Quick cheesecake with cherries

Quick Cherry Cheese Cake: A Weekend Delight

Every weekend, we want to enjoy the beautiful weather and moments spent with loved ones. That's why we've prepared a simple and delicious recipe for cherry cheese cake that will delight you with its vibrant taste and fluffy texture. This recipe is a legacy from my mother, who always spoiled me with this cake on hot summer days. It offers a perfect sweet-sour taste and is ideal to be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

For the cake base:
- 4 large eggs
- 12 tablespoons of milk
- 10 tablespoons of oil
- 10 tablespoons of brown sugar (you can also use white sugar, but brown sugar adds a caramelized note)
- 15 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (optional, for a more attractive appearance)
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt

For the filling:
- 250 g of cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese for a creamier texture)
- 50 g of sugar
- 1 egg
- 200 g of fresh cherries (washed, pitted, and halved)

Preparing the cake:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients to avoid wasting time during the cooking process. This simple trick will help you maintain a good pace and enjoy every step of the preparation.

2. Preparing the cherries: Wash the cherries and remove the pits. You can use a special tool for pitting or, if you don’t have one, a simple method is to cut them in half. Set them aside and make sure not to be tempted to taste too many, or you will run out of filling!

3. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, crack the 4 eggs and whisk them lightly with a whisk. Add the salt and mix well, then incorporate the 10 tablespoons of brown sugar. Continue mixing for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color.

4. Adding the milk: Heat 4 tablespoons of milk in a small saucepan, being careful not to make it too hot, as it may affect the baking soda's effect. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the warm milk and mix well. Pour this mixture into the bowl with the eggs and sugar, along with the remaining milk and oil. Gently mix everything together.

5. Incorporating the flour: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently mix with a whisk or spatula until everything is well combined.

6. Preparing the baking pan: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a 25x35 cm baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

7. Assembling the cake: Pour 2/3 of the batter into the pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Then, add the cottage cheese mixed with 50 g of sugar and 1 egg, distributing it in different spots. Next, place the halved cherries on top, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

8. Adding cocoa: In the remaining batter, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder (or just half if you prefer a lighter-colored base) and mix gently. Pour this cocoa mixture over the filling, covering everything.

9. Baking: Place the pan in the oven and let the cake bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if it's done, use a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked.

10. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool completely before slicing. You can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top, but since we don’t prefer overly sweet desserts, this is optional!

Nutritional benefits:

This cake is a good source of protein thanks to the cheese and eggs, while the cherries provide antioxidants and vitamins. Using brown sugar gives the cake a caramel note and a richer taste, while whole wheat flour can be a healthy alternative to white flour.

Possible variations:

- Instead of cherries, you can use other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. Each variation will add its own note to your cake.
- Add a splash of vanilla to the cheese mixture for an extra flavor boost.
- You can turn the cake into a special dessert by serving it with ice cream or whipped cream.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, ricotta or mascarpone cheese can provide a creamier texture and a different taste.

2. How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for 2-3 days.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Slice it and place it in freezer bags. Thaw it at room temperature before consuming.

This quick cherry cheese cake is not only easy to prepare but also an excellent choice to impress family and friends. Whether you serve it at a party, a holiday meal, or simply as a personal treat, you will find that every bite is an explosion of flavor! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Ingredients for the cake base: 4 eggs, 12 tablespoons of milk, 10 tablespoons of oil, 10 tablespoons of brown sugar, 15 heaping tablespoons of flour, 1 tablespoon of cocoa, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Filling: 250 g of cheese, 50 g of sugar, 1 egg, 200 g of cherries.

 Tags:  cherry cake