Cheese and cherry pie

Cheese and Sour Cherry Pie – An Unforgettable Delight

Discover the magic of a cheese and sour cherry pie, a classic dessert that perfectly combines the sweetness of the fruits with the creaminess of the cheese. This recipe is not just a simple dish, but a true culinary experience that evokes memories of family gatherings, festive meals, or get-togethers with friends.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 350 g flour
- 160 ml milk (warm)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg
- 30 g butter (melted)
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 550 g cottage cheese (you can also use goat cheese for a stronger flavor)
- 100 g mascarpone
- 2 eggs
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup pitted sour cherries (you can use frozen sour cherries)
- powdered sugar for serving

The history of cheese and sour cherry pie

This pie has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a beloved dish in many cultures. The recipe has evolved over time, with each region contributing local ingredients and specific preparation techniques. Today, cheese and sour cherry pie is appreciated not only for its taste but also for its versatility in serving. It can be enjoyed warm or cold, and is a perfect dessert for any time of the day.

Step by step – Preparing the pie

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Melting the butter: Start by melting the butter in a small saucepan. Make sure not to let it boil, just let it become liquid.

2. Heating the milk: In another container, heat the milk until it becomes warm. This will help activate the yeast.

3. Sifting the flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, sugar, and vanilla sugar. This step will help achieve a fine texture for the dough.

4. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, rub the yeast with 1 tablespoon of sugar until completely dissolved. This will activate fermentation.

5. Mixing the ingredients: Add the activated yeast to the flour mixture. Start kneading the dough, adding the egg and gradually the warm milk. Mix until the ingredients are well integrated, then add the melted butter.

6. Kneading the dough: Continue kneading the dough for about 10 minutes until you obtain a smooth, elastic, and slightly sticky dough. If it is too sticky, you can add a little flour.

7. Proofing the dough: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for 30-35 minutes in a warm place until it doubles in volume.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. Mixing the cheese: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese with mascarpone. Use a mixer or a fork to mix them well.

2. Adding the ingredients: Add the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything for about 1 minute until you obtain a smooth and creamy mixture.

Step 3: Assembling the pie

1. Dividing the dough: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface and divide it into two equal parts.

2. Rolling out the dough: Roll out the first piece of dough into a sheet thick enough to cover the bottom of a tart pan lined with parchment paper. Make sure the edges are raised to prevent the filling from spilling.

3. Adding the filling: Pour the cheese filling into the pan and level it evenly. Scatter the sour cherries on top, spreading them evenly across the surface.

4. Covering the pie: Roll out the second piece of dough and place it on top of the filling. Press the edges to seal them well. Prick the surface of the pie with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 4: Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium temperature).

2. Baking the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-40 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy. The enticing smell will delight you!

3. Cooling: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool in the pan. This will allow the filling to set.

4. Serving: After the pie has completely cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look. Slice and enjoy!

Practical tips

- For a fluffier dough: You can add 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream to the dough.
- If you don’t have sour cherries: You can use cherries, plums, or even peaches for an equally delicious variation.
- For added flavor: In the filling, add a few drops of almond extract.

Nutritional information

A serving of cheese and sour cherry pie contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This dessert provides a good amount of protein due to the cheese and eggs, and is rich in antioxidants from the sour cherries. It also contains carbohydrates that will give you the energy needed for an active day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use soy cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use soy cheese for a vegan version. Make sure to add a little starch to keep your filling compact.

2. How can I keep the pie fresh?
I recommend storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for a longer duration.

3. What other desserts pair well with this pie?
This pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. A cup of tea or coffee alongside will perfectly complement the flavor!

Whether you make it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, the cheese and sour cherry pie will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share this recipe with those dear to you!