German cheese cake

German Cheesecake - A Creamy Delight That Will Win Your Heart

Total preparation time: 90 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60-70 minutes
Number of servings: 12

With a name that evokes old traditions and enticing aromas, the German Cheesecake is a dessert that brings joy and comfort in every slice. This creamy cake is perfect for serving on a special occasion or simply to add a touch of sweetness to everyday life. With a tender crust and a velvety cheese cream, this recipe will transform your kitchen into a true pastry shop.

Necessary Ingredients:

*For the crust:*
- 200 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 75 g soft butter, at room temperature
- 75 g sugar
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- 1 egg

*For the cream:*
- 750 g cottage cheese (a good choice is well-drained cottage cheese for a perfect texture)
- 150 g sugar
- 4 eggs
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 250 ml milk (you can use skimmed milk for a lighter cake)
- 2-3 tablespoons cornstarch or, for best results, 1 packet pudding powder

Step by Step for a Perfect Cake:

1. Preparing the Crust:
Start by preheating the oven to 175-180 degrees Celsius. In a bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. In another bowl, beat the soft butter with the sugar until you obtain a creamy mixture. Add the egg and vanilla essence, continuing to mix until well combined. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture, stirring until it becomes a homogeneous dough.

2. Forming the Crust:
Choose a springform pan with a diameter of 26 cm. Grease it with a little butter and, using your hands, spread the dough into shape, forming a border of about 3 cm around the edge. If the dough sticks to your hands, wet them periodically with water. Once finished, place the pan with the crust in the fridge to firm up.

3. Preparing the Cream:
In another bowl, beat the two eggs with the two egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla sugar using a mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy. Add the cottage cheese, milk, and pudding powder, mixing until you obtain a smooth cream. You can use a food processor to achieve a perfect texture.

4. Assembling the Cake:
Remove the pan from the fridge and pour the cheese cream over the crust, smoothing it with a spatula. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy, then add the remaining 50 g of sugar. Continue mixing until you obtain a firm and glossy meringue. Carefully place the meringue over the cheese cream, ensuring even distribution.

5. Baking the Cake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 60-70 minutes. Watch the meringue: if it starts to burn, reduce the temperature and cover the pan with aluminum foil to protect it. The cake is ready when it is lightly browned on the edges, and the meringue is firm.

6. Cooling and Serving:
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. Then, carefully release it from the pan. It is ideal to let it chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight for the flavors to blend perfectly.

Practical Tips for a Successful Cake:
- Ensure that the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid a too-wet cake.
- You can add a little grated lemon peel to the cheese cream for an extra touch of freshness.
- For a unique taste and aroma, you can replace vanilla essence with almond essence.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This cake offers approximately 300-400 calories per serving, depending on the exact ingredients used. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, making it a healthier choice among desserts. When consumed in moderation, this cake can be a delicious part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, but make sure to choose a cheese with a similar moisture content to avoid compromising the cake's texture.
- How can I keep the cake fresh? It keeps well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.
- Is it possible to freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended to thaw it slowly in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions:
This cheesecake pairs perfectly with a berry sauce or caramel syrup for an extra touch of sweetness. A cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement the meal, bringing a touch of refinement and warmth.

Possible Variations:
- You can add raisins or chocolate pieces to the cheese cream for a richer flavor.
- Instead of meringue, you can use a chocolate glaze to coat the cake, bringing a delicious contrast between the creamy cheese and sweet chocolate.

So, invite your friends and family to enjoy this German Cheesecake, a treat that will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. With a simple recipe and accessible ingredients, success is guaranteed!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 200 g flour, 1 packet baking powder, 75 g soft butter, 75 g sugar, 1 vial vanilla essence, 1 egg. For the cream: 750 g cottage cheese, 150 g sugar, 4 eggs, 1 packet vanilla sugar, 250 ml milk, 2-3 tablespoons starch or better 1 packet pudding powder.