Cherry and cottage cheese cake

Cherry and cottage cheese cake is a delight that brings joy at any time of the day. This recipe combines the sweetness of cherries with the creamy texture of cottage cheese and the intense aroma of chocolate, creating an irresistible dessert, perfect to be enjoyed with loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the base:
- 2 eggs
- 120 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa for an intense taste)
- 100 g flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 packet baking powder (about 10 g)

For the cheese cream:
- 300 g cottage cheese (ideally use fresh, well-drained cheese)
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons rum essence (to taste)

For the filling:
- 200 g cherries (fresh or frozen, but sweetened if frozen)

Preparation

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries well under a stream of cold water. Remove the pits and let the cherries drain in a sieve to remove excess water. If using frozen cherries, ensure they are thawed and drained well.

2. Preparing the chocolate: In a small saucepan, add the chopped chocolate and cubed butter. Place over low heat and stir continuously until the chocolate and butter melt completely. Add the cocoa and mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture. Once done, let the mixture cool slightly.

3. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using a mixer on high speed until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume. This is a crucial step, as it will add air to the mixture, making the base fluffy.

4. Adding the melted butter: Incorporate the melted butter into the egg mixture, mixing gently until combined.

5. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Then incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the cooled chocolate, mixing with a spatula until homogeneous. Avoid overmixing, as the base may become tough.

6. Preparing the cheese cream: In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and rum essence. Mix well to obtain a creamy mixture. You can use a mixer for a smoother texture.

7. Assembling the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Start by adding a layer of base mixture to the tray, followed by half of the cheese cream, then half of the cherries. Repeat this process with another layer of base, cheese cream, and the remaining cherries. Finally, add the rest of the base mixture on top.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

9. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. This cake is delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream on top for an extra touch of flavor.

Practical tips

- Buying cherries: Choose firm cherries with a uniform, shiny color. Avoid cherries with spots or damage, as these can affect the cake's taste.
- Cottage cheese: If you prefer a finer texture, you can mash the cottage cheese using a blender or whisk.
- Variations: You can add some chopped nuts to the base mixture for a pleasant contrast in texture. You can also replace cherries with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries to experiment with different flavors.
- Serving: Offer the cake at a festive meal or on the weekend alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. It will surely be a hit!

Nutritional benefits

This cake offers a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats due to the cottage cheese, which is an excellent source of calcium and protein. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making this cake a healthier choice compared to many other desserts.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or mascarpone, but make sure to adjust the sugar amount, as these can be sweeter.
- How can I store the cake? You can keep the cake covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; make sure it is well wrapped to avoid absorbing odors from the freezer.
- What drinks pair well with this cake? Black coffee, cappuccino, or fruit tea pair perfectly with the sweetness of the cake. Additionally, a glass of sweet white wine could add a sophisticated touch to your meal.

Enjoy every bite of this cherry and cottage cheese cake! Each slice is an explosion of flavors and textures that will make you return to this recipe again and again. So, put on your apron, and let's start the culinary adventure!

 Ingredients: 2 eggs, 120 g butter, 100 g sugar, 100 g chocolate, 100 g flour, 3 tablespoons cocoa, vanilla essence, 300 g cottage cheese, 2 eggs, vanilla sugar, rum essence, 100 g sugar, 200 g cherries