Cheese and strawberry pie

Cheese and Strawberry Layers

If you are looking for a dessert that combines the airy texture of a cake with a delicious filling and fresh fruits, the recipe for cheese and strawberry layers is the perfect choice. This dessert will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a splash of color to your table. So, let's guide you step by step through this savory recipe!

Preparation Time
- Active Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
- Servings: 12 slices

Ingredients

For the layers:
- 150 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 5 tablespoons cold water
- Zest and juice from 1/2 lemon
- 300 g flour

For the filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 150 g sugar
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 300 g fresh strawberries (washed and halved)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the layers
1. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use a mixer or spatula to combine until you achieve a creamy and smooth mixture.
2. Add the egg yolks: Incorporate the 4 egg yolks, mixing well after each addition. This step will give your layers a rich texture.
3. Flavor it: Squeeze the lemon juice and add the grated zest. The citrus flavors will add a touch of freshness to the dessert.
4. Incorporate the flour: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing until the mixture becomes smooth. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.
5. Roll out the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts and roll each part into a thin sheet, about 5 mm thick.
6. Bake the layers: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the layers on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned around the edges. Check them constantly to avoid them becoming too hard.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. Cream the cheese: In a bowl, add the cottage cheese and sugar. Use a mixer to cream it well until it becomes smooth. Ensure the cheese is well-drained to avoid a too-wet filling.
2. Add the cream: Whip the liquid cream until it becomes stiff, then gently fold it into the cheese mixture with a spatula. This will give the filling an airy texture.

Step 3: Assembling the cake
1. Spread the filling: On the first layer of dough, spread 1/3 of the cheese filling.
2. Place the strawberries: Put the halved strawberries over the filling, distributing them evenly.
3. Cover with filling: Spread the remaining cheese filling over the strawberries.
4. Add the second layer: Carefully place the second layer of dough on top.

Step 4: Finishing
1. Soak the layers: If the layers seem a bit hard (as happened to me), you can soak them with white chocolate liqueur or a simple sugar syrup to make them moister and more flavorful.
2. Chill the cake: Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight. This step is essential to allow the flavors to meld and to achieve an easy cut.

Serving
When you are ready to serve, cut the cake into slices and decorate each slice with a strawberry foam or a thin layer of whipped cream, and add half a strawberry on top for an attractive look. This cake pairs perfectly with fragrant tea or fresh lemonade.

Useful Tips
- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or peaches, instead of strawberries. Each variation will add a unique flavor.
- Cheese: Make sure to use fresh cottage cheese, as the quality of the ingredients will greatly influence the final taste.
- Substitutions: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or opt for coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index.

Nutritional Benefits
This recipe is an excellent source of protein from the cottage cheese and vitamins from the strawberries, which are rich in antioxidants and fiber. Additionally, the use of butter and cream provides healthy fats that contribute to a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use mozzarella cheese instead of cottage cheese? It is not recommended, as mozzarella has a completely different texture and will not provide the same creamy consistency.
- How long can the cake be kept in the refrigerator? The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to consume it within the first 24 hours to enjoy the optimal texture.
- Can this cake be frozen? It is not recommended, as the layers of dough may become soft upon thawing.

Conclusion
The cheese and strawberry layers cake is an easy-to-make dessert, perfect for special occasions or to add a touch of sweetness to your day. With each bite, you will feel the combination of textures and flavors that will make you return to this recipe again and again. So, don’t hesitate, put on your apron and unleash your creativity in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: Ingredients: 100 g sugar, 150 g butter, 300 g flour, 4 egg yolks, 5 tablespoons water, juice and grated peel of 1/2 lemon. Filling: 500 g cottage cheese, 150 g sugar, 200 ml liquid cream, 300 g strawberries.

 Tags:  cake leaf cheese whipped cream strawberries