Cheese and apricot cake

The perfect dessert for a sunny day or an evening with friends, the cheesecake with apricots combines fine textures and enticing flavors. This simple and quick recipe is ideal for those who want to add a touch of sweetness to their lives without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you choose fresh apricots or canned ones, this cake will delight your taste buds and bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 6 eggs (separate egg whites and yolks)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of boiled water
- 6 tablespoons of oil
- 12 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

For the filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 500 g fruit (preferably apricots, fresh or canned)

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained so that it doesn't add too much moisture. If using canned apricots, drain them well before use. This way, your cake will remain fluffy and won't have excess water.

Step 2: Separating the Eggs
Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is important that the yolk is clean, without traces of egg white, to achieve a perfect foam. A little trick is to use a clean and dry bowl for the egg whites, as any trace of fat can prevent them from foaming.

Step 3: Preparing the Dough
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until they become foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a firm and glossy foam. This is the base of your cake, and the air incorporated at this moment will make the cake light and fluffy.

Then add the 3 yolks, boiled water, oil, flour, and baking powder. Mix everything with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed until the mixture becomes homogeneous. Be careful not to overmix, so you don't lose the air in the dough.

Step 4: Preparing the Baking Pan
Grease a baking pan with flour so that the cake doesn't stick. A pan of approximately 30x20 cm is ideal for this recipe. Pour half of the dough mixture into the pan, leveling it evenly.

Step 5: Adding the Fruit
Place the fruit on top of the dough. If using apricots, you can cut them in half to distribute them evenly. The fruit will add a note of acidity and a fresh taste, balancing the sweetness of the cake.

Step 6: Preparing the Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the remaining 3 yolks, powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, and vanilla pudding. This mixture will add a creamy texture and an intense flavor to your cake. Make sure the mixture is well homogenized and free of lumps.

Step 7: Assembling the Cake
Pour the cheese mixture over the fruit, smoothing it with a spatula. Then pour the remaining dough on top, covering everything. This final layer will add a delicious crust to your cake.

Step 8: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the pan inside. Bake the cake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. At this point, your house will be filled with delicious aromas, and your patience will be rewarded!

Step 9: Cooling and Serving
Once the cake is ready, let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then you can transfer it to a cooling rack. It is important to let it cool completely before cutting it, otherwise it will crumble. Once cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.

Useful Tips
1. Fruit Variations: If you don't have apricots, you can experiment with peaches, apples, or even berries. Each variation will give a different note to the dessert.
2. Vanilla Sugar: You can make your own vanilla sugar using a dried vanilla pod, adding it to regular sugar. This will enhance the flavor of the cake.
3. Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A warm drink, such as mint tea or a flavored coffee, will perfectly complement the dessert.

Nutritional Benefits
The cheesecake with apricots is not just a delight, but also a source of nutrients. Cottage cheese is rich in protein, while apricots provide essential vitamins, such as vitamins A and C, which are important for the immune system. Although it is a dessert, moderate consumption will help you enjoy all the nutritional benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or goat cheese for a distinctive flavor.
2. What should I do if the dough is too liquid? Make sure you measured the ingredients correctly. If it still happens, add a little more flour, but be careful not to affect the texture.
3. How can I store the cake? You can store the cake in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it, but make sure to wrap it well to prevent drying out.

In conclusion, the cheesecake with apricots is an excellent choice for any occasion, but also for moments when you just want to treat yourself. With this simple and delicious recipe, you will surely become the star of the kitchen! Don't forget to share the result with your loved ones and enjoy every slice!