Cheese and cherry cake

Cheesecake with cheese and cherries

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Discover the magic of a delicious cherry cheesecake, a perfect combination of sweet and tart that will delight your senses and is sure to become a family favorite. This cheesecake is not just a simple snack, but a true culinary experience, combining the velvety texture of the cheesecake filling with the juiciness of the cherries.

A short story about cherry cheesecake

Cherry cheesecake is a traditional dessert that has spanned generations, bringing joy to every household. Like many popular dishes, the recipe has evolved over time, with each chef adding a personal touch, making it a symbol of conviviality and family gatherings.

Ingredients needed

*For the pastry
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 baking powder
- 1 vanilla essence
- 130 g butter (melted and cooled)
- 200 g flour
- 650 g cherries (pitted)

*For the cheese filling:*
- 900 g cottage cheese (preferably well drained)
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 1 essence of rum
- 6 yolks
- 2 tbsp white flour

*For the cherry jelly:*
- 1 hand of cherries (pitted)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 4 sheets of gelatine (about 6-7 grams)

Preparing the ingredients

1. The cherries: After removing the pits, drain the cherries on a sieve. Under the sieve, place a saucer to catch the juice you'll later use for the jelly. This is a crucial step, as the natural juice will add extra flavor and color to the jelly.

2. The countertop: In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes fluffy. Stir in the baking powder and vanilla essence, then incorporate the flour in a little at a time, mixing gently. Finally, add the melted (but cooled) butter and mix until smooth.

3. Cheese filling: In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar, egg yolks, rum essence and finally the flour. Make sure the cheese is well homogenized to avoid lumps in the filling.

Assembling the cake

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium).
2. Prepare a rectangular baking tray: grease with margarine and line with baking paper.
3. Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place the drained cherries on top of the pastry, taking care to distribute them evenly.
4. Spoon the cheese filling over the cherries, spreading it with the spatula so that it completely covers the fruit.
5. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the cheese is nicely browned. It's important not to leave it too long so it doesn't become too hard.

Making cherry jelly

1. Soak the gelatine sheets in cold water for 10 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, place the cherries with the sugar and add some of the drained juice. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely. Once it comes to a boil, bring to a simmer and allow to bubble 2-3 times.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the hydrated gelatin. Stir well until the gelatin dissolves completely and the mixture becomes smooth.
4. Allow the jelly to cool slightly before pouring over the cake in the pan.

Cool and serve

1. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let the cake chill and allow the jelly to set (about 2-3 hours).
2. Once the jelly has hardened, remove the cake from the refrigerator, cut into servings and serve with gusto.

Helpful hints

- Cheese: Choose a well drained cottage cheese to avoid a too moist filling. You can also use goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor.
- Cherries: If you don't have fresh cherries, you can use stewed or frozen cherries, but be sure to drain them well of excess liquid.
- Gelatin: If you prefer a firmer jelly, you can use several sheets of gelatin. Check the pack instructions to adjust the amount.
- Variations: You can substitute cherries, raspberries or strawberries for cherries for a more flavored cake. You can also add grated dark chocolate to the cheese filling for a decadent flavor.

Delicious combinations

The cherry cheesecake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. A cup of black tea or fresh lemonade will also complement this dessert ideally.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and cherries provide antioxidants and essential vitamins. Egg yolks also contribute healthy fats and vitamins A, D, E and K.

Calories

One serving of cherry cheesecake contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Now that you have all the information you need, all you have to do is try this wonderful recipe! Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or simply to spoil your family, the cherry cheesecake is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!