Cheese and cherry cake

Cheese and Sour Cherry Cake - a delight that combines the sweetness of cheese with the acidity of sour cherries, creating a dessert that will please any cake lover. This recipe is not only simple but also a true feast for the senses. I invite you to discover the essential steps to achieve a perfect cake that will quickly become your favorite and that of your loved ones.

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

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 125 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 250 g flour
- Vanilla sugar (to taste)

For the filling:
- 450 g fresh cottage cheese (ideally fine)
- 200 g sour cherries (fresh or from a jar, well drained)
- 200 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Grated zest of one lemon (for an extra flavor)

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the dough

Start by mixing the soft butter with the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. This step is essential, as well-mixed butter will give the cake an airy texture. Add the egg and continue mixing.

Then, sift the flour and vanilla sugar over the butter and egg mixture. Mix everything with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a ball of dough. This dough should not be too sticky, so adjust the amount of flour if necessary.

Form the ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until it completely dissolves. Add the cottage cheese and continue mixing until you obtain a smooth cream. Be careful not to leave lumps, as this can affect the texture of the cake.

Incorporate the flour and lemon zest into the cheese mixture, mixing gently to combine the ingredients. The lemon aroma will add a note of freshness and balance the sweetness.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

After the dough has been in the fridge, take it out and roll it out on a floured surface. Roll it into a sheet about 5 mm thick. Roll the sheet onto a rolling pin and carefully place it in the greased and parchment-lined baking pan. Level the edges and poke the base with a fork here and there to avoid air bubbles.

Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the dough for 5 minutes. This step will help form a slightly crispy base.

Step 4: Completing the cake

Remove the pan from the oven and pour half of the cheese cream over the dough base. Add the sour cherries, making sure they are evenly distributed. Cover with the remaining cream and level well.

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and return it to the oven for 20 minutes at medium-low heat. The cover will help the filling cook evenly.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and leave the cake in the oven until it turns golden on top, which will take about 10-15 minutes. Check constantly to ensure it does not burn.

Step 5: Finalizing and serving

Once the cake is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool on a rack. After it has completely cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an attractive and delicious appearance.

Helpful Tip

To achieve an even finer texture, you can strain the cottage cheese before using it, removing excess moisture. Additionally, if you like more intense flavors, add a few drops of vanilla essence to the filling.

Variations

The cheese and sour cherry cake can be customized according to your preferences. Instead of sour cherries, you can use cherries, raspberries, or even peaches. Additionally, by replacing the cottage cheese with ricotta or mascarpone, you can achieve a cake with a different flavor.

Perfect Pairings

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. If you want to add a touch of sophistication, serve it alongside a sweet white wine or a well-chilled lemonade.

Nutritional Benefits

The cheese and sour cherry cake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while sour cherries are rich in antioxidants. These contribute to a balanced and healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of fresh cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone, to achieve a different texture and taste.

2. How do I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 4 days.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure it is well covered to prevent freezer burn.

Personal Note

This cheese and sour cherry cake recipe brings back memories of family moments when we all gathered around the table and shared stories. It is a dessert that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also creates beautiful memories with loved ones.

So, allow yourself to enjoy every step of preparing this delicious cake and share the result with your loved ones!