Fruit and cottage cheese cake

Fruit and Cottage Cheese Cake: A Sweet and Tart Delight

If you're looking for a dessert recipe that brings a touch of joy to every serving, you've come to the right place. The fruit and cottage cheese cake combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb and the creaminess of cottage cheese, resulting in a unique culinary experience. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends or a simple Sunday dessert.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For a pan measuring 27x21 cm, you will need:
- 5 eggs
- 125 g butter (at room temperature)
- 250 g sugar (plus 3 tablespoons for rhubarb)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 125 g flour
- ½ packet of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cream (or sour cream)
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
- 3 stalks of rhubarb
- 250 g strawberries
- a pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Rhubarb
Start by cleaning and washing the rhubarb. Cut it into pieces of 2-3 cm and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. This step is essential, as the sugar will help draw out the juices from the rhubarb, intensifying the flavors. Set the rhubarb aside for a few minutes to release its juice.

Step 2: Preparing the Base
In a large bowl, mix the soft butter with 125 g of sugar and one packet of vanilla sugar. Then add the 3 egg yolks, mixing well until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. It is important to mix well, as the incorporated air will help the base be fluffy.

Next, add the cream (or sour cream), flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gently mix until you obtain a smooth dough.

Step 3: Baking the Base
Prepare the pan by lining it with baking paper. Pour the dough into the pan and spread it evenly. This step ensures that the base will bake evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven at 170°C and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the base turns lightly golden.

Step 4: Preparing the Cheese Cream
Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix the 2 egg yolks with 80 g of sugar, the remaining vanilla sugar, and the lemon zest. Add the cottage cheese and cornstarch, mixing well. In another container, beat the 2 egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture to avoid losing the air.

Step 5: Assembling the Cake
Once the base is ready, remove it from the oven and evenly distribute the cheese cream on top. Then, arrange the pieces of rhubarb and strawberries on the surface of the cake. These fruits will add a pop of color and a tart flavor, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the cake.

Step 6: Final Baking
Return the cake to the oven for another 30 minutes. At the end of this time, check if it is baked by using a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it is ready. Cover the cake with the 4 beaten egg whites mixed with the remaining sugar, then return it to the oven until it becomes golden and beautifully browned.

Serving and Suggestions
Let the cake cool slightly before cutting it into portions. It is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a splendid contrast of textures and flavors. Additionally, a cup of tea or fresh lemonade will perfectly complement this dessert.

Variations and Useful Tips
- You can experiment with various fruits: peaches, cherries, or blackberries are just a few suggestions that pair perfectly with cottage cheese.
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add a little almond extract to the cheese cream.
- Make sure to use fresh cottage cheese for better taste. A wetter cheese will require a little more cornstarch to maintain the cream's texture.

Nutritional Information
This cake contains carbohydrates from sugar and flour, proteins from cottage cheese, and healthy fats from butter. Rhubarb and strawberries provide vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace the rhubarb?
Yes, you can use apples or peaches instead of rhubarb, but you will need to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of the chosen fruits.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe is one option, or you can use alternative sweeteners.

3. Is the cake good for freezing?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to divide it into portions and wrap it well to prevent drying out.

This fruit and cottage cheese cake is not just a simple dessert, but a true explosion of flavors that will delight your senses. Experiment with the recipe and add it to your favorites!

 Ingredients: For a tray measuring 27x21 cm you need: 5 eggs, 125 g butter, 250 g sugar + 3 tablespoons sugar, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 125 g flour, 1/2 packet of baking powder, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 3 tablespoons clotted cream, 250 g cottage cheese, 2 tablespoons grated lemon peel, 3 sticks of rhubarb, 250 g strawberries, a pinch of salt.