Rudy Cake

Rudy's cake is a dessert that will win you over from the very first bite, with its fluffy texture and the perfect taste of cheese combined with cocoa dough. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you're preparing for a gathering with friends, a family party, or simply want to indulge in something sweet. Let's discover together how to make this delicious cake!

Preparation time
- Preparation time: 25 minutes
- Freezing time: 10 minutes
- Baking time: 40-45 minutes
- Total time: 75-80 minutes
- Servings: 12

Ingredients
For the dough
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 baking powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 400 g flour

For the cream
- 500 g sweet cheese (preferably cottage cheese, but you can also use ricotta)
- 1 cup semolina (about 200 g)
- 3 eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 1 essence of vanilla
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Zest of one lemon (for extra flavor)

The Story of Rudy's Cake
Rudy's cake is a classic recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, bringing together simple ingredients that have a remarkable impact on the final taste. It is a dessert that combines tradition with innovation, based on a fine dough and a cheese cream that makes you fall in love. Whether you serve it at tea with friends or bring it to a party, each slice will evoke admiration and appetite!

Preparation Techniques
1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, place the butter and sugar. Mix gently with a spatula or a mixer on low speed until combined. Add the egg yolk and the essence of rum, continuing to mix.

2. Mixing dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, vanilla sugar, and baking powder. It is important to mix them well to avoid lumps.

3. Combining ingredients: Add the mixture of dry ingredients to the bowl with butter and sugar. Mix well by hand until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It is normal for the dough to be slightly sticky, but don't worry, that's part of its charm.

4. Freezing the dough: Divide the dough into two pieces, form balls, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Place them in the freezer for about 10 minutes.

5. Preparing the cream: Meanwhile, separate the eggs. Beat the egg whites until frothy, then add the yolks, sugar gradually, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, essence, cheese, and semolina. Mix on low speed until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream.

6. Assembling the cake: Remove the dough from the freezer. Grease a baking tray with margarine or oil and place a sheet of baking paper. Grate the first ball of dough into the tray to form an even base. Pour the cheese cream over it, then grate the second ball of dough on top, completely covering the cream.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until the dough is well browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.

Useful Tips
- Choosing cheese: Use fresh, quality cheese to achieve a rich and flavorful cream. Cottage cheese is ideal, but you can experiment with mascarpone for a creamier texture.
- Essences: You can replace the rum essence with vanilla essence for a more classic taste or add a little almond extract for a special note.
- Variations: You can add berries to the cheese cream for a fruit cake. Also, a chocolate glaze on top would be a delicious addition!

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of Rudy's cake contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the semolina provides necessary carbohydrates for energy. However, moderation is essential, considering the sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I replace butter with oil?
Yes, you can use sunflower oil or olive oil, but the final texture of the cake will be different.

- How can I tell if the cake is baked?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it has sticky dough on it, let it bake for a few more minutes.

- Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, Rudy's cake can be frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled and well wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

Delicious Pairings
Rudy's cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a salted caramel sauce, which will add a wonderful contrast of flavors. A cup of fragrant tea or an espresso coffee will perfectly complement the dessert, giving you a moment of indulgence.

Personal Note
I recommend trying to decorate the cake with a little cocoa or powdered sugar on top before serving, for an elegant look. Additionally, a slice of fresh lemon on the side can bring a note of freshness that will make every bite a true pleasure!

Enjoy every moment in the kitchen and savor the final result! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Dough: 250g butter, at room temperature, 150g sugar, 1 egg yolk, 1 essence of rum, 1 baking powder, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 400g flour. Cream: 500g sweet cheese, 1 cup semolina, 3 eggs, 250g sugar, 1 vanilla essence, 2 packets vanilla sugar, zest of 1 lemon.