Cheesecake with cherries

Cheese and Sour Cherry Cake: A Delicacy That Combines Flavors and Memories

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Today I want to tell you about a cake that managed to surprise me, even as a passionate cook. It is the cheese and sour cherry cake, also known as "Tear", a recipe shared with me by a talented friend, Aneimaria. Although I faced some difficulties during the process, the final result was so delicious that I thought it was worth sharing with you.

Let's begin our culinary journey!

Necessary ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 vanilla essence
- 130 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 200 g flour
- 650 g sour cherries (pitted, fresh or frozen)

*For the cheese filling:*
- 900 g cottage cheese (ideally well drained)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 rum essence
- 6 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons of white flour

*For the sour cherry jelly:*
- 1 handful of sour cherries (pitted, for decoration)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 sheets of gelatin (about 6-7 grams)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the sour cherries:
We start by washing the sour cherries well and removing the pits. Place them in a sieve with a small plate underneath to collect the juice. This will be the base for our savory jelly.

2. Preparing the base:
In a large bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes fluffy. Add the baking powder and vanilla essence, mixing constantly. Then, incorporate the flour, sifting it in to avoid lumps. Finally, add the melted butter that has completely cooled, mixing well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

3. Assembling the cake:
Prepare a rectangular baking dish by greasing it with margarine and lining it with baking paper. Pour the base into the dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the drained sour cherries evenly over the base.

4. Cheese filling:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar, egg yolks, and rum essence. Add the flour and mix well to obtain a creamy consistency. Pour the cheese filling over the sour cherries, spreading it evenly to completely cover the fruit.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the dish in the oven. Let the cake bake for 45-50 minutes until the cheese is beautifully browned on top. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely.

6. Preparing the jelly:
Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for 10 minutes. In a saucepan, add the sour cherries, sugar, and a little of the collected juice, then place it over low heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves, bringing it to a boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and add the soaked gelatin, stirring until it homogenizes. Let the jelly cool slightly.

7. Finalizing the cake:
Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the jelly over it and ensure it is evenly distributed. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, or until the jelly sets, although in my case, the cheese absorbed some of the jelly, creating a delicious effect.

8. Serving:
When the jelly has set, cut the cake into squares and serve. It is wonderful alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a sweet-sour contrast.

Tips and variations:
If you want to replace the jelly with a meringue, use the 6 remaining egg whites and 150 g of sugar, but make sure to beat them in a cool place, otherwise, they won’t set. You can also experiment with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or peaches for a personalized version.

Nutritional information:
This cheese and sour cherry cake offers an excellent balance between carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, thanks to the cottage cheese, which is rich in calcium and protein. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, making it a perfect choice for a sweet snack without overdoing the calories.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different texture.

2. How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, to maintain freshness.

3. Is the cake suitable for special events?
Absolutely! This cake is perfect for parties, anniversaries, or any occasion worth celebrating.

I hope this cheese and sour cherry cake recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and, especially, to your tables! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: sponge: 2 eggs 2 tablespoons sugar 1 baking powder 1 vanilla essence 130 g butter 200 g flour 650 g pitted cherries filling: 900 g cottage cheese 5 tablespoons sugar 1 rum essence 6 egg yolks 2 tablespoons white flour cherry jelly: 1 handful of pitted cherries 3 tablespoons sugar 4 sheets of gelatin (about 6.7 grams)

 Tags:  cake sour cherries cheese