Quince cake
Quince Cake - a sweet and aromatic delicacy, perfect for moments of indulgence or to impress guests. This recipe combines fluffy layers with a fine cream of cheese and whipped cream, bringing to the table an intense aroma of quince, a often overlooked fruit, but with a unique taste. Let's explore together the necessary steps to create this delicious cake!
Total preparation time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
For the layers (2 layers):
- 10 egg whites
- 1 pinch of salt
- 10 tablespoons of sugar
- 10 tablespoons of flour
- 1 vanilla essence
For the cream:
- 400 g sour cream
- 200 g fresh cottage cheese
- 150 g powdered sugar with vanilla flavor
- 1 large ripe quince
- 200 g sugar (for quince)
- 1 packet of gelatin
For decoration:
- 1 jar of quince jam
Recipe history
The quince cake is a traditional recipe that pays homage to seasonal fruits. The quince, a fruit that evokes childhood and grandparents, has been used in various dishes over time. Its delicate yet deep aroma enriches any dessert, and the combination with cheese and jam makes this cake truly special.
Step by step
Preparing the layers
1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowl is clean and free of grease to achieve perfect meringue.
2. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer on high speed to beat them. When they become frothy, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a stiff and glossy meringue.
3. Incorporating the yolks: Add the crushed yolks and the vanilla essence. Gently fold with a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
4. Adding the flour: Finally, sift the flour over the meringue mixture and gently fold it in until completely incorporated.
5. Baking the layers: Divide the mixture into two baking trays lined with parchment paper. Bake each layer in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 minutes. Check for doneness using a toothpick.
6. Cooling the layers: Once baked, carefully remove the layers from the parchment paper using a spatula or knife, and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Preparing the cream
1. Whipping the sour cream: In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the powdered sugar until you achieve a firm consistency. You can use whipping cream for a more intense flavor.
2. Cheese: Add the fresh cottage cheese and mix well, making sure there are no lumps. You can use a fork to break it down better.
3. Gelatin: Hydrate the gelatin according to the instructions on the package, then melt it in a bain-marie, being careful not to boil it. Incorporate the gelatin into the cheese cream, stirring constantly.
4. Quince: Peel the quince and cut it into small cubes. In a saucepan, boil the cubes with 200 g of sugar and water until they become soft. Drain the syrup and let the quince cool.
Assembling the cake
1. Layering: In a deeper tray, place the first layer of cake. Pour the cream on top and sprinkle the quince cubes evenly.
2. Adding the second layer: Place the second layer on top. Gently press down with your fingers to secure it.
3. Refrigerator: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for an hour to set the cream.
4. Quince jam: Mix the quince jam with the remaining cooled syrup to achieve a jelly-like consistency and spread it evenly over the cake.
5. Final cooling: Leave the cake in the refrigerator for another hour before slicing.
Serving suggestions
This quince cake is served cold, straight from the refrigerator. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee, which will highlight the intense flavors of the quince even more. You can also add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for an extra creaminess.
Variations
If you wish to experiment, you can replace the quince with other seasonal fruits, such as pears or apples, which pair wonderfully with the cheese cream. You can also add some chopped nuts to the cream for an added texture.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese, but make sure the texture is similar to that of cottage cheese.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and adjust the quince jam to taste.
3. How long does the cake last in the refrigerator?
The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, well covered.
Nutritional benefits
Quince is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C, contributing to a healthy diet. Additionally, fresh cheese provides necessary proteins, while sour cream offers extra calcium. This cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also provides considerable nutritional value.
Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking! The quince cake is an excellent choice for any occasion, and with attention to detail, you will create a remarkable dessert. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 2 layers made of: 5 eggs, a pinch of salt, 5 tablespoons of sugar, 5 tablespoons of flour, vanilla essence. Cream: 400 g sour cream, 200 g fresh cow cheese, 150 g powdered sugar with vanilla flavor, one large baked quince, 200 g sugar, one packet of gelatin. Topping: a jar of quince jam.
