Crispy cheese and cherry pie
Cherry and Cream Cheese Cake: A Seasonal Delight with an Extraordinary Flavor
If you’re looking for a quick, easy recipe that isn’t overly sweet, then this cherry and cream cheese cake is the perfect choice. With a crispy phyllo pastry base and a creamy filling, this cake is a delightful treat that will enchant your senses. And the best part? It’s extremely versatile and can be adapted with seasonal fruits, making it perfect year-round. Let’s embark on our culinary journey!
Total Preparation Time: 1 hour
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
- 1 package of phyllo pastry (400 g)
- 4 eggs
- 900 g cream cheese (preferably cow cheese or ricotta)
- Juice and zest of half a lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding powder (about 40 g)
- 200 g sugar
- 350-400 g pitted cherries
- Powdered sugar for decoration
- Butter (about the size of a walnut, for greasing the pan)
Useful for Preparation
- Baking tray
- Mixer or whisk
- Oven-safe dish with water
History of the Recipe
Cherry and cream cheese cake is a traditional recipe that has been loved by many generations. It combines the crispy texture of phyllo pastry with a rich filling of cheese and fruit, creating a perfect contrast. The origins of this recipe are lost in history, but it has always been appreciated for its simplicity and the ability to use various fruits depending on the season.
Step by Step for a Perfect Result
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This step is essential for achieving a well-baked cake.
2. Prepare the tray: Grease a baking tray with butter, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This will prevent the cake from sticking and help achieve a golden crust.
3. Lay out the phyllo pastry: Take the phyllo sheets and place them in the tray. Gently tear a sheet and lift it over the edges of the tray to form a border. This detail will help keep the filling inside.
4. Puncture the sheets: Using a fork, poke holes in the phyllo sheets to allow steam to escape during baking. Then, place the tray in the oven for 10 minutes to pre-bake.
5. Prepare the filling: While the sheets are baking, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Gradually add 50 g of sugar and continue whipping until you achieve a firm and creamy consistency.
6. Mix the cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese with the egg yolks, the remaining sugar, lemon juice and zest, vanilla extract, and pudding powder. Mix well until you have a smooth mixture.
7. Fold in the egg whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cheese mixture using a spatula to maintain the airiness of the egg whites. This step will make the filling light and fluffy.
8. Assemble the cake: Remove the tray from the oven after 10 minutes and pour the cheese mixture over the phyllo sheets. Arrange the cherries on top, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
9. Bake: Return the tray to the oven for another 35 minutes or until the cake is golden and the filling is set. It’s important not to open the oven door in the first 25 minutes to prevent steam from escaping.
10. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. Before serving, dust powdered sugar with vanilla flavor on top for an elegant look and an extra touch of flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Combinations
This cake can be enjoyed plain, but for an extra touch of refinement, you can accompany it with a dollop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream. Additionally, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a berry puree would add a delicious contrast.
Possible Variations
- Seasonal fruits: Get creative by using other fruits depending on the season. You can try peaches, raspberries, or apples, each offering a unique flavor to the cake.
- Additional flavors: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add a warm and comforting note.
Nutritional Information
This cherry and cream cheese cake is rich in protein due to the cheese, with a moderate calorie content, making it ideal for an occasional dessert. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 kcal, depending on the ingredients used. Cherries add antioxidants and vitamins, while the cheese contributes to calcium intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can use goat cheese or mascarpone for a different texture and flavor.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or use more tart fruits.
- Is pudding powder necessary? The pudding powder helps stabilize the filling, but you can try omitting it and adding an extra egg instead.
Experiment with this cherry and cream cheese cake recipe and share it with your loved ones! With each bite, you’ll not only experience the flavor but also the joy of creating something delicious in your own kitchen. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 1 package of pastry sheets (400 g) 4 eggs 900 g sweet cheese juice from half a lemon and grated zest vanilla essence 1 packet of vanilla pudding powder 200 g sugar 350-400 g pitted cherries powdered sugar for decoration butter the size of a walnut
