Apple and cheese cake

Apple and Cheese Cake – A sweet and fragrant delight for any occasion

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 90 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn't love the warm aroma of baked apples mixed with the delicacy of cheese? The apple and cheese cake is a classic dessert, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. This recipe, adapted with slight variations from a specialty magazine, promises to bring smiles to everyone's faces. With a fluffy dough and rich filling, this dessert will surely become a staple in your collection.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg flour
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 200 g butter (or margarine, I recommend Unirea margarine)
- 3 eggs
- 300 ml milk
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 2 packets baking ammonia
- 1 pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 1 kg sweet cheese (ideally well-drained cottage cheese)
- 6 eggs
- 1 vanilla essence
- 6 apples (choose sweet and fragrant apples)
- 200 g raisins
- 200 g crushed nuts
- 1 rum essence
- 2 teaspoons gelatin
- 2 tablespoons sugar

Step by step

1. Preparing the dough: In a larger bowl, sift the flour and add the powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, eggs, and salt. Mix well the dry ingredients with the wet ones, using a spatula or whisk.

2. Dissolving the ammonia: In another container, dissolve the packets of ammonia in warm milk, then add the milk mixture to the ingredients in the bowl. Finally, melt the butter (or margarine) and incorporate it into the mixture. Mix until you achieve a homogeneous dough.

3. Resting the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rest in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

4. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the cheese with the eggs and vanilla essence. Make sure the cheese is well homogenized so that no lumps remain.

5. Preparing the apples: Wash the apples, peel them, and core them. Fill each apple with the raisin mixture (which should be soaked in rum essence) and crushed nuts. Keep some raisins and nuts for decoration.

6. Assembling the cake: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll one part on the bottom of a baking dish lined with parchment paper, and the other part on the sides of the dish. Place the filled apples in the form and pour the cheese cream over them. Decorate with the remaining raisins and nuts.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the cake for 90 minutes, or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 60 minutes to avoid affecting the baking process.

8. Preparing the gelatin: While the cake is baking, soak the gelatin in a few tablespoons of water. Once hydrated, add the 2 tablespoons of sugar and mix well. Heat the mixture in the microwave for one minute until the gelatin melts.

9. Finishing the cake: After the cake is ready, brush it with the melted gelatin to give it a shiny appearance. Decorate with the reserved nuts and raisins and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about an hour before cutting.

Practical tips

- Choosing the apples: Sweet apples, such as Golden Delicious or Fuji, are ideal for this recipe, providing a pleasant contrast with the cheese filling.
- The cheese: Make sure to use good-quality sweet cheese, well-drained, to avoid excess liquid in the filling.
- Vegan option: You can replace the eggs with a mixture of ground flaxseeds and water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds + 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg) and use vegan margarine in the dough.
- Serving: The apple and cheese cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. You can accompany the dessert with a fruit tea, thus enhancing the sweet flavors of the cake.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C, while sweet cheese provides essential proteins and calcium. Raisins add antioxidants, and nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats. However, it is important to consume this dessert in moderation, considering its sugar content.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can replace the apples with pears or peaches, thus adapting the taste of the cake.
- What can I do with the leftover dough? If you have excess dough, you can use it to make cookies or small tarts.
- How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, covered with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Enjoy every slice of this apple and cheese cake, relishing the moments spent with loved ones. Whether it's a family dinner or a party with friends, this dessert will shine on your table!