Rudy Cake

Cottage Cheese and Cocoa Cake: A Simple and Delicious Treat

Total Preparation Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
Number of Servings: 12-14

Discover a cake recipe that brings together two delicious textures: a crispy crust and a creamy filling with cottage cheese. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether served at a festive meal or simply as a quick dessert after a family dinner.

Necessary Ingredients:

For the crust:
- 400 g flour
- 150 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 packet baking powder
- 250 g cold butter (cut into cubes)
- 1 egg yolk

For the filling:
- 750 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 250 g sugar
- seeds from one vanilla pod (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- 80 g raisins (optional, but recommended for extra flavor)

Step by Step: Preparing the Cake

1. Preparing the crust:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa, and baking powder. Make sure the ingredients are well mixed to avoid clumps of cocoa.
- Add the egg yolk and cold butter cubes. Using your fingertips, start to knead the mixture. The goal is to achieve a consistency similar to crumbs, resembling a crumble. This step is crucial for getting the perfect texture in the end.
- Once you have obtained homogeneous crumbs, cover the crust with plastic wrap and chill for 20-30 minutes. This will help solidify the butter, giving the cake a crispy texture.

2. Preparing the filling:
- In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla seeds. Ensure the cheese is well blended, without lumps.
- Add the semolina and mix again. The semolina will help absorb excess liquid from the cheese, making the filling more consistent.
- Separately, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve a firm foam. This is an important step, as it will give the filling an airy texture. Gently fold the egg white foam into the cheese filling in 2-3 batches, mixing lightly with a spatula to avoid losing air from the egg whites.
- Add the raisins and mix gently.

3. Assembling the cake:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (or 160 degrees if using a convection oven).
- Line a baking tray (35 x 25 cm) with parchment paper. Here comes the magic! Divide the crust into two equal parts.
- Sprinkle the first half of the crust in the tray, forming an even layer of crumbs.
- Add the cheese filling in dollops, then level it gently with a spatula. Be careful not to disturb the crumb layer underneath.
- Sprinkle the other half of the crust on top, covering the filling.

4. Baking:
- Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Cooling and serving:
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the tray. Then, cut into portions as desired. It’s best to wait a few hours before cutting to allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

Useful Tips:
- Types of cheese: Use fresh, well-drained cottage cheese. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can try mixing it with a bit of mascarpone.
- Raisins: If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can replace them with dried fruits or add chocolate chips for a decadent taste.
- Flavor variations: Add a little cinnamon to the filling for a warmer flavor. You can also use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different note.

Nutritional Benefits:
This cottage cheese cake is a good source of protein due to the cheese, and the eggs add extra nutrients. Additionally, the raisins provide antioxidants and fiber.

Delicious Pairings:
- Serve the cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce.
- A cup of mint tea or a cappuccino will perfectly complement the dessert, turning it into an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, but make sure the texture is similar. Ricotta or mascarpone cheese are good options.
- How can I store the cake? You can keep it in the refrigerator in a closed container for 3-4 days. A gentle reheating before serving will restore its delicious texture.

This cottage cheese and cocoa cake is not just a dessert, but an experience. Each slice offers a unique combination of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. So, don’t hesitate, put on your apron and enjoy the magic of cooking!

 Ingredients: Dough: 400 g flour, 150 g sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 1 packet baking powder, 250 g butter, 1 egg yolk. Filling: 750 g cottage cheese, 250 g sugar, seeds from one vanilla pod, 3 large eggs, 1 tablespoon semolina, 80 g raisins.

 Tags:  rudy cake