Apricot, cheese, and caramel cake

Summer Cake with Apricots, Cheese, and Caramel

If you are looking for a dessert that combines the fresh flavors of summer with a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness, you have come to the right place! This cake with apricots, cheese, and caramel is perfect for any occasion, from parties to family gatherings or simply to indulge your taste buds on a warm day. Moreover, it is a recipe that combines simple ingredients in an innovative way, resulting in a dessert that is sure to impress.

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

Ingredients needed

For the caramel:
- 100 g sugar
- 80 g butter
- 5 tablespoons cream

For the filling:
- 1 kg cottage cheese
- 200 g sugar
- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 8 apricots (fresh and ripe)
- 100 g almond flakes
- 2 tablespoons starch

For the cake base:
- 200 g ground almonds
- 50 g butter (soft)
- 50 ml cream
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml milk
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 125 g sugar
- Flour, as needed (approximately 200 g)

A bit of history

Cheesecake with fruits is a classic recipe that has found a place in the hearts of many due to its versatility. Over the years, recipes have evolved, and ingredient combinations have enriched, giving rise to diverse dishes. Caramel, with its rich flavor and velvety texture, adds an extra dimension, turning a simple cake into an unforgettable experience.

Step by step: How to prepare the cake

1. Preparing the caramel

The first step is to prepare the caramel, a key moment in this recipe. Start by taking a medium saucepan and adding the sugar. Place the saucepan over low heat and let the sugar melt slowly. It is essential not to stir the sugar at this stage, but to let it melt on its own. When it starts to turn golden, carefully add the cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to stir, then add the butter cut into cubes. Keep everything on low heat until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. Once you have obtained the perfect caramel, let it cool slightly.

2. Preparing the cake base

In a large bowl, grind the almonds in a food processor until they become fine powder. Add the soft butter, cream, eggs, milk, vanilla essence, sugar, and salt, mixing everything until you achieve a smooth mixture. Weigh the flour (approximately 200 g) and mix it with the baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and gently mix until you obtain a fine dough, but not too hard. It is important that the dough is easy to spread in the pan, so do not overdo it with the flour.

3. Preparing the filling

For the cheese filling, put the cottage cheese in another bowl and mash it well with the sugar. Add the yolks, cream, vanilla essence, salt, and starch, mixing everything until you achieve a smooth mixture. Beat the egg whites until stiff and carefully fold them into the cheese mixture using a spatula to keep the air in the egg whites.

4. Assembling the cake

Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Grease and line a 24 cm diameter pan. Spread the obtained dough in the pan, ensuring that you evenly cover the base. Pour 1/3 of the cheese filling mixed with caramel, then add the remaining cheese filling. Cut the apricots into quarters and add them along with the almond flakes to the filling, mixing gently.

5. Baking and decorating

Put the pan in the oven for about an hour. When the cake is ready, it will have a beautiful golden color on top. Let it cool in the pan, then pour the remaining caramel on top and decorate with pieces of apricots. Cut the cake as desired and enjoy!

Useful tips

- Caramel: If you are not familiar with making caramel, you can use granulated sugar to avoid lumps. When adding the cream, make sure it is at room temperature to prevent the caramel from solidifying.
- Cottage cheese: Choose fresh, quality cottage cheese for the best taste. You can also use mascarpone for a creamier texture.
- Variations: You can experiment with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or plums, to give a personal touch to your cake. You can also replace the almonds with pecans for a distinct flavor.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Additionally, a glass of sweet white wine can perfectly complement this dessert.

Frequently asked questions

- What can I do if I don't have ground almonds? You can use other ground nuts or even crushed digestive biscuits for an alternative base.
- Can I prepare the cake in advance? Yes, the cake keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Make sure it is covered to avoid absorbing odors from the fridge.
- Is this cake suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using vegan cheese, plant-based milk, and flax or chia eggs to create a vegan version.

This cake with apricots, cheese, and caramel is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that combines tradition with innovation. Its delicate taste and combination of flavors will surely delight your guests, and you will enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen preparing it. Enjoy your meal!