Cherry and cottage cheese pie

Cherry and cottage cheese pie is a dessert that perfectly combines the juicy sweetness of cherries with the creaminess of cottage cheese, creating a harmony of flavors and textures. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fresh fruit, especially during cherry season. Over time, pies have been a symbol of conviviality, bringing family and friends together in moments of celebration. Let's see how we can prepare a delicious pie, step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 50-60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 and a half cups of flour (approximately 200-250 g)
- 1 cup of sugar (200 g)
- 1 cup of milk (250 ml)
- 3/4 cup of oil (180 ml)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder + 1 teaspoon of vinegar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

For the filling:
- 200 g of cottage cheese
- 1 kg of cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup of sugar (150 g)
- 2 tablespoons of semolina (to absorb the cherry juice)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 50 g of raisins (optional, for added sweetness)

Preparing the dough

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, egg, baking powder mixed with vinegar, and vanilla sugar. Gently mix using a whisk to integrate the dry ingredients.

2. Adding wet ingredients: Continue to incorporate the milk and oil, mixing until you obtain a homogeneous dough with a consistency similar to thicker sour cream. It is important not to overmix to avoid a dense dough.

3. Preparing the baking pan: Take a taller baking pan, grease it with a little oil, and dust it with flour to prevent the pie from sticking. This step is essential to ensure easy release of the pie after baking.

4. Pouring the dough: Pour half of the dough mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the cherries: Wash the cherries and remove the pits. If using frozen cherries, make sure to let them thaw and drain well to avoid excess juice. Drain them lightly and mix with 1/2 cup of sugar. Let them sit for a few minutes to release their flavors.

2. Distributing the cherries: Evenly spread the cherries over the dough in the pan. This layer will add a note of acidity and will perfectly contrast with the sweetness of the cottage cheese.

3. Adding the semolina: Sprinkle the semolina over the cherries. This will help absorb the juice and prevent the dough from becoming too wet.

4. Preparing the cheese filling: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the egg, remaining sugar, vanilla sugar, and raisins. This mixture will add a creamy texture and delicious flavor to the pie.

5. Distributing the filling: Pour the cheese mixture over the cherries, making sure it is evenly distributed.

6. Finalizing the pie: Pour the remaining dough over the cheese filling, completely covering it.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (180°C). It is important to have it well heated to ensure even baking.

2. Baking the pie: Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the pie is golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Every oven is different, so it is good to check the pie after 30 minutes.

3. Cooling: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step will help maintain the crispy texture of the dough.

Serving

1. Powdered sugar: Once the pie has cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top to give it an attractive appearance and a sweet taste.

2. Garnishing: Cut the pie into portions and, for an elegant touch, you can garnish each slice with a whole cherry. This not only adds a color contrast but also an extra burst of flavor.

Tips and tricks

- Variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as cherries or raspberries, to create a pie with a different flavor.
- Cheese: Instead of cottage cheese, you can use ricotta or mascarpone for a different texture and taste.
- Sugar: Adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the cherries. If you choose canned cherries, they may already be sweetened.
- Suitable drinks: This pie pairs perfectly with fruit tea or a glass of dry white wine, which will complement the flavors of the dessert.

Nutritional benefits

Cherry and cottage cheese pie is not only delicious but also nutritious. Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while cottage cheese provides essential proteins. This combination can give you an energy boost while having a moderate calorie content, ideal for a dessert.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other fruits?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe with your favorite fruits. Choose fruits that have a similar acidity, such as cherries or currants.

2. Is it possible to make the pie without sugar?
Of course! You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but make sure to adjust the amount according to taste.

3. How can I store the pie?
The pie keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. Make sure to let it reach room temperature before serving again.

In the end, cherry and cottage cheese pie is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings moments of joy and nostalgia. Whether you share it with loved ones or enjoy it alone, each slice will bring a smile to your face. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: We use a measure of a cup of 200-250 ml. For the dough: 1 and a half cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of milk, 3/4 cup of oil, 1 egg, 1 baking powder + 1 teaspoon of vinegar, 1 vanilla sugar. For the filling: 200 g of cottage cheese, 1 kg of cherries, 1 egg, 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of semolina, 1 vanilla sugar, 50 g of raisins.