Cheese and cranberry cake

Cheese and Cranberry Cake: A Sweet and Tart Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12

If you're looking for a quick and tasty dessert, the cheese and cranberry cake is the perfect choice. This recipe combines the delicacy of cheese with the intense flavor of cranberries, creating a contrast of textures and tastes that will delight your taste buds. Whether you serve it at family gatherings, with morning coffee, or as a delicious dessert after dinner, this cake will quickly become your favorite.

A Bit of History

Cheese cakes have a long history, deeply rooted in traditional cuisine. They are often associated with moments of celebration and joy, lovingly prepared by grandmothers and mothers. The addition of dried cranberries brings an element of innovation, transforming a classic recipe into a modern and healthy dessert.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 10 tablespoons oil (you can use sunflower or canola oil for a milder taste)
- 5 tablespoons sparkling water (sparkling water will make the dough fluffier)
- 15 tablespoons flour (preferably white flour, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons fructose (or sugar, depending on your preferences)
- 5 g baking powder (to help the dough rise)

For the filling:
- 650 g creamy sweet cheese (cottage cheese is ideal, but you can also use ricotta)
- 2 eggs (you can replace the eggs with a plant-based substitute if you follow a vegan diet)
- 60 g dried cranberries (they add a tart flavor and are rich in antioxidants)
- 5 tablespoons fructose (or sugar, to taste)
- Vanilla extract (an essential ingredient to add depth to the flavors)
- 2 tablespoons semolina (this will help thicken the filling)
- Zest of 1/2 lemon (for an extra touch of freshness)
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (to prevent the filling from sticking to the dough)

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the oil, sparkling water, flour, fructose, and baking powder. Mix the ingredients well with a spatula or by hand until you get an elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. It is important not to overdo it with the flour to avoid a heavy dough.

2. Rest the dough:
Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This step is essential as it will help firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.

3. Prepare the filling:
In another bowl, add the creamy sweet cheese, eggs, dried cranberries, fructose, vanilla extract, semolina, and lemon zest. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Make sure the cranberries are evenly distributed in the filling.

4. Assemble the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a ceramic dish with a little oil to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into two parts: one larger for the bottom and sides of the pan, and one smaller for the top. Roll out the larger dough on a lightly floured surface, ensuring it is large enough to cover the bottom and walls of the dish.

5. Mount the cake:
Place the dough in the dish, pressing it lightly to fix it. Pour the cheese filling on top. Roll out the remaining dough and cover the filling, ensuring you make a few punctures with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking.

6. Bake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden and browned. You can check if it is baked by inserting a knife in the middle; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

7. Cooling and serving:
After the cake has baked, let it cool in the dish for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help maintain its fluffy texture.

8. Serving suggestions:
You can serve the cake with a berry sauce or a dollop of cream for added creaminess. A cup of herbal tea or a flavored coffee will pair perfectly with this dessert.

Useful Tips:

- Healthy option: If you want to reduce calories, you can replace fructose with a natural sweetener like stevia or xylitol. You can also use low-fat cheese.
- Add a touch of creativity: Experiment with other dried fruits, such as blueberries or raisins, to vary the flavor of the cake.
- Caring for the cranberries: Soak the cranberries in warm water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the filling to rehydrate them and enhance their flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

- Can I use cottage cheese? Yes, but make sure to mash it well to achieve a smooth texture.
- What else can I add to the filling? You can experiment with chopped nuts or chia seeds to add extra nutrients.
- How long does the cake last? Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days, but it might not last that long considering how delicious it is!

This cheese and cranberry cake is not just a simple dessert, but also a way to bring a piece of tradition into your kitchen. Each slice is an invitation to relax and enjoy beautiful moments with loved ones. So put on your apron and let’s enjoy cooking!