Cherry cake with cream cheese
Cherry and Cream Cheese Cake - A Refreshing No-Bake Delight
When it comes to desserts, many of us look for that perfect combination of taste and ease of preparation. This cherry and cream cheese cake recipe is just what you need: a refreshing, tasty dessert that requires no oven. So, get ready to indulge your taste buds with this delicacy that can easily become the star of any meal!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Ingredients:
For the base:
- 150 g biscuits (you can also use ladyfingers for a different texture)
- 150 g melted butter
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons cherry liqueur (or your favorite liqueur)
- 3 tablespoons honey
For the cream:
- 300 g soft cheese (I recommend Pilos cottage cheese for a creamy taste)
- 280 g yogurt
- 4-5 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 3 packets of gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
For the glaze:
- 1 large jar of cherry compote
- 2 packets of gelatin glaze
- 4 tablespoons sugar
Recipe Story
Inspired by famous culinary magazines, this cherry and cream cheese cake recipe is perfect for hot summer days but can be enjoyed anytime. The tart flavor of the cherries perfectly complements the sweet, smooth cream, making this dessert an ideal choice for any occasion. Without the need for an oven, this recipe is accessible even to those who are just starting their culinary journey.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Base
- Start by melting the butter in a small bowl. Make sure it is completely liquid to mix well with the other ingredients.
- In a food processor, crush the biscuits until they become a fine powder. If using ladyfingers, the process is similar.
- Add the crushed biscuits to the melted butter, along with the honey, cocoa, and cherry liqueur. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.
- Line the bottom of a cake pan with this mixture, pressing down firmly to form an even base. Then, refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
2. Adding the Cherries
- Drain the cherries from the compote and arrange them evenly over the cooled base. This step will add a touch of freshness and a pleasant contrast of textures.
3. Preparing the Gelatin Glaze
- In a bowl, mix the sugar with the packets of gelatin. Add 500 ml of liquid, made up of the cherry compote and a little water, and heat.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then carefully pour it over the cherry layer. Let it cool slightly, then put the pan back in the fridge.
4. Preparing the Cream
- In another bowl, mix the cheese, yogurt, powdered sugar, and cocoa. This mixture will form the creamy base of the cake.
- Hydrate the gelatin in a little milk and then dissolve it over heat. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture to the dissolved gelatin to temper it, then pour the mixture back into the cream cheese. Mix well until smooth.
- Pour the cream over the cherries and gelatin glaze in the cake pan, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours to set.
5. Finishing the Cake
- Once the cake has set in the fridge, you can decorate it with cherries from the compote and add a chocolate glaze. A personal trick is to use bubble wrap to create an artistic look on the glaze - an idea I picked up from a talented cooking friend.
Serving Suggestions
This cherry and cream cheese cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce. Serve it alongside a cup of mint tea or a strong espresso to contrast the sweetness of the dessert.
Practical Tips
- Choosing Ingredients: Using quality biscuits will make a significant difference in the taste of the base. Cocoa biscuits or digestive biscuits are excellent choices.
- Gelatin: Make sure to follow the instructions on the package to achieve a perfect glaze. Gelatin is essential for providing stability to the cake.
- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits from the compote, such as peaches or cherries, to create interesting variations of this dessert.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of the cake contains approximately 270 calories, making it a lighter choice compared to many other desserts. The cheese and yogurt provide an important source of protein, while the cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a different texture.
2. What if I don’t have gelatin?
You can use agar-agar as a vegan alternative, but you will need to adjust the quantities according to the package instructions.
3. How long can the cake be stored?
The cake stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap.
In conclusion, this cherry and cream cheese cake is not just a simple and quick recipe, but also a culinary experience full of flavor. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, it will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. So, put on your apron and enjoy cooking!
Ingredients: Base: 150 g biscuits, 150 g butter, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 3 tablespoons cherry liqueur or another spirit, 3 tablespoons honey. Cream: 300 g sweet cheese (I used PILOS cottage cheese), 280 g yogurt, 4-5 tablespoons powdered sugar, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 3 packets gelatin, 2 tablespoons cocoa. We also need: 1 large jar of cherry compote, 2 packets of gelatin glaze, 4 tablespoons sugar.
