Cottage cheese and raisin cake

Cheese and Raisin Cake: A Family Recipe Full of Memories

Cheese and raisin cake is one of those desserts that brings a touch of nostalgia in every bite. This recipe, passed down from generation to generation, is not only extremely delicious but also offers a sense of comfort and warmth. This is the recipe my mother made weekly and which quickly became the family favorite. The crust is delicate and easy to prepare, and can also be used for other cakes, such as apple cake. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this dessert that perfectly combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the creamy filling of cheese and raisins.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 700-800 g wheat flour
- 2 large eggs
- 10 tablespoons of milk
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 10 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 essence of vanilla
- A pinch of salt
- 1 packet of baking powder extinguished with lemon juice

For the filling:
- 500 g fresh cheese (ideally well drained)
- 2-3 eggs (depending on their size)
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 essence of vanilla
- 200 g raisins (preferably soaked in water or rum)
- A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the 10 tablespoons of sugar, 10 tablespoons of oil, 10 tablespoons of milk, vanilla sugar, salt, and the essences of rum and vanilla. Mix the ingredients well with a whisk or spatula until the mixture becomes homogeneous.

2. Adding the flour: Gradually incorporate the flour, continuously mixing until you obtain an elastic dough that can be rolled out. You may not need all the flour, so add it gradually.

3. Let the dough rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for 15-20 minutes in a warm place. This step will make the crust even fluffier.

4. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, combine the cheese with the sugar, eggs, essences of rum and vanilla, raisins, and a pinch of salt. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

5. Rolling out the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll each part into a thin sheet.

6. Assembling the cake: Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with flour. Place the first sheet of dough in the tray, add the cheese mixture, then cover with the second sheet. Between the layers of dough and filling, poke gently with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the cake turns golden and firm to the touch.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Serve the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar on top or alongside a vanilla sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the cheese: It is important to use fresh cheese that is well drained to avoid a too wet filling.
- Hydrating the raisins: If you want to add an extra flavor, soak the raisins in a little rum or warm water for 15 minutes before using them.
- Apple version: This cake recipe can be easily adapted. Replace the cheese filling with grated apples mixed with sugar and cinnamon for a delicious apple cake.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. Additionally, raisins add fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet. Of course, it is important to consume desserts in moderation, but this cake can be a good choice for special occasions or to treat the family.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of cheese?: Yes, you can use ricotta or goat cheese, but the taste will be different. Make sure the cheese is well drained.
- How can I store the cake?: The cake keeps well at room temperature for a few days, but you can refrigerate it in an airtight container to extend its freshness.
- Can I freeze the cake?: Yes, you can freeze the cake cut into portions. Make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.

This cheese and raisin cake is not just a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to create beautiful memories with loved ones. Happy cooking and enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 700-800g of wheat flour, 2 eggs, 10 tablespoons of milk, 10 tablespoons of sugar, 10 tablespoons of oil, vanilla sugar, rum and vanilla essence, a pinch of salt, baking powder. Filling: 500g of fresh cottage cheese, 2-3 eggs, 200g of sugar, vanilla sugar, rum and vanilla essences, raisins, salt.

 Tags:  cheese cake