Black woman with curd
Cheese Brownie: a delicious and comforting recipe
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12
Cheese brownie is a dessert that brings together sweet and salty, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This recipe is inspired by old traditions, passed down from generation to generation, and offers a unique combination of creamy cheese, cocoa, and raisins, all in a soft and aromatic dough. It is an ideal dessert for moments when you want to impress your loved ones but also enjoy an easy-to-make sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the base:
- 2 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 325 g flour
- 200 ml milk
- 150 ml oil
- 1 packet baking powder
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
For the filling:
- 500 g cheese
- 3 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 50 g raisins
Preparation
1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth dough. The cheese should be well-drained, and the raisins can be pre-soaked in warm water or rum for extra flavor.
2. Mixing the filling: In a large bowl, add the cheese and the 3 eggs. Using a mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes a smooth paste. Add the sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until the sugar is completely dissolved. Finally, incorporate the grated lemon zest and raisins. Let the mixture sit to allow the flavors to combine.
3. Beating the dough: In another bowl, beat the 2 eggs with 200 g sugar until the mixture is frothy and light in color. Add the oil in a thin stream, continuing to mix.
4. Combining the dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and cocoa. This is an important step as it will help you avoid lumps in the dough.
5. Alternating the ingredients: Incorporate the flour mixture into the egg mixture, alternating with the milk. Add 2-3 tablespoons of flour followed by a little milk, and so on, mixing continuously until you achieve a uniform and soft dough.
6. Assembling: Prepare a baking tray (ideally 30x22 cm for a taller result or 35x25 cm for a less tall brownie), lining it with baking paper. Pour the dough into the tray and level the surface with a spatula. Use a spoon to add the cheese mixture in dollops, creating a beautiful pattern.
7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 °C and place the tray inside. Bake the brownie for 35-40 minutes, checking if it is baked by testing with a toothpick – it should come out clean.
8. Cooling and slicing: After baking, let the brownie cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then remove it from the tray and let it cool completely on a rack. Once cooled, you can slice it and, if desired, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance.
9. Serving: Cheese brownie is delicious served plain, but it can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sweet cream for a contrast of textures. A cup of herbal tea or an espresso pairs perfectly with this dessert.
Useful tips
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling, considering that the raisins already add a note of sweetness.
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the cheese mixture.
- Cheese brownie keeps well in the fridge, covered, for up to 4-5 days, making it an excellent dessert for meal prep.
Nutritional benefits
Cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, being a healthy ingredient that contributes to a balanced diet. This brownie, although a dessert, also provides essential nutrients, making it a better choice than many other cakes rich in fats and refined sugars.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use cottage cheese instead of cheese?
Yes, but make sure the cheese is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with chopped nuts, dark chocolate, or even dried fruits, adapting the recipe to your preferences.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using egg substitutes like applesauce or bananas, and a vegetable oil instead of standard oil.
Cheese brownie is more than just a dessert; it is a combination of tradition, flavor, and a simple way to bring joy to every meal. I encourage you to try this recipe, adapt it to your tastes, and share the result with your loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: BATTER 2 eggs 200g sugar 325g flour 200ml milk 150ml oil 1 packet baking powder 2 tablespoons cocoa FILLING 500g ricotta 3 eggs 100g sugar 3 packets vanilla sugar grated zest of one lemon 50g raisins
