Cheese and meringue cake

Cheese and meringue cake – a sweet delight that combines the airy texture of meringue with the creaminess of cheese, offering a memorable tasting experience. This cake is not just a dessert, but a true feast for the senses, perfect for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends or a family celebration. Its origins lie in pastry traditions, where cheese and meringue are often used together to create amazing sweets. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 4 whole eggs
- 10 tablespoons of oil
- 15 tablespoons of milk
- 15 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 15 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa

For the cream:
- 500 g cottage cheese (ideally use fresh cheese)
- 200 g sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar
- 6-7 tablespoons of semolina (depending on the desired consistency)

For the meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 150 g sugar
- Chocolate sprinkles for decoration

Step by step

1. Preparing the base:
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Take a baking tray and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is frothy and light in color. Add the oil and milk, continuing to mix.

2. Adding dry ingredients:
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and cocoa. Sift them lightly to remove any lumps. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the bowl with eggs and gently mix using a spatula to achieve a homogeneous composition.

3. Baking the base:
Pour the base mixture into the prepared tray and level the surface with a spatula. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the base is firm and passes the toothpick test.

4. Preparing the cream:
While the base is in the oven, you can prepare the cream. Mix the cottage cheese with the sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla sugar in a bowl. Use a mixer to achieve a smooth composition. Add the semolina and mix well, ensuring no lumps remain.

5. Adding the cream over the base:
Once the base is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the cheese cream evenly over it. Cover the base completely with the cream, then return the tray to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, until the cream sets slightly.

6. Preparing the meringue:
While the cake cools, prepare the meringue. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until a dense foam forms. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a glossy and firm meringue.

7. Finalizing the cake:
Once the cream has set, remove the tray from the oven and spread the meringue evenly over the cheese cream. Level with a spatula for an even appearance. Return the cake to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the meringue turns slightly golden.

8. Decorating:
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Sprinkle chocolate sprinkles on top for a festive look and a touch of sweetness. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.

Useful tips

- Choosing cheese: Use fresh, quality cottage cheese to achieve a fine and delicious cream. You can also use ricotta cheese for a different texture.
- Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, you can replace the flour with a combination of almond flour and rice flour.
- For extra flavor: Add a few drops of lemon or orange essence to the cheese cream for a more vibrant taste.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, but can also be enjoyed alongside a berry sauce for a contrast of flavors.

Nutritional values (per serving)

- Calories: approximately 250
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g

Frequently asked questions

- How can I store the cake? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days.
- Can I use another type of sugar? Of course! Brown sugar or coconut sugar can add a caramel note and roasted flavor.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reducing the amount of sugar in the meringue is an option, but make sure the meringue remains firm enough.

This cheese and meringue cake recipe will not only delight the taste buds of your loved ones, but it will also bring a smile to their faces. Whether you choose to serve it on a special occasion or just to treat yourself, rest assured you will leave a sweet memory! Enjoy!