Cheese and Plum Cake

The cheese and plum cake is a delicious choice that combines the sweetness of the fruits with the creaminess of the cheese, resulting in a perfect dessert for any occasion. This recipe is not only simple but also a wonderful way to use fresh plums, offering an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. Let's embark together on this flavorful culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough
- 400 g flour
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- 170 g sugar (50 g for the dough and 100 g for the filling)
- 150 ml lukewarm milk
- 70 g melted butter
- A pinch of salt

For the filling
- 1.5 kg plums (about 10-12 large plums)
- 750 g cottage cheese
- 30 g flour
- 250 g sour cream
- 5 eggs
- 6 digestive biscuits (for added texture)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
- Cinnamon (for dusting at the end)

Step by Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the dough
Start by placing the flour in a large bowl. Add the dry yeast and sugar (50 g) and mix well. Then, pour in the lukewarm milk and melted butter, adding a pinch of salt. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine the ingredients, resulting in a soft dough.

Practical tip: Make sure the milk is not too hot, so it does not kill the yeast. It should be lukewarm, about 37-40 degrees Celsius.

Step 2: Let the dough rise
After kneading the dough, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30 minutes. You will notice that the dough will double in volume, which is a sign that the yeast is doing its job.

Step 3: Prepare the dough sheet
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a surface sprinkled with a little flour, into a sheet the size of your baking tray. Place the dough sheet in a greased and floured baking tray. This step is important to prevent the cake from sticking to the tray.

Step 4: Biscuits and filling
Evenly sprinkle the crushed digestive biscuits over the surface of the dough. They will add a crunchy note to the cake.

Step 5: Prepare the cheese filling
In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the sour cream, sugar (100 g), a pinch of salt, flour, and eggs. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

Personalized option: If you like a more intense flavor, you can also add a teaspoon of vanilla essence or grated lemon zest for an extra aroma.

Step 6: Plums
Wash the plums, cut them in half, remove the pits, and then cut each half into quarters. Add the chopped plums to the cheese mixture and gently mix to distribute them evenly.

Step 7: Assemble the cake
Pour the cheese mixture over the dough in the tray and level the surface with a spatula.

Step 8: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the tray with the cake inside. Let it bake for 50 minutes, until it becomes golden and firm to the touch.

Step 9: Cooling and serving
Once the cake is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes. Then, you can transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Before serving, cut it into squares and dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon for an elegant look and inviting aroma.

Serving suggestions

The cheese and plum cake is delicious both warm and cold, and pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. You can also serve it with a fragrant tea or coffee.

Nutritional benefits

This cake offers a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, thanks to the cottage cheese and plums, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Plums, in particular, are known for their digestive and antioxidant benefits, making them an excellent choice for a healthier dessert.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use other fruits instead of plums?
Yes, this recipe is very versatile! You can try with apples, peaches, or cherries, depending on the season and your preferences.

How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it, but it is recommended to cut it into portions before placing it in the freezer.

What can I do if I don't have cottage cheese?
You can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese as alternatives; the result will be just as delicious!

I hope this recipe inspires you to try making the cheese and plum cake. It is more than just a simple dessert; it is a way to bring joy to your loved ones and delight your taste buds. So put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy the cooking process! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: - For the dough we need: 400 g flour 1 packet of yeast 170 g sugar 150 ml warm milk 70 g butter - For the filling: 6 crushed digestive biscuits 1.5 kg plums 750 g cottage cheese 30 g flour 250 g sour cream 5 eggs 100 g powdered sugar cinnamon