Cheese and grape cake

Grape and Cheese Cake – A Sweet and Healthy Delight

Dear friends, I invite you to discover a recipe that perfectly combines the natural sweetness of grapes with the creaminess of cheese, in a cake that is not just a treat, but also a balanced choice for little ones (and not only). As I mentioned, my little one has been craving sweets lately, so I thought to make a cake that is not only delicious but also not overly sweet. The result? A delightful cake with harmonious flavors, perfect for enjoying as a snack or as a dessert after a hearty meal.

Total time: 60 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 and 1/2 cups of flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 2 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence

For the cream:
- 350 g of fresh cheese (cottage cheese or ricotta is ideal)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 and 1/2 tablespoons of flour
- 1/2 ripe banana
- 2 large eggs
- A pinch of ground cinnamon

For decoration:
- Fresh grapes (about 200 g)
- Powdered sugar or cinnamon for sprinkling (optional)

Necessary utensils:
- A 20x31 cm baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer or whisk
- Spatula

A Brief History of the Recipe
Cheese cakes have a long and fascinating history. These delights have been made in various forms and flavors since ancient times, when people discovered how to combine cheese with sweet ingredients. This grape and cheese cake is a modern reinterpretation of these traditions, highlighting natural and healthy ingredients ideal for the whole family.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the base:
Start by preheating the oven to 220°C (428°F). In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and the sugar is completely dissolved. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base.

2. Adding the dry ingredients:
Sift the flour together with the baking powder and cocoa powder. Add the rum essence and mix well. Use a spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture.

3. Baking the base:
Line the baking pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter for the base. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. The base will be slightly elastic to the touch.

4. Preparing the cream:
While the base is baking, prepare the cream. In a bowl, combine the fresh cheese, sugar, ripe banana, and eggs. Use a blender or whisk to mash the ingredients until you achieve a smooth mixture. Then add the flour and cinnamon, mixing again until incorporated.

5. Combining and baking:
Once the base is ready, remove the pan from the oven and evenly spread the cheese cream over it. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for another 30 minutes at 190°C (374°F). You will notice that the cake will be firm and slightly golden at the edges.

6. Adding the grapes:
When the cake is done, take it out of the oven and, while it is still warm, press the grape berries onto its surface. Allow the cake to cool completely.

7. Finishing the cake:
Once the cake has cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar or cinnamon, according to your preference. Cut into squares and serve with love!

Practical Tips
- Choosing the cheese: Opt for a high-quality fresh cheese, as its flavor will significantly influence the final result. Cottage cheese or ricotta are excellent choices.
- Grapes: Use sweet and juicy grapes, preferably a mix of varieties (red and white) for a pleasing aesthetic.
- Variations: You can add a splash of vanilla to the cheese cream for an extra flavor boost or even some chopped nuts for an interesting texture.
- Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with a flavored tea or a glass of plain yogurt, which will balance the sweetness.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also nutritious! Fresh cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while grapes provide antioxidants and essential vitamins. Additionally, using ripe banana in the cream helps to naturally sweeten the recipe, reducing the need for added sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of fruit? Yes, you can replace the grapes with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even slices of peaches.
2. How can I store the cake? This cake keeps well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.
3. Can the cake be frozen? It is recommended to avoid freezing, as the texture may be affected upon thawing.
4. Can I make the cake gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free option, such as almond flour or oat flour.

I encourage you to try this simple and quick recipe, perfect for any time of the day. Enjoy the grape and cheese cake with your loved ones, and remember, cooking is an art, and every meal is a story! Enjoy your meal!