Black woman with cottage cheese

Cheese Brownie – a dessert that combines the juiciness of chocolate with the delicacy of cheese, perfect for any occasion. This recipe not only brings a touch of happiness in every slice but also a delicious family story that can be passed down from generation to generation. Whether you are preparing for a party or simply want to treat yourself, cheese brownie is the perfect choice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 200 g high-quality butter
- 100 g sugar
- 5 eggs
- 200 g milk chocolate
- 30 ml milk
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 180 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 2 teaspoons rum essence

For the cream:
- 500 g cottage cheese (ideally drier, but a slightly creamier version works)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon semolina (or white flour)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Step by step

1. Preparing the base
We start with the chocolate – break it into small pieces and put it in a saucepan along with the milk and cocoa. Heat gently over low heat, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool.

2. Creating the butter mixture
In a large bowl, mix the butter with the sugar until you obtain a fluffy, creamy white mixture. This will add a light and airy texture to the base.

3. Combining the ingredients
Add the cooled chocolate mixture over the whipped butter. Incorporate the ingredients with a mixer, then add the eggs, one at a time, continuing to mix after each addition. This step is essential to ensure perfect integration of the ingredients.

4. Adding flavors
After adding the eggs, add the rum essence, baking powder, and flour gradually. Mix on low speed until the mixture becomes homogeneous, but do not overdo it – we don’t want a too dense base.

5. Preparing the cheese cream
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the egg and sugar. Add the semolina and the orange zest, mixing well. These ingredients will give a fresh and aromatic note to the cheese.

6. Assembling the cake
Line a round baking pan with a diameter of 26 cm (a slightly larger pan is acceptable) with baking paper. Pour the base mixture into the pan, and then, with a spoon, add the cheese cream on top. Don’t be afraid to gently mix the two mixtures with a fork – a little marbling is welcome, but don’t overdo it to keep the layers distinct.

7. Baking
Place the cake in a preheated oven at 180°C and bake for 40-45 minutes. Do the toothpick test to check if it is well baked – if the toothpick comes out clean, it’s time to take it out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Serving
When the cake is completely cooled, sprinkle a generous layer of powdered sugar on top. This not only adds an attractive appearance but also a sweet taste, contrasting with the bitterness of the chocolate. Serve with a cup of tea or coffee, and for a touch of indulgence, pair it with vanilla ice cream.

Practical tips
- Choosing ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate to achieve an intense flavor. Buy cottage cheese from a trusted producer for better texture and flavor.
- Variations: You can experiment with flavors, adding a few drops of vanilla essence or even some chopped nuts to the base mixture.
- Serving: You can also add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top or a fruit puree for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional benefits
Cheese brownie is not just a delicious dessert but also a source of protein from eggs and cheese, as well as antioxidants from chocolate. With a moderate caloric intake, it can be enjoyed in moderation, making it a better choice compared to other sugary desserts.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of cheese? Of course! You can try mascarpone or ricotta cheese, but the texture will be different.
- How can I make the brownie less sweet? Reducing the amount of sugar in the base or cream is a good option. You can experiment with natural sweeteners.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure to wrap it well to avoid drying out.

Cheese brownie is more than just a simple cake; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth in every slice. Don’t hesitate to try it and share your results with loved ones! Enjoy!