Cheese and meringue

Delicious cheesecake and meringue cake recipe

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

In the culinary world, cheesecake and meringue cake is a true symbol of refined desserts, appreciated for its light texture and sweet-sour taste. This recipe is a perfect combination of soft base, rich cream cheese, and airy meringue, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Let’s embark on this wonderful cake-making adventure together!

Necessary ingredients:

For the base:
- 250 g butter or margarine (at room temperature)
- 50 g lard
- 250 g sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 150 ml milk
- 15 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Grated zest of one lemon

For the cream:
- 600 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 250 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 whole egg
- 50 g semolina
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs

For the meringue:
- 6 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the base: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl, add the butter and lard, then incorporate the sugar. Beat the mixture with a mixer until you achieve a fluffy, light-colored cream. This is an essential step as it will determine the final texture of the base.

2. Adding wet ingredients: In the same mixture, add the egg yolks, sour cream, milk, and lemon zest. Mix well until everything is homogenized.

3. Incorporating dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually incorporate them into the butter mixture. Use a spatula to avoid lumps. Continue mixing until the dough becomes uniform and creamy.

4. Forming the base: Sprinkle flour on a work surface and roll out the dough until it reaches the size of the baking tray you will use. Place it in the tray lined with baking paper and lightly greased with butter. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden and a crust forms on the surface.

5. Preparing the cream cheese: While the base is baking, prepare the cream cheese. In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, whole egg, and semolina. Mix well until you achieve a smooth cream. The semolina will help absorb any moisture and prevent the formation of liquid.

6. Assembling the cake: Once the base is ready, remove it from the oven and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs on the surface. This will absorb moisture from the cream cheese. Then, spread the cream cheese over the breadcrumbs.

7. Preparing the meringue: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer, gradually adding the sugar. Continue mixing until a firm and glossy meringue forms. Add lemon juice to stabilize the meringue.

8. Finalizing the cake: Spread the meringue over the cream cheese, ensuring that you cover the entire surface evenly. Return the cake to the oven for another 40 minutes, or until the meringue turns golden and crispy.

9. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray. This will help stabilize the layers. After it has cooled, cut the cake into slices and serve it with a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee.

Helpful tips:
- Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform texture.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can incorporate raisins or pieces of candied fruit into the cream cheese.
- The meringue can be flavored with various essences, such as vanilla or almond, to give it a different taste.

Nutritional benefits: This cheesecake is rich in protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs, providing an excellent source of calcium, essential for bone health. The semolina adds a portion of complex carbohydrates, which help maintain energy throughout the day.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese?: Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but the texture and taste may vary.
- How can I store the cake?: It is recommended to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Is it suitable for vegetarians?: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, but make sure to use eggs from safe sources.

This cheesecake and meringue cake is not just a delicious dessert but also a true delight that will bring joy to any table. Whether you serve it at a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, it is a recipe that will surely impress. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 250 g butter or margarine, 50 g lard, 1 baking powder, 250 g sugar, 4 egg yolks, 4 tablespoons sour cream, 150 ml milk, 15 heaping tablespoons flour, zest of one lemon. Cream: 600 g cottage cheese, 250 g sugar, 1 vanilla sugar, zest of one lemon, 1 whole egg, 50 g semolina, 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs. Meringue: 6 egg whites, 200 g sugar, 1 teaspoon lemon juice.