Cheese and apricot cake

Cheese and Apricot Cake – A Delicacy in Two Steps

Are you looking for a quick, simple, and delicious dessert? The cheese and apricot cake is the perfect choice! This delicate cake combines the creaminess of cheese with the sweetness of apricots, resulting in an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you serve it at a festive meal or as a quick snack, this recipe is sure to win you over!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

The history of cheese cake is rich in flavors and traditions. This recipe has been adapted over the years, borrowing techniques from various cultures while always maintaining its essence: a rich and flavorful combination of cheese and fruit. Apricots, with their sweet and slightly tart flavor, perfectly complement the creamy cheese filling, providing a textural contrast that makes this cake a true indulgence.

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 1 egg
- 2 cups of flour
- 100 g melted butter
- 100 g sugar
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 3 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- Vanilla essence
- Apricots (a few for decoration)

Step by step: Preparing the cheese and apricot cake

1. Preparing the crust
Start by gathering all the crust ingredients in a large bowl. Add the egg, sugar, and melted butter, mixing well. Then, incorporate the flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as it can affect the cake's texture.

2. Chilling the dough
Once you have obtained the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step is essential as it helps the dough become easier to roll out and have a better texture.

3. Preparing the cheese filling
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the eggs, sugar, vanilla essence, and liquid cream. Use an electric mixer to achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream. Make sure the cheese is well mixed, without lumps, to obtain a velvety filling.

4. Rolling out the dough
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you obtain a disc about 0.5 cm thick. Transfer the dough to a 20/20 cm baking dish that you have previously greased with butter or lined with parchment paper. Ensure the dough evenly covers the bottom of the dish.

5. Adding the filling
Pour the cheese filling over the dough in the dish and level it with a spatula. Decorate with halved apricots, which you can place all over the surface of the cake. Fresh apricots or even canned ones can be used, but make sure to squeeze them well to remove excess juice so it doesn't affect the filling.

6. Baking the cake
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about 40 minutes. The cake is ready when the filling is firm and slightly golden around the edges, and the center is set. You can check with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cake is done!

7. Cooling and serving
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish. Only then can you cut it. To add a touch of elegance, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving. This will add a pleasant contrast with the apricots and provide an attractive appearance.

Practical tips

- Ingredients at room temperature: Make sure the cheese, eggs, and cream are at room temperature for better incorporation and a homogeneous filling.
- Possible variations: You can replace apricots with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or plums, to adapt the cake to your preferences.
- Serving: The cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits

This cheese and apricot cake is not only delicious but also quite nutritious. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, while apricots provide a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, by choosing low-sugar ingredients, you can adapt the recipe to fit a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a different texture.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it slightly before serving.

3. Is freezing possible?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to slice it before freezing. You can keep it for a maximum of 2 months.

In conclusion, this cheese and apricot cake is not just a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. With every bite, you'll feel the flavors intertwining, giving you a moment of culinary indulgence. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the cooking process! Enjoy your meal!