Cheese and meringue
Cheese and Meringue Dessert: A Sweet Delight
Who can resist a cheese and meringue dessert? This delicious recipe combines the creamy texture of cheese with the lightness of meringue, creating an explosion of flavors and sensations. Get ready to delight your taste buds with a dessert perfect for any occasion!
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Required ingredients
For the base:
- 250 g butter (choose a high-quality butter for a richer taste)
- 50 g lard (adds a fluffier texture to the base)
- 250 g sugar (you can use brown sugar for a caramelized flavor)
- 4 egg yolks (almost melt into the dough)
- 4 tablespoons sour cream (choose fatty sour cream for extra creaminess)
- 150 ml milk (preferably whole milk)
- 15 heaping tablespoons of flour (type 000 flour is ideal)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps the bases to rise)
- Zest of one lemon (adds a fresh aroma)
For the cream:
- 600 g cottage cheese (make sure it is well drained)
- 250 g sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or you can use vanilla extract)
- Zest of one lemon (enhances the flavor)
- 1 whole egg (for creaminess)
- 50 g semolina (helps absorb the liquid)
- 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs (to prevent the cream from sliding)
- 6 egg whites (whipped for a perfect meringue)
- 200 g sugar (for meringue)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (helps stabilize the meringue)
Preparation steps
1. Preparing the base:
- In a large bowl, mix the softened butter with the sugar and lard until it becomes a fluffy cream. It is essential that the ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Add the egg yolks, sour cream, and mix well. Ensure everything is homogenized, then incorporate the milk and lemon zest.
- In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring constantly until you obtain a fine dough.
2. Baking the base:
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface, making sure to shape it according to the baking tray you will use. Place the dough in the tray lined with baking paper and lightly greased with butter.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the base for about 15 minutes, or until it turns slightly golden.
3. Preparing the cheese cream:
- Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, and the whole egg. Add the semolina and mix until you obtain a uniform composition.
4. Assembling the cake:
- Remove the base from the oven and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs over its surface. Then, spread the cheese cream on top.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar and lemon juice until you obtain a firm meringue. This step will add an airy texture and a perfect contrast to the cheese cream.
5. Final baking:
- Spread the meringue evenly over the cheese cream and return the cake to the oven for about 40 minutes or until the meringue turns golden.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the tray before cutting it into slices. This is an important moment, as it will prevent the meringue from breaking.
Serving suggestions and variations
For an extra flavor boost, you can add fresh fruits or a berry sauce on top of the cake before serving. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside will transform the dessert into an even sweeter experience.
If you like to experiment, you can replace the cottage cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a more decadent version. Also, instead of lemon, you can use orange for a different yet equally delicious taste.
Nutritional values
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, providing a balanced dose of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, thanks to the varied ingredients. The cottage cheese brings a significant protein intake, while the butter and eggs contribute healthy fats.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use soy cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, for a vegan version, you can use soy cheese or well-drained tofu mixed with a little lemon juice to achieve a similar flavor.
2. How do I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, lightly covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
3. Can I freeze the cake?
It is recommended not to freeze the cake, as the meringue may alter the texture. However, you can freeze the plain base, and prepare the cream fresh before serving.
This cheese and meringue dessert is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee, whether it’s a festive meal or a simple gathering with friends. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its delicious aromas and textures! Enjoy!
Ingredients: Base: 250 g butter, 50 g lard, 1 tsp baking powder, 250 g sugar, 4 egg yolks, 4 tbsp sour cream, 150 ml milk, 15 heaping tbsp flour, grated zest of one lemon. Cream: 600 g cottage cheese, 250 g sugar, 1 vanilla sugar, grated zest of one lemon, 1 whole egg, 50 g semolina, 4 tbsp breadcrumbs, 6 egg whites, 200 g sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice.
