Cocoa and sweet cheese layered cake

Cocoa and sweet cheese cake – a recipe that combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the creamy cheese filling, offering a delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. This cake is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, suitable for serving at tea, at a party, or simply as a treat after dinner. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup (250 ml) sugar
- 1 cup oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 1 cup yogurt (natural or Greek)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 15 g dry yeast
- Zest of one orange
- 2 heaping tablespoons cocoa
- 900 g flour

For the filling:
- 900 g cottage cheese (ideally well drained)
- 3 eggs
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
- Zest of one orange
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using a mixer until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough. Gradually add the oil, mixing continuously, followed by the yogurt.

2. Incorporating dry ingredients: Add the cocoa, yeast, and baking powder. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Sifting the flour is important to avoid lumps. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula or by hand, until you obtain a homogeneous, non-sticky dough that is easy to work with. Don’t forget to add the orange zest, which will provide a fresh and aromatic taste.

3. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, combine the well-drained cottage cheese with the eggs, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla essence, and orange zest. Mix well until you obtain a creamy and homogeneous mixture. Ensure that the cheese is well drained; otherwise, the filling will be too soft.

4. Assembling the cake: Divide the dough into 3 equal parts. Sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out the first part of the dough into a sheet of appropriate thickness. Line a 24 x 36 cm baking tray with parchment paper and place the first sheet in the tray, cutting off any excess edges if necessary. Spread half of the cheese filling on top, followed by the second sheet of dough, the remaining filling, and finally the third sheet of dough.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the cake in the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes, or until it becomes golden and fluffy. A good method to check if it is baked is to use a toothpick: it should come out clean if the cake is ready.

6. Cooling and serving: After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray, then transfer it to a wire rack. Finally, dust with powdered sugar to give it an elegant appearance.

7. Serving suggestion: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also add a spoonful of sour cream or whipped cream on top for extra flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while yogurt adds beneficial probiotics for digestion. Cocoa contains antioxidants, and orange zest provides vitamin C. This delicious cake is not only a culinary delight but also a healthier option than many other desserts.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but make sure they are well drained to avoid a too-soft filling.
2. How can I store the cake? You can keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
3. Can it be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to cut it into portions before freezing to facilitate thawing.

Possible variations:
- You can add chocolate chips to the cheese filling for extra flavor.
- Instead of orange, you can use lemon zest for a different aroma.
- Experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar, for a more caramelized taste.

This cocoa and sweet cheese cake is not just a dessert but a true culinary experience that will delight your taste buds and bring smiles to your loved ones. You can customize the recipe according to your preferences and turn it into a family favorite. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 2 eggs, 1 cup of sugar (I used a 250 ml cup), 1 cup of oil, 1 cup of yogurt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 15 g of dry yeast, grated orange peel, 2 heaping tablespoons of cocoa, 900 g of flour. For the filling: 900 g of cottage cheese, 3 eggs, 3 tablespoons of flour, 7 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence, grated peel from one orange, a pinch of salt, powdered sugar for decoration.