Cranberry Cake
Cranberry Cake: A Flavorful Delicacy with Cheese and Fruits
I invite you to discover a delicious and easy-to-make recipe, perfect for days when you crave a savory and aromatic dessert. The Cranberry Cake, with creamy cheese and dehydrated cranberries, will delight your taste buds and bring family and friends together around the table. This recipe combines soft textures and juicy fillings, making each slice a true pleasure.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12
Let’s start the culinary journey!
Necessary ingredients
*For the base:*
- 4 eggs (make sure they are fresh)
- 500 g Cremosso yogurt from Danone (the creamy yogurt contributes to the fluffy texture)
- 10 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- 12 tablespoons oil (the oil adds moisture)
- 1 packet lemon essence (for a fresh taste)
- 400 g flour (preferably type 000 for a finer texture)
- 1 packet baking powder (to help the dough rise)
*For the filling:*
- 400 g sweet cheese (the cheese should be well-drained)
- 2 eggs (to bind the filling)
- 2 heaping tablespoons semolina (helps absorb moisture)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (adjustable to preference)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar (for a more intense flavor)
- 50 g dehydrated cranberries (an excellent choice for a touch of acidity)
- Salt (a pinch of salt enhances the flavors)
- Lemon essence (optional, for flavor enhancement)
*For decoration:*
- 12 apricots cut in half (fresh or from compote)
Step by step: How to prepare Cranberry Cake
1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help with better homogenization of the mixture.
2. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the 4 eggs with 10 tablespoons of sugar. Use a whisk or an electric mixer to achieve a frothy mixture. Continue beating until the sugar is no longer perceptible, and the mixture becomes creamy.
3. Add the oil: Gradually incorporate the oil, mixing constantly. This will add a soft and moist texture to the dough.
4. Incorporate the yogurt: Add the yogurt to the mixture, then add the baking powder and lemon essence. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
5. Add the flour: Gradually add the sifted flour. Use a spatula or a whisk, mixing gently to avoid lumps. Switch to a silicone spatula to avoid over-mixing the mixture.
6. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the sweet cheese with 4 tablespoons of sugar, the 2 eggs, semolina, dehydrated cranberries, and lemon essence. Be careful not to leave lumps of cheese.
7. Prepare the baking tray: Line a 24 x 36 cm tray with parchment paper. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking.
8. Assembly: Pour 3/4 of the base dough into the tray, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. This initial step will create a firm base for the filling.
9. Adding the filling: Remove the tray from the oven and place the cheese filling on top of the dough. Place the apricot halves all over the surface, ensuring that each serving will have a half apricot. You can gently press them into the filling for a more elegant look.
10. Finalizing the baking: Pour the remaining dough over the apricots, using a spoon to distribute it evenly. Bake again at 180 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes, until the cake turns golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
11. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool in the tray, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant look.
Useful tips and variations
- Fruit variations: If you don’t have cranberries, you can use raisins, sour cherries, or dehydrated cherries. It can be a cake with peaches, nectarines, or even plums, depending on the season.
- Cheese: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add feta or ricotta cheese, but make sure to adjust the amount of semolina based on the consistency of the cheese used.
- Serving: Cranberry Cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce for a contrast of flavors.
Nutritional benefits
This cake is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. Cranberries add antioxidants and fiber, while yogurt contributes to digestive health. Of course, it is important to consume desserts in moderation, but this cake can be a healthier choice compared to other sweets.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use Greek yogurt? Yes, Greek yogurt will provide a denser texture, but make sure to adjust the amount of sugar as it is less sweet than regular yogurt.
- What can I do with leftover cake? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be reheated in the microwave to be served warm.
- Is it suitable for vegans? Although the original recipe contains eggs and cheese, you can experiment with vegan alternatives, such as soy yogurt and egg substitutes.
So, don’t hesitate to try this recipe for cranberry and cheese cake. It’s simple and offers an explosion of flavors, perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to explore and personalize the recipe, leaving your personal touch in every slice. Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the base: 4 eggs, 500g Danone Cremosso yogurt, 10 tablespoons sugar, 12 tablespoons oil, lemon essence, 400g flour, 1 packet baking powder. For the filling: 400g sweet cheese, 2 eggs, 2 heaping tablespoons semolina, 4 tablespoons sugar, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 50g dried cranberries, salt, lemon essence. For decoration: 12 apricots cut in half.
