Cheese and cherry pie

Cheesecake with cherries – a delight that will enchant your taste buds

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

This cheesecake with cherries is a recipe that perfectly combines sweetness with a hint of sourness, offering a refined yet simple culinary experience. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, with cheesecake being a beloved dessert for generations. Surely, every family has its own version, and today I will present an easy-to-make recipe that is full of flavors and textures, bringing joy to every meal.

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g cottage cheese
- 170 g butter (at room temperature)
- 5 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons semolina
- 170 g + 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla pudding
- 500 g cherries (fresh or canned)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- A pinch of salt

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries under a cold running water. If using canned cherries, make sure to drain them well. Remove the pits and place the cherries in a bowl, adding 3 tablespoons of sugar. Gently mix and let them sit for about 15 minutes to release their syrup.

2. Separating the eggs: In a clean bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Ensure no yolk remains in the egg whites, or they won’t whip well.

3. Making the cheese mixture: In another bowl, mix the butter with 120 g of sugar until the mixture is creamy and the sugar dissolves. Add the semolina, pudding powder, baking powder, vanilla sugar, and grated lemon zest. Mix well.

4. Incorporating the cheese: Add the cottage cheese to the butter mixture and mix until smooth. Make sure the cheese is well mashed to achieve a fine texture.

5. Beating the egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt, 50 g of sugar, and lemon juice until they become stiff and glossy. This step is essential for giving the cake an airy texture.

6. Combining the ingredients: Gently fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture using a spatula, mixing lightly to preserve the air in the egg whites.

7. Preparing the baking pan: Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Pour 3/4 of the cake mixture into the pan, leveling it well.

8. Adding the cherries: Remove the cherries from the syrup and distribute them evenly over the mixture in the pan. Then, pour the remaining mixture over the cherries to completely cover them.

9. Baking the cake: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden and passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).

10. Cooling and serving: Allow the cake to cool in the oven with the door ajar, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut the cake into squares and dust with sugar if desired.

Serving suggestions: The cheesecake with cherries can be served warm or cold. It is delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of sour cream. A cup of tea or coffee pairs perfectly.

Interesting variations: You can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or cherries, to create a seasonal cheesecake. Additionally, adding chocolate or ground nuts can enhance the flavor.

Nutritional benefits: The cheesecake with cherries is high in protein due to the cottage cheese, while cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. This is an excellent choice for a dessert that satisfies your sweet cravings without compromising on health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use ricotta or goat cheese, but ensure the texture is similar.

2. How can I make the cake gluten-free? Replace the semolina with a gluten-free alternative, such as almond flour or rice flour.

3. How long can the cake be stored? The cake can be kept for two to three days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

4. Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended to cut it only after it has completely thawed.

Enjoy every bite of this cheesecake with cherries, and its aroma will bring back cherished memories, whether you savor it alone or in the company of loved ones. Enjoy your meal!