Tender cake with cheese and raisins
The sweet cheese and raisin cake is one of those recipes that embraces you with its warmth, reminding you of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. While it may not be everyone's top choice, when it comes to its delicate taste, with a subtle aroma of vanilla and lemon, it's hard to resist. This cake is perfect for weekends, birthdays, or simply to pamper someone dear. So, let's embark together on the adventure of preparing this delicacy!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
*For the dough:*
- 550 g flour
- 150 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 250 g cold butter, diced
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*For the filling:*
- 800 g cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons heavy sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg whites
- 200 g sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons semolina
Preparation:
1. Preparing the dough:
Start by preparing the dough, as it will need to rest in the fridge. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and powdered sugar. Ensure the ingredients are well combined. Add the cold butter and, using your fingers, work it into the flour until the mixture has a crumbly texture, resembling fine crumbs.
Helpful tip: It is essential for the butter to be cold to achieve a flaky dough. If the butter is too soft, the cake will be less fluffy.
2. Forming the dough:
Add the sour cream, lemon zest, and egg yolks. Mix everything with a spatula or wooden spoon until the ingredients come together. Lightly knead the dough until it becomes a non-sticky ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Preparing the filling:
While the dough cools, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and vanilla sugar using a mixer until the mixture is fluffy and doubles in volume. Add the cottage cheese, sour cream, semolina, and lemon zest. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
4. Incorporating the egg whites:
Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the filling mixture. Use a spatula and mix lightly to maintain the air in the egg whites, which will make the filling fluffier.
5. Assembling the cake:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a sheet of baking paper, ensuring it fits your baking tray (25x35 cm). Carefully transfer the sheet of dough into the lined baking tray. Pour the cheese filling evenly over the dough.
6. Adding the second sheet of dough:
Roll out the second part of the dough and place it over the filling, again using the baking paper to facilitate the transfer. Prick the cake in several places with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.
7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat) and bake the cake for about 35 minutes, or until it is golden and slightly firm to the touch.
8. Finishing:
Once the cake has cooled, dust it with vanilla sugar and cut it into squares. The flavors will blend beautifully, and the taste will be irresistible!
Serving suggestions:
This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of natural yogurt or vanilla ice cream. Additionally, a cup of herbal tea or a cappuccino will complement the flavors beautifully.
Personalized variant:
If you want to add a touch of magic, you can add some ground nuts to the filling for extra crunch.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use store-bought cottage cheese? Yes, make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- How do I store the cake? You can keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will last up to a week.
- Can I substitute sour cream? You can use Greek yogurt, but the taste will be slightly different.
Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains a good source of protein from the cheese and eggs, as well as carbohydrates from the flour and sugar. If you add raisins, you will also benefit from antioxidants and fiber.
Conclusion:
The sweet cheese and raisin cake is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your family. So, put on your apron and enjoy every moment of cooking!
Ingredients: Dough ingredients: -550 g flour -150 g powdered sugar -1 packet baking powder -250 g butter -2 egg yolks -2 tablespoons sour cream -zest of one lemon -1 teaspoon vanilla essence Filling: -800 g cottage cheese -2 tablespoons heavy cream -2 eggs -2 egg whites -200 g sugar -zest of one lemon -2 packets vanilla sugar -2 tablespoons semolina
