Cottage cheese cake
Cottage Cheese Cake
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Cottage cheese cake is a simple yet flavorful dessert that brings a touch of tradition in every bite. This cake is perfect for serving at a family meal or a gathering with friends, featuring a fluffy texture and a creamy cottage cheese filling that makes it truly special.
The history of this cake is closely tied to culinary traditions of the past, when simple and natural ingredients were highly valued. Cottage cheese, a fresh dairy product, is often used in desserts across many cultures due to its delicate flavor and nutritional content. This dessert is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a healthy option thanks to the protein in cottage cheese.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 150 g butter or margarine (suggestion: use butter for a richer taste)
- 300 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 250 ml milk
- 5 tablespoons of water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 400 g flour
- Grated zest of one lemon (for extra flavor)
For the filling:
- 500 g fresh cottage cheese (preferably from a reliable source)
- 150 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1/2 vial vanilla essence
- 3 eggs
- Grated zest of one lemon
Step by step
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the cottage cheese is fresh and well-drained. Quality cottage cheese will significantly influence the final taste of the cake.
2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter (or margarine) with the sugar until you obtain a creamy mixture. Add the 3 eggs, milk, and water, continuing to mix. Then incorporate the baking powder, vanilla sugar, flour, and grated lemon zest. Mix well until the dough becomes homogeneous. It will be softer, which is perfect for our cake.
3. Separating the dough: From the obtained dough, set aside 3 tablespoons in a small bowl. This will be used later to create a delicious layer on top of the cake.
4. Lining the tray: Take a medium-sized tray and line it with baking paper. This will help in removing the cake after baking. Pour the remaining dough into the tray and level it evenly.
5. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar, vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, the 3 eggs, and the grated lemon zest. Ensure that the filling is well homogenized so that there are no pieces of cottage cheese left unblended.
6. Assembling the cake: Pour the cottage cheese filling over the dough in the tray. Then, take the remaining foam from the 3 egg yolks (from the eggs used in the dough) and mix it with the 3 tablespoons of dough you set aside earlier. This combination will create a fine and airy layer on top of the cake.
7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake the cake for 40-50 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Be careful, as baking time may vary depending on the oven.
8. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully remove the baking paper and transfer it to a cooling rack. You can serve the cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.
Practical tips
- Cottage cheese: If you can't find fresh cottage cheese, you can use ricotta as an alternative, but the taste will be slightly different.
- Flavors: For an even more interesting note, you can add some raisins or pieces of candied fruit to the cottage cheese filling.
- Serving: Cottage cheese cake pairs perfectly with a cup of yogurt or a dollop of sour cream, adding a creamy texture and a pleasant contrast.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of white flour?
Yes, but the texture and taste of the cake will be slightly different.
2. How can I store the cake?
You can store it in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, to maintain its freshness. It is recommended to consume it within 3-4 days.
3. What drinks go best with this cake?
A cup of green tea or a strong espresso would perfectly complement the delicate taste of the cake.
Nutritional benefits
This cottage cheese cake is rich in protein due to the cottage cheese content, making it a healthier option compared to other sweet cakes. It also contains calcium, essential for bone health, and vitamin A, beneficial for vision. The sugar can be adjusted according to preferences, making it even more versatile.
Personalized version
If you want to add a touch of originality to your cake, you can try using different vanilla flavors, such as almond or rum. You can also experiment with different types of citrus, such as oranges or limes, to give your recipe a fresh and aromatic twist.
In conclusion, cottage cheese cake is a dessert that blends tradition with modernity, easy to prepare and full of flavor. Don't hesitate to try it and share it with your friends! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: For the dough: 150g butter or margarine; 300g sugar; 3 eggs; 250ml milk; 5 tablespoons of water; 1 baking powder; vanilla sugar; 400g flour; grated zest of one lemon. For the filling: 500g fresh cheese; 150g sugar; 1 packet of vanilla sugar; 1/2 vial of vanilla essence; 3 eggs; grated zest of one lemon.
