Sweet cheese and poppy seed cake
Sweet Cheese and Poppy Seed Cake - A Delicacy at Home
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Discover the pleasure of a cake that delights not only the taste buds but also the eyes! The sweet cheese and poppy seed cake is a recipe that perfectly combines the creamy texture of cheese with the crunch of poppy seeds, creating a contrast of colors and flavors that cannot be ignored. This cake is ideal for special occasions, but also for a quiet afternoon, enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
The history of cheese and poppy seed cakes is fascinating. These ingredients have been used over time in various cultures, each bringing its own personal touch. Some believe that poppy seeds symbolize fertility and prosperity, often used in desserts to add not only flavor but also an element of tradition.
Main ingredients:
For the dough:
- 250 g flour
- 75 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- 125 g cold butter
- 1 packet baking powder
For the filling:
- 1 pack of poppy seeds (or 150 g poppy seeds + 100 g sugar, ground together)
- 7 tablespoons milk
- 4 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 75 g soft butter
- 500 g cream cheese (quark)
- 1 packet pudding
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Step by step:
1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, egg, and cold butter cut into cubes. Mix the ingredients using a mixer or by hand until you obtain a homogeneous composition. If the dough is too soft, you can add a little more flour. Add the baking powder and mix well.
Useful tips: Use cold butter to achieve a crunchy texture for the dough. You can refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before using.
2. Chilling the dough
Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to firm up the dough and make it easier to roll out.
3. Preparing the filling
In a bowl, mix the poppy seeds with the 7 tablespoons of milk. Let them sit for a few minutes so that the poppy seeds absorb the milk and become softer.
Meanwhile, in another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and soft butter until they become a fluffy cream. Add the cream cheese and the packet of pudding, mixing gently to avoid lumps.
4. Assembling the cake
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface. Use a rolling pin to obtain a thin sheet, then transfer it to the prepared cake pan lined with baking paper. You can use plastic wrap to help with the transfer. Spread the dough evenly, gently lifting the edges. Prick the dough with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
5. Baking the layers
Place the pan in the preheated oven at 185 degrees Celsius and bake for 7-10 minutes, until the dough is lightly golden. Check occasionally to avoid overbaking.
6. Adding the filling
After the base has cooled slightly, evenly spread the mixture of poppy seeds and milk over the dough surface. Then, carefully pour the cream cheese over the filling, being careful not to mix the two layers.
7. Final baking
Put the cake back in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the cream sets and the cake turns golden. To check if it is baked, use a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
8. Cooling and serving
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It is recommended to let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before cutting, allowing the cheese to firm up a bit so that it cuts perfectly.
9. Serving
Serve the sweet cheese and poppy seed cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top, alongside a cup of green tea or fragrant coffee. The rich taste of the cheese perfectly blends with the delicate flavors of the poppy seeds, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.
Possible variations:
- You can add a splash of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the cream cheese for an extra flavor boost.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
Nutritional benefits:
This cake is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the poppy seeds provide a healthy dose of essential fatty acids and fiber. Additionally, it is a less processed option compared to many other commercial desserts.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of cream cheese?
Yes, but make sure the cheese is well drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
2. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.
3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the cake, but I recommend doing so before cutting it, to preserve its texture.
So, don't hesitate any longer! Try this sweet cheese and poppy seed cake recipe and let yourself be carried away by its tempting flavors. It is an excellent choice for both festive meals and moments of personal indulgence. Making this cake will not only bring joy to your table but will surely become a cherished recipe for all your loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: DOUGH: 250g flour, 75g sugar, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 1 egg, 125g cold butter, 1 packet baking powder. Filling: 1 package of poppy seeds + 250g sugar (since I lacked a grinder for the poppy seeds, I bought it pre-made), but I believe it can be replaced with 150g poppy seeds + 100g sugar ground together, 7 tablespoons milk, 4 eggs, 100g sugar, 75g soft butter, 500g cream cheese, quark, 1 packet pudding, 1 tablespoon powdered sugar.
