Apple pie with cheese
Apple cheese cake: a fragrant and comforting delicacy
If you are looking for a dessert that brings a touch of warmth and nostalgia into your home, apple cheese cake is the perfect choice. This delightful recipe combines the sweetness of apples with the richness of cottage cheese, creating a smooth texture and divine taste. It is a simple dessert, yet with an impressive impact, ideal for any occasion.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 70 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
For the base:
- 3 eggs
- 100 g soft butter
- 200 g sugar
- 3 drops of rum essence (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 75 g semolina
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 750 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 200 g sour cream
- A pinch of salt
For decoration:
- 5 tart apples (preferably Granny Smith apples)
- 5 tablespoons apricot jam (or nectarine jam, for a personal touch)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for decoration)
Preparation steps:
1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. This step is essential as it will help us achieve a fluffy and airy cake.
2. Preparing the butter mixture: In a large bowl, beat the soft butter with the sugar until you get a creamy foam. This will give the cake a rich texture and sweet taste. Add the rum essence and lemon zest, mixing well.
3. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, ensuring they are well incorporated into the mixture. This step is crucial as the yolks bring moisture and a rich flavor to the cake.
4. Adding the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the semolina, baking powder, and vanilla pudding. Add these dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently.
5. Incorporating the cheese and sour cream: Add the cottage cheese and sour cream, mixing with a spatula until everything is evenly combined. This will give the cake a creamy texture and delicious taste.
6. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get a firm foam. This step will add air and make the cake fluffier. Slowly fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture using gentle movements to avoid losing air.
7. Preparing the baking tray: Grease a baking tray with butter or use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Spread the mixture evenly in the tray and level it with a spatula.
8. Preparing the apples: Peel the apples, cut them into quarters, remove the seeds, and lightly score them with a knife. Place them cut side up, pressing gently into the mixture in the tray. This will not only look splendid but also allow the flavors to infuse into the cake.
9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the tray inside. Bake for 70 minutes. For the first 40 minutes, leave the cake uncovered, then cover it with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
10. Glazing the cake: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, dissolve the apricot jam (or nectarine) with 3 tablespoons of water and heat gently. Pour this jam over the cake, letting it sit for 15-20 minutes.
11. Serving: Dust the cake with powdered sugar before cutting. It is recommended to serve it cold to fully appreciate its flavors.
Practical tips:
- You can also add some raisins or nuts to the mixture for an even more interesting texture and flavor.
- If you want a chocolate note, add some dark chocolate chips to the mixture.
- The cake keeps well in the fridge for a few days, but you will find it just as delicious the next day.
Nutritional benefits:
This apple cheese cake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, while apples provide fiber and antioxidants. Additionally, sour cream adds a dose of calcium and healthy fats.
Ideal pairings:
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of green tea or a fragrant coffee. Also, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the cake will make the dessert even more special.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with pears or apricots, but make sure the fruits are well-ripened to blend nicely with the cheese.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 50 g and use tarter apples.
3. What type of cheese can I use?
Cottage cheese is ideal, but you can also try ricotta cheese for a finer texture.
In conclusion, this apple cheese cake is a recipe worth trying, not only for its delicious taste but also for the warm memories it can evoke. Whether served at a family meal or at a party with friends, it is sure to be a guaranteed success. Enjoy every bite!
Ingredients: base. 3 eggs 100 g butter 200 g sugar 3 drops of rum essence (I did not add) grated zest of 1 lemon 75 g semolina 1 baking powder 1 vanilla pudding 750 g cottage cheese 200 g sour cream a pinch of salt 5 sour apples 5 tablespoons apricot jam (I used nectarine) 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for decoration.
