Boci Szelet Cake (Potato Cow)

Boci Szelet Cake – Spotted Cow

Looking for a delicious and captivating recipe to impress family and friends? Boci Szelet Cake, also known as "Spotted Cow", is a perfect dessert with an amazing contrast between the soft sponge and the cheese cream. This recipe is simple and quick, but the final result will look like a culinary masterpiece. Whether you serve it at a festive table or as a weekend treat, this cake will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

*For the sponge:*
- 4 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 100 ml milk
- 100 ml oil
- 180 g flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt

*For the cheese cream:*
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 50 g semolina
- 200 g sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Step by step

1. Preparing the oven and ingredients

Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature, especially the eggs, to achieve a uniform and airy composition.

2. Separating the eggs

Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential that the bowls used for beating the egg whites are perfectly clean and dry to achieve a stable foam.

3. Preparing the sponge

In a bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until creamy and intensely yellow. Gradually add the oil while continuously mixing. A useful tip is to use sunflower oil, which has a mild flavor and will allow the other flavors to shine.

Once you have a homogeneous mixture, add the milk and mix well. In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and cocoa. This step helps eliminate lumps and ensures a fine texture for the sponge. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the yolk composition, gently mixing with a spatula until well combined.

4. Beating the egg whites

In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. This step is crucial for giving the sponge a light and fluffy consistency. Once the egg whites are beaten, carefully fold them into the sponge mixture using a spatula with up-and-down motions to avoid losing the incorporated air.

5. Baking the sponge

Prepare a 20x30 cm baking tray lined with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the tray and level the surface with a spatula. Now it’s time to achieve that "spotted cow" look.

6. Preparing the cheese cream

In a separate bowl, mash the cottage cheese using a fork or a mixer. Add the sugar, vanilla sugar, egg, semolina, and lemon zest. Mix well until homogeneous. The lemon zest adds a fresh flavor and a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the sugar.

7. Adding the cheese cream

Using a teaspoon, carefully add the cheese cream over the sponge mixture, ensuring that each slice of cake will have a portion of cheese. There’s no need to smooth it out, as the "spotted" look is exactly what we are looking for.

8. Baking the cake

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Start checking the cake after 25 minutes; a tester inserted in the center should come out clean.

9. Cooling and serving

After baking, let the cake cool in the tray, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into squares and serve it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.

Useful tips

- If you want a gluten-free version, replace the flour with almond or oat flour.
- The cake can be stored in the fridge for a few days, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy its ideal texture.
- It is delicious served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fragrant coffee.

Nutritional benefits

Boci Szelet Cake contains cottage cheese, an excellent source of protein and calcium, making it a healthier choice compared to many other desserts. Additionally, the eggs add essential vitamins and nutrients. However, it's important to be mindful of portions, as sugar and fats can contribute to a higher caloric intake.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but the texture and taste may differ. The cake will be less creamy.

2. How can I tell if the cake is baked?
Use a cake tester or a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Also, the edges should be slightly golden.

3. Is it possible to add fruits to the mixture?
Yes, you can add pieces of fruit, such as cherries or blueberries, for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of freshness.

Boci Szelet Cake is truly a perfect dessert for any occasion, bringing together delicious textures and flavors. Don’t forget to experiment with the ingredients and add your own personal touches! This dessert will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy every slice and cherish the moments spent with loved ones!