Cherry jelly cheesecake

The perfect dessert for Easter celebrations or any special occasion is the cheesecake with cherry jelly. This recipe is a delicious variation of the well-known American cheesecake, but with an authentic Romanian touch. What could be more enjoyable than savoring a slice of creamy cake that melts in your mouth, with the aroma of cherries adding a perfect contrast? Let’s discover together how to prepare this simple yet impressive dessert, step by step.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the cake
- 5 large eggs
- 900 g cottage cheese (the idea is to use Pilos cottage cheese, but any fresh cheese will work)
- 160 g granulated sugar
- 100 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 3 tablespoons of semolina
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Grated zest of one lemon (for an extra touch of freshness)

For the jelly
- 500 g frozen cherries (thawed and drained)
- 1 packet of red jelly Dr. Oetker (or another preferred brand)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by letting the frozen cherries thaw in a strainer. This will allow the juice to drain, which is essential for the jelly. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and prepare a 27x18 cm baking dish, greasing it with butter or margarine.

Step 2: Preparing the cake mixture
In a large bowl, add the eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Using a mixer, beat the ingredients until you achieve a fluffy, light-colored mixture. It is important to beat the eggs well to incorporate air into the mixture, which will make the cake fluffier.

Add the cottage cheese, grated lemon zest, and diced margarine. Continue mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated. Usually, the cottage cheese should be well drained so that the cake does not turn out too wet.

Step 3: Completing the mixture
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and semolina. This mixture will add structure to the cake. Gradually add it to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula or using the mixer on low speed until everything is homogenized.

Step 4: Baking
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and level the surface with a spatula. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To check if the cake is done, perform a toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is perfectly baked. Let the cake cool in the dish, then carefully remove it.

Step 5: Preparing the cherry jelly
In a small saucepan, combine the juice released by the cherries with water, according to the instructions on the jelly packet. Add the 2 tablespoons of sugar and mix well. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly for about 2 minutes, until the mixture starts to thicken.

Step 6: Assembling the dessert
Once the cake has completely cooled, arrange the drained cherries evenly on its surface. Carefully pour the prepared jelly over the cherries, ensuring it is evenly distributed across the entire surface. Let the dessert cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator to set the jelly.

Serving and variations
Once the jelly has set, the cake is ready to be served! Cut it into portions and enjoy it alongside a scoop of fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It is a versatile dessert that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea, but also with a glass of sweet wine, depending on your preferences.

Decoration suggestions: You can add fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries, or even chocolate sauces for a special look. Each variation brings a personal touch and a new flavor to the cake!

Useful tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and cottage cheese, to achieve a uniform mixture.
- You can replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apricots, to diversify the recipe.
- If you want a more intense lemon flavor, add a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the cake mixture.

Nutritional information
This cheesecake with cherry jelly is an excellent choice for a balanced dessert. Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. A serving has approximately 220 calories, making it a lighter option compared to many other desserts.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use soy cheese or ricotta?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, but cottage cheese provides a specific texture to the cake.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by 50 g and check the taste.

3. Can I prepare the cake a day in advance?
Absolutely! The cake keeps well in the refrigerator and will taste even better the next day, when the flavors have time to meld.

Now that you know how to prepare this delicious cheesecake with cherry jelly, all that’s left is to put your changes into practice. Enjoy and good luck in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: 5 eggs, 900 g Pilos cottage cheese, 160 g sugar, 100 g margarine, 3 packets of vanilla sugar, 3 tablespoons of flour, 3 tablespoons of semolina, 1 packet of baking powder, grated zest of one lemon. Jelly: 500 g frozen cherries, 1 packet of red jelly Dr. Oetker, 2 tablespoons of sugar.

 Tags:  cheesecake with cherry jelly easter recipes cheesecake sour cherries cheese