Cocoa and sweet cheese layered cake
Cheese and Cocoa Cake - an unforgettable dessert
The entire story of desserts often begins in the familiar home where the aroma of freshly baked sweets fills the air. This cheese and cocoa cake recipe is a perfect example of culinary comfort, combining fluffy textures with the sweetness of cheese in a way that will delight your taste buds. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this cake will surely become a favorite.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients for the dough:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (250 ml) sugar
- 1 cup oil
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 15 g dry yeast
- Zest from one orange
- 2 heaping tablespoons cocoa
- 900 g flour
Ingredients for the filling:
- 900 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Zest from one orange
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for decoration
Let's start the culinary adventure!
Step 1: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, crack the two eggs and add the sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes a fluffy foam and doubles in volume. This step is essential for achieving an airy dough.
Gradually add the oil, continuously mixing to incorporate it. Then, add the yogurt, which will bring moisture and a pleasant flavor. In another bowl, combine the cocoa, baking powder, and yeast. Mix these dry ingredients well before adding them to the egg mixture.
Sifting the flour is an important step, as it helps aerate it. Gradually add the flour, mixing with a spatula or by hand, and don't forget to include the orange zest, which will provide a fresh and aromatic taste. Continue mixing until you obtain a homogeneous, non-sticky, and easy-to-work dough.
Step 2: Preparing the filling
For the filling, combine the cottage cheese with the eggs and sugar in a large bowl. It is important for the cheese to be well-drained to avoid a too-soft filling. Add the flour, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix well until you achieve a uniform composition.
Step 3: Assembling the cake
Divide the dough into three equal parts. Sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll out the first part of the dough into a medium-thick sheet. Line a 24x36 cm baking tray with parchment paper. Place the first sheet of dough in the tray, making sure to remove any large edges.
Add half of the cheese filling over the first sheet. Continue with the second sheet of dough, followed by the remaining filling, and finally, cover everything with the last sheet of dough.
Step 4: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C for a convection oven) and place the cake in for 45-50 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to allow the cake to bake evenly.
Step 5: Cooling and serving
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray. After it has completely cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look.
Serving suggestion: this cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce. You can also add a cup of aromatic tea or freshly brewed coffee for a moment of indulgence.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but make sure they are well-drained.
2. How do I store the cake?
- Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the refrigerator for a longer duration.
3. Can I add fruit to the filling?
- Sure! Fresh or canned fruits fit wonderfully, but you should reduce the amount of sugar to avoid excess moisture.
Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains cottage cheese, which is an excellent source of calcium and protein. The added yogurt improves digestion, and the orange zest brings antioxidants and essential vitamins. It is a dessert that, when consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.
Variations:
For a healthier version, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or add ground nuts to the filling for added texture. You can also experiment with flavors by adding cinnamon or ginger to the dough.
This cheese and cocoa cake is not just a dessert, but also an opportunity to create pleasant memories with loved ones. Each slice will take you back to moments spent around the table, where stories intertwine with delicious aromas. So, put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let your creativity soar! Enjoy!
Ingredients: For the dough: 2 eggs, 1 cup sugar (I used a 250 ml cup), 1 cup oil, 1 cup yogurt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 15 g dry yeast, grated orange peel, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 900 g flour. For the filling: 900 g cottage cheese, 3 eggs, 3 tablespoons flour, 7 tablespoons sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla essence, grated peel of one orange, a pinch of salt, powdered sugar for decoration.
