Cottage cheese cake

Cottage Cheese Cake - A Sweet Delight!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Who doesn't love a cake that combines the fluffy texture of cottage cheese with the sweetness of a delicious jam? Cottage cheese cake is a simple yet flavorful dessert that can turn even the gloomiest days into a sweet experience. This recipe has an interesting story, rooted in family culinary traditions, and is perfect for preparing together with loved ones.

Ingredients

- 150 g margarine
- 1/2 cup sugar (approximately 100 g)
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/2 packet baking powder (approximately 5 g)
- 350 g flour
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 3-4 tablespoons semolina
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 small jar of cherry jam (or any other preferred jam)

Necessary utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Baking dish (20 x 30 cm) or a similar tray
- Knife for cutting
- Aluminum foil (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the base dough
In a large bowl, start by creaming the margarine at room temperature with the sugar. Use a spatula or a mixer on low speed to obtain a creamy mixture. Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is essential to incorporate air into the dough, which will lead to a fluffier cake.

2. Adding the dry ingredients
Next, sift the flour together with the baking powder over the margarine mixture. Use the spatula to mix the ingredients until the dough becomes homogeneous. It is important not to overmix, as the dough will become denser. Handle gently!

3. Separating the dough
Set aside about a quarter of the dough. This will be used to cover the cake at the end. The remaining dough will be spread evenly in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the dish is greased with oil and flour to prevent the cake from sticking.

4. Preparing the cheese filling
In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the semolina and vanilla sugar. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition. This will add a pleasant flavor to the cake and provide a creamy texture.

5. Assembling the cake
Over the dough spread in the baking dish, add the cottage cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. Then, add the cherry jam on top of the cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed. This sweet layer will perfectly contrast with the savory filling of the cheese.

6. Finalizing the cake
Grate the dough you set aside over the jam layer, ensuring that everything is well covered. This step will create a delicious crust on top.

7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat) and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until it turns golden on top. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to prevent the cake from sinking.

8. Cooling and serving
After baking, let the cake cool completely in the dish. Then, cut it into squares and serve. It is a perfect dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea, and also to share with friends at a festive meal.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the cottage cheese: Make sure the cheese is well-drained to avoid the filling becoming too wet. You can use fresh or store-bought cottage cheese, but always check the texture.

- Jam variations: If you don't have cherry jam, you can use any other type of jam, such as strawberries, peaches, or plums. Each variation will add a distinct flavor to your cake.

- Making it fluffier: If you want an even fluffier texture, you can add a beaten egg white to the cottage cheese mixture.

Nutritional Benefits

Cottage cheese cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a good source of protein due to the cheese. Additionally, the semolina adds complex carbohydrates, providing long-lasting energy. When consumed in moderation, this cake can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace margarine with butter?
Yes, you can use butter instead of margarine. The taste will be richer, but make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.

How long does the cake last?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can reheat it slightly before serving to restore its texture.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe is not vegan, but you can experiment with plant-based cottage cheese and vegan margarine.

Serving Suggestions

For an extra flavor boost, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top of the cake before serving. Also, a handful of toasted nuts or almonds added on top will provide a crunchy texture and a pleasant contrast to the soft filling.

Cottage cheese cake is a dessert that brings joy and beautiful memories. Share this recipe with your loved ones and enjoy every delicious bite!

 Ingredients: 150 g margarine, 1/2 cup sugar, 3 egg yolks, 1/2 packet baking powder, 350 g flour, 500 g cottage cheese, 3-4 tablespoons semolina, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 1 small jar of sour cherry jam

 Tags:  cookies cottage cheese