Cheese and sour cherry pie

The cheesecake with cottage cheese and sour cherries is a classic recipe, loved by everyone, perfectly combining sweetness and acidity, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. This cake is not just a dessert, but a true taste story that brings to mind beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, each slice will bring smiles and beautiful memories.

Total preparation time: 4 hours (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

Base:
- 5 large eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 15 ml brandy or rum (for extra flavor)
- 1 vanilla essence (or 1 packet of vanilla sugar)
- 100 g flour
- 30 g cocoa
- 100 g melted butter
- 1 baking powder
- A pinch of salt

Cream:
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably high quality)
- Zest of 2 lemons (for a fresh taste)
- 140 g honey (or sugar, to taste)
- 1 vanilla essence
- 500 ml whipped cream (whipped)
- 1 packet gelatin (about 10 g)

Decoration:
- A jar of sour cherry compote (or fresh cherries, if in season)
- 1 packet vanilla pudding (about 40 g)
- 50 g sugar (for pudding)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the base
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a glossy meringue. This step is essential to ensure a light and fluffy texture of the base.

In another bowl, mix the yolks, melted butter (let it cool slightly), brandy, and vanilla essence. Mix well until all ingredients are homogeneous. Then, add the flour, cocoa, and baking powder, gently mixing to avoid lumps.

Now, slowly fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula, with gentle up-and-down movements. This technique helps to retain the air in the egg whites, ensuring an airy texture of the base. Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes. Check if it's baked by inserting a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean, the base is ready.

Step 2: Preparing the cream
Meanwhile, prepare the cream. In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the grated lemon zest, honey, and vanilla essence. Make sure the cheese is well homogenized so that the cream is smooth and creamy.

Hydrate the gelatin in 50 ml of water for 5 minutes. Then, place the gelatin in a double boiler until completely melted, being careful not to boil it. Once melted, let it cool slightly before incorporating it into the cheese cream. Add the whipped cream, mixing gently and quickly to maintain the fluffiness.

Step 3: Assembling
After the base has completely cooled, place it on a platter and pour the cheese cream on top. Evenly distribute the sour cherries from the compote over the cheese cream, ensuring that each slice will have delicious flavors. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours so that the cream sets.

Step 4: Decorating
Once the cream has set, prepare the vanilla pudding according to the instructions on the package, using the sour cherry compote. Mix the pudding with 50 g of sugar, then add 300 ml of sour cherry juice. Once the pudding has cooled slightly, pour it over the cheese cream on the cake. Let the cake chill for another hour for the pudding to set.

Step 5: Serving
When you are ready to serve, cut the cake into generous slices and enjoy the perfect combination of creamy cheese, juicy sour cherries, and a fluffy base. This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic coffee or a fruit tea, choosing a warm drink to balance the sweet-sour taste.

Practical tips:
- Use well-drained cottage cheese to avoid a too wet cream.
- You can replace the sour cherries with other fruits, such as peaches or raspberries, for a different version of the cake.
- If you want a more intense flavor, add a few drops of almond essence to the cheese cream.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This cheesecake with cottage cheese and sour cherries is a healthier choice for a dessert, having a moderate calorie content due to the cottage cheese and honey. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, and sour cherries bring antioxidants and vitamins. A slice of cake (about 100 g) contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
A: Yes, low-fat cottage cheese will make the cream lighter, but make sure it is well homogenized.

2. How can I prevent the pudding from sticking?
A: Make sure the pudding is slightly cooled before pouring it over the cream, which will prevent sticking.

3. What other fruits can I use?
A: You can use any favorite fruits, such as strawberries, blackberries, or peaches, depending on the season.

This cheesecake with cottage cheese and sour cherries is not just a dessert, but also a way to bring a little joy into everyday life. Savor every bite and share it with loved ones to create unforgettable memories around the table. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Base: 5 eggs, 200 g sugar, 15 ml brandy/rum, vanilla essence, 100 g flour, 30 g cocoa, 100 g melted butter, baking powder. Cream: 500 g cottage cheese, zest of 2 lemons, 140 g honey, vanilla essence, 500 ml whipped cream, 1 packet gelatin. Decor: a jar of sour cherry compote, 1 packet vanilla pudding, 50 g sugar.

 Tags:  cheesecake cherry cake