Cheesecake with cottage cheese and apricot jam

The cottage cheese and apricot jam cake is a delicious dessert that perfectly combines the creamy taste of cheese with the aromatic sweetness of apricots. This simple and quick recipe will quickly become your favorite, ideal for any occasion, from a gathering with friends to a festive meal. With an ideal mix of textures and flavors, this cake is an excellent choice for dessert lovers!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 5 eggs
- 350 g powdered sugar
- 350 g flour
- 125 ml milk
- 125 ml oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Zest and juice from 1 lemon
- Vanilla flavoring (Finesse Dr Oetker)

*For the filling:*
- 350 g fresh cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla pudding
- 1 packet of Bourbon vanilla sugar
- Rum essence
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Grated lemon zest
- 400 g apricot jam

Preparing the cake:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by mixing the whole eggs with powdered sugar and salt. It is essential to beat the mixture well until it doubles in volume and becomes frothy. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy cake, so don’t skip it!

2. Adding wet ingredients:
Gradually add the oil, warm milk, lemon juice, and grated zest. Mix gently to avoid losing the air incorporated in the eggs. This mixture will give the cake a fresh aroma and unique taste.

3. Incorporating the flour:
Finally, sift the flour mixed with baking powder into the mixture, stirring with a spatula to obtain a homogeneous dough. It is important not to overmix to avoid developing gluten and getting a dense dough.

4. Preparing the baking pan:
Line a baking tray with parchment paper and grease it with a little butter to prevent the cake from sticking. This step ensures that the cake will come out easily from the pan, maintaining its shape.

5. Preparing the filling:
Separately, beat the egg whites with lemon juice until foamy, then add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, continuing to beat until you obtain a firm meringue. In another bowl, mix the well-drained cottage cheese with the egg yolks, the remaining powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, rum essence, and vanilla pudding. Mix until the composition becomes homogeneous.

6. Assembling the cake:
In the prepared tray, pour half of the dough, then distribute the apricot jam in a grid pattern. It’s a good idea to warm the jam slightly before using it to make it easier to spread. Use a fork to mix it gently so that it becomes more fluid.

The next step is to add the cheese filling. Transfer the cheese mixture into a nylon bag, cutting a small corner and decorating the cake with it. This trick ensures that the filling is evenly distributed.

7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius and place the tray inside. Bake the cake for 30-40 minutes or until it turns golden and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the middle of the cake; if it comes out clean, it’s done).

8. Cooling and serving:
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions:
The cottage cheese and apricot jam cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of aromatic tea. It is also wonderful with a sauce of fresh fruits or whipped cream.

Tips and variations:
- You can also use other types of jam, such as plum or cherry jam, to change the flavor of the cake.
- Add some chopped nuts or almonds to the cheese filling for an extra texture and flavor.
- If you want a fluffier cake, try replacing some of the flour with cornstarch.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains cottage cheese, which is an excellent source of protein and calcium. Additionally, apricot jam provides vitamins and antioxidants. However, it is recommended to consume the cake in moderation, considering the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to portion it before placing it in the freezer.

- How can I keep the cake fresh?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or in the refrigerator to keep it fresh longer.

The cottage cheese and apricot jam cake is more than just a simple dessert – it’s a culinary experience that brings joy with every slice. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Dough: 5 eggs, 350 g flour, 350 g powdered sugar, 125 ml milk, 125 ml oil, a pinch of baking powder, 1 lemon (zest and juice), vanilla flavoring Finesse Dr Oetker. Filling: 350 g fresh cow cheese, 2 eggs, 5 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla pudding, 1 vanilla sugar Bourbone, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, lemon zest, 400 g apricot jam.