Cheesecake with dulce de leche

Cheesecake with dulce de leche: a dessert that combines tradition with innovation, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. This cake is not just a simple sweet, but a true celebration of flavors, perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to Sunday family dinners.

Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

*For the crust:*
- 200 g sweet or plain biscuits (if using sweet biscuits, omit the powdered sugar)
- 100 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 50 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

*For the filling:*
- 700 g creamy cottage cheese (ideal for a silky texture)
- 1 can dulce de leche (about 400 g)
- 3 eggs (at room temperature)

*For the glaze:*
- 100 g dark chocolate (preferably 70% cocoa for a pleasant contrast)
- 100 ml heavy cream

The story behind the recipe:

Cheesecake with dulce de leche has its origins in traditional cheesecake recipes, which are cherished in many cultures. Dulce de leche, a delicacy made from boiled milk, has been invented for hundreds of years, bringing a touch of history to every serving. The combination of creamy cheese and dulce de leche transforms this cake into a unique experience, suitable for any occasion.

Detailed preparation technique:

1. Preparing the crust:
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Prepare a 20x30 cm baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with butter to prevent sticking.
- Crush the biscuits in a food processor until you achieve fine crumbs. If you choose plain biscuits, add the powdered sugar for a sweeter taste.
- Pour the melted and cooled butter over the biscuit crumbs, add the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar. Mix well until you obtain a mixture resembling wet crumbs.
- Pour the mixture into the baking dish and press it down firmly with a spatula or spoon to create a smooth and even layer. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate while preparing the filling.

2. Preparing the filling:
- In a large bowl, add the creamy cottage cheese. Using a hand mixer, blend the cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. If the cheese is drier, add 150-200 ml of heavy cream to achieve a richer consistency.
- Add the dulce de leche and mix again until the ingredients are perfectly combined.
- Incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It is important for the eggs to be at room temperature to avoid lumps in the mixture.
- Pour the filling over the biscuit crust in the baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

3. Baking:
- Place a dish of water in the oven (to create a sauna effect) and insert the cake pan. Bake for about 1 hour or until the top is lightly browned.
- Check the cake using a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cake is done.

4. Preparing the glaze:
- In a small saucepan, melt the dark chocolate together with the heavy cream over low heat. Stir continuously to achieve a smooth glaze. Allow to cool slightly before pouring over the cooled cake.
- Once the cake has completely cooled, cover it with the chocolate glaze and return it to the refrigerator for a few hours, ideally overnight, to set and meld the flavors.

5. Serving:
- After the cake has cooled and the glaze is well set, cut it into equal portions. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Useful tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even cake.
- If you want to experiment, try replacing dulce de leche with another type of caramel or even pistachio paste for a unique flavor.
- You can also add fresh fruits or a berry sauce for a delicious contrast and a pop of color.

Frequently asked questions:
- What can I use instead of dulce de leche?
- You can replace it with a caramel paste or even fruit jam for a fruitier option.
- Can I freeze the cake?
- Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is advisable to portion it beforehand and wrap it well.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of cheesecake with dulce de leche contains approximately 300-350 calories, providing a good source of protein from the cheese, as well as a significant amount of carbohydrates from the biscuits and dulce de leche. It is a rich dessert, but can be enjoyed in moderation.

Personalized version:
To add a personal touch, I like to sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg in the cheese mixture for a more sophisticated taste. This combination brings a touch of warmth and comfort to each slice.

Enjoy this delicious cake with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, and turn any moment into a celebration!

 Ingredients: For the base: 200 g regular biscuits 100 g butter 50 g powdered sugar 1 packet vanilla sugar For the filling: 700 g creamy cottage cheese 1 can dulce de leche 3 eggs For the glaze: 100 g dark chocolate 100 ml cream for whipping

 Tags:  cheese cake