Cheesecake with sour cherries

Cheesecake with sour cherries – a delicacy that combines the creaminess of cheese with the tartness of fresh fruit, resulting in a dessert that will delight your taste buds. This recipe, inspired by a dear colleague, is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, a gathering with friends, or simply a personal treat. Let’s begin the culinary adventure!

General Information
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour
- Number of servings: 12

Necessary Ingredients

For the base:
- 2 fresh eggs
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower or rapeseed)
- 100 ml milk (you can also use plant-based milk for a lactose-free option)
- 250 g flour
- 1 packet of baking powder (about 10 g)

For the cheese cream:
- 300 g cottage cheese (opt for fresh and fine cheese)
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (if the cheese is very fatty, you can omit the sour cream)
- 200 g sour cherries (fresh or frozen, but pitted)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help with the homogenization of the mixture. If using frozen sour cherries, let them thaw and drain the excess juice.

2. Preparing the base: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to achieve a fluffy and homogeneous mixture. Continue mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Adding wet ingredients: To the egg and sugar mixture, add the oil and milk. Mix gently until well combined.

4. Dry ingredients: Start sifting the flour along with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until you achieve a homogeneous dough. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense base.

5. Preparing the cheese cream: In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla sugar. Mash the cheese with a fork to achieve a fine texture. Add the egg and sour cream, mixing well until homogeneous. Finally, fold in the pitted sour cherries.

6. Assembling the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the base dough into the tray, smoothing it with a spatula. Using a spoon, add the cheese mixture over the dough, creating small “holes” for even distribution.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. Check if it’s done using a toothpick – it should come out clean.

8. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the cake cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Although delicious warm, we recommend letting it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving – this will intensify the flavors and improve the texture.

Serving Suggestions

The cheesecake with sour cherries can be served plain, but you can accompany it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a temperature contrast. A cup of fragrant tea or an espresso pairs perfectly with this dessert.

Variations

If you don’t have sour cherries on hand or prefer another type of fruit, you can experiment with:
- Raisins instead of sour cherries for a sweeter version.
- Raspberries or blueberries, which will add a note of freshness.
- Grated apples mixed with cinnamon for an autumn flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

The cheesecake with sour cherries is not just a treat, but also a source of nutrients. Cottage cheese provides essential proteins and calcium, while sour cherries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C. This is a healthier choice compared to other desserts high in saturated fats and refined sugars.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese, but adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the cheese.

2. What should I do if the cake doesn’t bake evenly?
Make sure the oven is well preheated and do not open the oven door in the first 30 minutes of baking to avoid temperature drops.

3. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator; it will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

I encourage you to try this simple and delicious cheesecake with sour cherries. It will surely become a family favorite! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the base: 2 eggs, 150g sugar, 100ml oil, 100ml milk, 250g flour, 1 baking powder. For the cheese cream: 300g cottage cheese, 200g sugar, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 200g cherries.

 Tags:  cake sour cherries