Apple and cottage cheese pie

Delicious apple and cottage cheese tart

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Baking time: 50-55 minutes
Total: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8

Who can resist a warm tart, wrapped in the aromas of caramelized apples and creamy cottage cheese? This apple and cottage cheese tart recipe is not only a delicious dessert but also a great way to use seasonal apples. Its sweet-tart flavor, combined with the smooth texture of the cheese, will turn any meal into a feast.

A bit of history: Apple and cottage cheese tart is a classic dessert that has been made in many cultures, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Each family has its own version, often adding secret ingredients or preparation methods that make each tart unique.

I will guide you step by step on how to achieve the perfect tart, providing you with useful tips and tricks to ensure that the final result will please everyone.

Ingredients for the dough:
- 270 grams of flour
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 125 grams of butter at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of flax seeds (optional)
- A bit of semolina for sprinkling in the pan

Ingredients for the apple filling:
- 1 kg of apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
- 50 grams of raisins
- 1/2 cup of warm water
- 200 grams of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of rum essence
- Cinnamon to taste

Ingredients for the cottage cheese filling:
- 300 grams of cottage cheese
- 4 eggs
- 100 grams of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence

Preparation method:

1. Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. It is important for the sugar to dissolve completely to achieve a fine dough.
2. Add the soft butter and mix well until everything is homogeneous.
3. Sift the flour together with the baking powder over the egg and butter mixture. Add the flax seeds if you chose to use them. Mix everything until a homogeneous dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. This will allow it to firm up, making it easier to roll out.

2. Preparing the apple filling
1. Start by soaking the raisins in the warm water and rum essence mixture. Let them absorb the flavors for 15-20 minutes.
2. Peel the apples and cut them into cubes. In a saucepan, add the chopped apples and sugar, then cook over low heat. Stir occasionally until the apples become soft and the liquid evaporates (about 15-20 minutes).
3. Once the apples have cooled, add the drained raisins and cinnamon to taste. Mix well and let the filling cool completely.

3. Preparing the cottage cheese filling
1. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until frothy. Add the cottage cheese, grated lemon zest, and vanilla essence, mixing well to obtain a homogeneous composition.

4. Assembling the tart
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until you get a thin sheet. Then, transfer it to a round detachable-bottom pan greased with butter.
3. Prick the dough with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking. Sprinkle a bit of semolina on the bottom of the tart to absorb moisture.
4. Add the apple filling evenly, then pour the cottage cheese cream on top.

5. Baking
1. Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the filling is well set.
2. Once baked, let the tart cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.

Serving suggestions
The apple and cottage cheese tart is delicious both warm and cold. It can be served plain or with a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream for added flavor. A caramel or chocolate sauce can add a decadent touch.

Variations and suggestions
If you want to add a touch of originality, you can experiment with different types of apples or add chopped nuts to the apple filling. You can also replace cottage cheese with ricotta for a lighter texture.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of this tart contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants, while cottage cheese is a good source of protein. This tart is not only a delicious dessert but also a healthier option compared to other sweets.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
- Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta, but make sure to adjust the sugar amount according to the sweetness of the cheese.

2. What can I do if I don't have flax seeds?
- You can omit them completely or replace them with sesame seeds or ground nuts.

3. How can I store the tart?
- The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure it is covered to prevent drying out.

I am eager to hear how your tart turned out! I hope you enjoy every slice and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!