Blueberry and Ricotta Cake

Blueberry and cheese pie – a sweet and fresh delight, perfect for any moment of the day

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

If you are looking for a quick and simple dessert recipe that will truly impress, this blueberry and cheese pie will definitely be on your list! Combining the fluffy texture of the cake with the tangy taste of blueberries and the creaminess of cheese, this recipe is a true delight for the taste buds.

The history of cheese and fruit pies is rich, with these desserts having deep roots in culinary traditions around the world. Whether we find them in the form of cheesecakes, cakes, or tarts, the combination of cheese and fresh fruit has been appreciated for generations. By blending these influences, our pie becomes a perfect choice for both festive meals and indulgent moments during the week.

Ingredients needed:

For the dough:
- 2 large eggs
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 125 g yogurt (preferably natural)
- 150 ml oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 300 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder

For the filling:
- 1 cup of blueberries (about 150-200 g) fresh or frozen
- 1 cup of cheese (about 250 g)
- 1 egg
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar (depending on your sweetness preference)

Step by step to a perfect result:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the blueberries are fresh, and if you are using frozen blueberries, let them thaw and drain well to avoid excess water.

2. Preheating the oven: Before you start preparing the dough, set the oven to 180°C (medium heat) to heat evenly.

3. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder. This will help aerate the flour and make the cake fluffier.

4. Beating the eggs: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes frothy and a deep yellow. This step is essential for introducing air into the mixture, which will contribute to the light texture of the cake.

5. Adding the wet ingredients: While continuing to mix, gradually add the yogurt and oil, mixing well after each addition.

6. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix; just enough to achieve a homogeneous mixture.

7. Preparing the baking pan: Line a 20x30 cm baking pan with parchment paper or grease it with oil and sprinkle with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove from the pan.

8. Pouring the dough: Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface with a spatula.

9. Preparing the blueberries: In a small bowl, mix the blueberries with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to enhance their sweetness and flavor. Now spread them evenly over the dough in the pan.

10. Preparing the cheese filling: In another bowl, mix the cheese with an egg, sugar, and lemon zest. This filling will add a fresh and aromatic note to your pie. Spoon the cheese mixture over the blueberries, distributing it evenly.

11. Baking the pie: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pie turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You can also check with a cake tester to be sure it is baked.

12. Cooling: Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

13. Serving: Cut the pie into squares and serve it plain or with a spoonful of sour cream or yogurt for an extra flavor boost. You can decorate with a few fresh blueberries and a lemon zest for a more appealing look.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add an extra flavor, you can incorporate a few drops of vanilla extract or almond essence into the dough.
- I recommend using fresh blueberries, but if you don't have them on hand, frozen ones are an excellent alternative.
- The pie can be kept at room temperature for a few days, but it can also be frozen for later enjoyment.

Nutritional benefits:
This blueberry and cheese pie is not only delicious but also nutritious. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while cheese provides an excellent source of protein. Combined with yogurt, this pie becomes a healthier dessert option than many others, with a moderate calorie content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace cheese with another type of cheese? Yes, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta, but the taste will vary slightly.
- Can I add other fruits? Absolutely! You can experiment with raspberries, strawberries, or peaches to create delicious combinations.
- What can I do if I don't have enough blueberries? You can reduce the amount of blueberries and fill in with other berries like blackberries or currants.

In conclusion, this blueberry and cheese pie is a quick dessert, perfect for treating your family or friends. With a fluffy texture and a unique flavor, it is a wonderful example of how you can transform simple ingredients into something truly special. So gather the ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a delicious pie that you will definitely want to make again!

 Ingredients: 2 eggs, 150 g sugar, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 125 g yogurt, 150 ml oil, 1 packet baking powder, 300 g flour, 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup ricotta and 1 egg, lemon zest.