡

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