Cheese ball cake filled with cherries
Cheese and Cherry Ball Cake: An Irresistible Delight
Who can resist a dessert that combines creamy cheese, juicy cherries, and a fluffy cocoa base? This cheese ball cake filled with cherries is not just a culinary treat but also a sweet childhood memory for many of us. It is a versatile cake that can accompany a fragrant coffee at breakfast or be enjoyed as a dessert at a festive meal. Let’s embark on a journey together to prepare this delight!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 70 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
For the base:
- 7 large, fresh eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 250 ml oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 380 g flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa (choose a quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (about 10 g)
- a pinch of salt (helps balance the flavor)
For the cheese balls:
- 400 g full-fat cottage cheese (make sure it is well drained)
- 3 tablespoons instant pudding (vanilla or your preferred flavor)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla (or natural vanilla extract)
- grated zest of one lemon (adds a fresh note)
- coconut flakes (for decoration and flavor)
- cherries from compote (about 200 g; if desired, you can use fresh cherries, but ensure they are ripe)
Preparation of Cheese Balls
1. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, add the well-drained cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Mix with a spatula or a mixer on low speed until the ingredients are well combined.
2. Add the pudding: Incorporate the pudding powder into the cheese mixture. This ingredient will help stabilize the balls and add a pleasant texture.
3. Form the balls: Take a tablespoon of the mixture and add a cherry in the center. Roll between your palms to form a uniform ball. Repeat until you finish the mixture. Then, roll each ball in coconut flakes to create a flavorful and crunchy crust.
4. Cooling: Place the balls on a tray and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step will help the balls maintain their shape during baking.
Preparation of the Base
1. Mixing the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the whole eggs with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer. Mix until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume.
2. Adding the sugar: While continuing to mix, gradually add the sugar. Keep mixing until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy.
3. Incorporating the oil: Gradually drizzle the oil around the edge of the bowl while continuing to mix. This step will add moisture and make the base less crumbly.
4. Adding the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and cocoa. Gradually add them to the egg mixture, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing air in the mixture.
5. Preparing the tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. This will help prevent the bases from sticking.
Assembling the Cake
1. Pour the mixture into the tray: Pour the base mixture into the tray, smoothing the surface.
2. Add the balls: Place the cheese balls on top of the base, ensuring they are evenly distributed. If you have extra cherries, you can add them between the balls for added flavor.
3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. Check the baking with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
4. Cooling: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving
After the cake has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look. It can be served plain, but a delicious enhancement is to accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce, which will perfectly complement the flavors.
Practical Tips
- Choose the right cheese: A full-fat cottage cheese is ideal for creamy balls. If you want a healthier option, you can opt for low-fat cottage cheese.
- Cherries: If using cherries from compote, ensure they are well drained to avoid excess liquid in the cake. Fresh cherries are excellent, but check that they are ripe and sweet.
- Gluten-free option: You can replace the flour with a combination of almond flour and oat flour, but make sure to use gluten-free baking powder.
- Customization: Experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon or almond essence to the balls.
Nutritional Benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also a good source of protein from the cheese. Cherries add vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making it a healthier choice compared to other desserts. Additionally, the cocoa provides antioxidants and improves mood.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use goat cheese? Yes, goat cheese will add a distinct flavor, but it’s best to combine it with cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
2. How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in a closed container in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for 3-4 days.
3. What drink pairs best with this cake? A fragrant coffee or a fruit tea are excellent accompaniments to balance the sweetness of the cake.
This cheese ball cake filled with cherries is not just a dessert but also an unforgettable experience. With every bite, you will savor the combination of textures and flavors that will remind you of the beautiful moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy!
Ingredients: Base: 7 eggs, 250g sugar, 250ml oil, 380g flour, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, a pinch of baking powder, salt. Cheese balls: 400g fatty cow cheese, 3 tablespoons instant pudding powder, 4 tablespoons sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, coconut flakes, canned cherries.
