Cheesecake with jelly and meringue

Cheese tart with jelly and meringue: a delicious combination that blends textures and flavors in an irresistible way! This recipe is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience. Whether you serve it at a festive table or simply want to treat your family, this tart will bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Let me guide you step by step in creating this delight.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

*For the tart crust:*
- 300 g flour
- 75 g lard (or butter, if you prefer)
- 50 g butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon baking soda + juice from ½ lemon
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla
- a pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 400 g ricotta
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 packet of vanilla
- grated zest from one lemon
- 420 ml canned sour cherries (with syrup)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch

*For the meringue:*
- 4 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons sugar

Step 1: Preparing the tart dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour with salt, sugar, and baking soda. Add the lard and butter cut into cubes. Using your fingers, mix the ingredients until you achieve a texture similar to breadcrumbs.
2. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with sour cream and lemon juice. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and quickly knead until you obtain a smooth dough.
3. Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for an hour. This step is essential to achieve a crumbly tart crust, perfect for holding the delicious filling.

Step 2: Preparing the cherry jelly

1. In a small saucepan, add the syrup from the cherries and cornstarch. Mix well to prevent lumps from forming.
2. Add the cherries and bring the mixture to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. When the jelly starts to thicken, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. If the jelly doesn’t thicken enough, feel free to add a little extra cornstarch.

Step 3: Preparing the cheese filling

1. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with sugar, sour cream, vanilla, and lemon zest. This combination will create a creamy and flavorful filling, perfect for complementing the tart.
2. Once the jelly has cooled, you can start assembling the tart.

Step 4: Assembling the tart

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you achieve a thin sheet. Place the dough sheet in a tart pan, making sure to cover the edges well.
3. Prick the dough in several places with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
4. Alternate layers of cheese filling and cherry jelly, making sure to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Preparing the meringue

1. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm and glossy meringue.
2. Fill a piping bag or use a spoon to add the meringue on top of the tart filling. You can create beautiful shapes or simply spread the meringue evenly.
3. Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the meringue turns slightly golden. After baking, let the tart cool in the oven with the door ajar to prevent cracking.

Step 6: Cooling and serving

1. Once completely cooled, move the tart to the refrigerator for a few hours. This resting time will help solidify the layers and enhance the flavors.
2. When serving, cut into slices and, if desired, add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Helpful tips:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best results. Quality ricotta will make a significant difference in the final taste.
- If you want an extra flavor, try adding a little almond extract to the cheese filling.
- This tart pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or a fruit tea. An excellent choice for a relaxing afternoon or a gathering with friends.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Although each serving may contain approximately 250 calories, ingredients like ricotta and cherries provide a good source of protein and antioxidants. Ricotta is also a healthy option for those looking to reduce fat intake, making this tart a lighter choice compared to other desserts.

Here’s a recipe for a cheese tart with jelly and meringue that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a touch of joy in every slice. Experiment, adapt, and make it with your heart! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the tart crust: 300 g flour, 75 g lard, 50 g butter, 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 teaspoon baking soda + lemon juice, 3 tablespoons sugar, vanilla, salt. For the filling: 400 g ricotta, 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons sour cream, vanilla, lemon zest, sour cherries from a jar (a 420 ml jar including syrup), 2 tablespoons cornstarch. For the meringue: 4 egg whites, 5 tablespoons sugar.

 Tags:  cheese tart cherry pie