Cheese and cherry pie

Cherry and Cheese Cake – an explosion of flavors and textures

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 3 hours (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 12

In the sweet world of pastry, nothing is more enticing than a cake that combines the creaminess of cheese with the tartness of cherries, on a fluffy cocoa base. This cherry and cheese cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a birthday party, a get-together with friends, or simply to treat yourself after a long day.

A bit of history:
Cheesecakes are a popular delight in many cultures, with deep roots in ancient culinary traditions. The combination of cheese and fruit is a technique used for centuries, with fruits providing a pleasant contrast to the creamy texture and sweet-sour flavor. Cherries, with their distinct flavor, are the ideal choice to add a touch of freshness and a splash of color to your cake.

Ingredients:
For the base:
- 5 eggs
- 125 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 packet baking powder
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- A pinch of salt

For the cream:
- 600 g cottage cheese (choose a fresh, quality cheese)
- 150 ml plain yogurt
- 150 ml sour cream
- 200 g sugar
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 1 tablespoon sweet cream
- 10 g gelatin
- Vanilla sugar (optional, for extra flavor)
- Juice of one lemon
- Cherries (from a jar or fresh, pitted)
- Chocolate balls (for decoration)

For the jelly:
- 2 packets red jelly
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Cherry syrup (to taste)

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the base:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and lemon juice, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy and firm meringue.
- In another bowl, mix the yolks with the lemon zest. Incorporate them into the egg whites, one yolk at a time, folding gently with a spatula to preserve the air in the egg whites.
- Sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder together and gently fold them into the egg mixture with delicate, upward movements.
- Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, let the base cool completely.

2. Preparing the cream:
- While the base cools, you can prepare the cream. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar, yogurt, sour cream, and flavors (vanilla sugar and lemon juice) until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
- Hydrate the gelatin according to the instructions on the package, either in cold water or in the microwave (without letting it boil). Add the gelatin to the cheese cream and mix well.
- Whip the liquid cream with a tablespoon of sour cream until it becomes firm and carefully fold it into the cheese cream. Finally, add the chocolate balls for a touch of flavor.

3. Assembling the cake:
- Prepare the jelly according to the instructions on the package, adding the powdered sugar and cherry syrup for extra flavor.
- In the pan where you baked the base, place a plastic wrap. Pour the jelly and let it set slightly. Then add a layer of cherries (pitted) from the jar.
- Pour the cheese cream over the cherries, smoothing it out with a spatula. Place the base upside down, pressing gently to secure it.
- Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, or ideally overnight, to set well.

4. Serving:
- Once the cake has cooled sufficiently, carefully invert it onto a platter. You can decorate with fresh cherries, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings for an attractive look.
- Serve the cake with a cup of fruit tea or a glass of sweet white wine to complement the flavors.

Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing the cake to achieve a uniform texture.
- If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or use lower-fat cheese.
- Instead of cherries, you can experiment with other fruits, such as raspberries or blackberries, to customize the cake to your tastes.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This cherry and cheese cake offers a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. Approximately, one serving contains between 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while cherries provide antioxidants and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone for a creamier texture.
- Can this cake be frozen?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cake (without jelly) and gradually thaw it in the refrigerator.
- How can I reduce cooking time?
You can use a store-bought pre-prepared base, but the taste will be different.

This cherry and cheese cake is not just a delicious dessert but also an opportunity to enjoy your time in the kitchen, experimenting with flavors and textures. Don't hesitate to put your personal touch on the recipe, adapting it to your tastes. Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to create something unique and tasty!

 Ingredients: Base: 5 eggs, 125 g sugar, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 1 packet baking powder, lemon zest and juice, salt. Cream: 600 g cow cheese, 150 ml plain yogurt, 150 ml sour cream, 200 g sugar, 200 ml liquid cream, 1 tablespoon sweet cream, 10 g gelatin, vanilla sugar, lemon, sour cherries, chocolate balls. For the jelly: two packets of red jelly, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and sour cherry syrup.

 Tags:  cake cheese sour cherries eggs cake base