Pear and cottage cheese cake
Pear and cottage cheese cake: a sweet delight for the soul
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Welcome to the world of pastry delicacies! Today, I invite you to discover together the recipe for a fragrant cake that perfectly combines the sweetness of pears with the creaminess of cottage cheese. This pear and cottage cheese cake is not just a simple dessert; it is a symbol of comfort and joy in the kitchen. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, I promise it will quickly become one of your favorites.
The story of this cake has deep roots in cooking traditions, where each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a symphony of flavors. With a generous layer of pear filling, a fine cheese cream, and a crispy crust, each slice brings with it memories of childhood, when our grandmothers spoiled us with special treats.
Ingredients:
*Dough:*
- 375 g flour
- 185 g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 185 g melted butter
*Pear filling:*
- 1 kg peeled and cored pears
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
*Cheese cream:*
- 150 g soft butter
- 125 g sugar
- Pear essence (to taste)
- 2 eggs
- 450 g cottage cheese
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding powder
*Pan size:* 20 x 30 cm
Step-by-step preparation of the cake:
1. Preparing the pears: We start with the pears, which are the stars of this recipe! Peel and core them, then grate them on a large grater. This step will allow the flavors to develop during cooking. Put the pears in a pan, add the sugar, and sauté them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they reduce in volume and become syrupy. This process will bring out the natural sweetness of the pears. After they have reduced, add the cinnamon and let them cool slightly.
2. Preheating the oven: While the pears cool, turn on the oven to 180°C (or 350°F) to preheat.
3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, salt, and vanilla sugar. Add the melted butter and, using your fingers, knead the ingredients until you achieve a sandy texture. This is the base of the cake, so make sure the dough is well combined.
4. Assembling the cake: Grease the pan with butter and, using ¾ of the dough, cover the bottom of the pan, pressing down firmly with your palm. This will form a delicious crust for our cake.
5. Cheese cream: In another bowl, mix the soft butter until creamy. Add the sugar and pear essence, continuing to mix. Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the cottage cheese and pudding powder, blending everything until you achieve a smooth mixture.
6. Layering: Over the dough in the pan, add the pear filling, followed by the cheese cream. Finally, sprinkle the remaining dough on top, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
7. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then cut it into squares and serve warm or at room temperature. You can sprinkle it with powdered sugar for a sophisticated look.
Useful tips for a perfect result:
- Choose ripe pears: The pears should be sweet and juicy to add a delicious taste to the filling. Test them before buying.
- Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature to incorporate better into the cheese mixture.
- Variations: Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the pear filling for a crunchy texture. You can also replace the cottage cheese with ricotta for a more delicate flavor.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of fragrant tea or coffee will complete the dessert perfectly.
Nutritional values:
This cake contains approximately 250 calories per serving, making it a lighter choice compared to other heavier desserts. The cottage cheese provides quality protein, while the pears offer a healthy dose of vitamins and fiber. A serving of pear and cottage cheese cake is not just a delicious treat, but also a more balanced choice for those who want to enjoy a dessert.
In conclusion, this pear and cottage cheese cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is an invitation to share moments of joy and warmth around the table. Experiment with ingredients and variations and transform this recipe into a personal favorite. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Dough: 375 g flour; 185 g sugar; a pinch of salt; a packet of vanilla sugar; 185 g melted butter. Pear filling: 1 kg peeled and cored pears; 7 tablespoons sugar; a teaspoon of cinnamon. Cream cheese: 150 g soft butter; 125 g sugar; pear essence; two eggs; 450 g cottage cheese; a packet of vanilla pudding powder. Tray size: 20 x 30 cm.
