Cheese and meringue cake

Cheesecake with Meringue – An Unforgettable Delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

I present to you a recipe for cheesecake with meringue that will quickly become a favorite among your loved ones. This perfect combination of a crispy crust, creamy cheese filling, and fluffy meringue is a true culinary indulgence. With a story intertwined with flavors and textures, this cake always brings a smile to the faces of those who enjoy it. Let's get started!

Necessary ingredients:

*For the crust:*
- 200 g flour
- 100 g cold butter (cut into cubes)
- 50 g sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- ½ packet baking powder

*For the filling:*
- 500 g cottage cheese (well-drained)
- 200 g sugar
- 100 g sour cream
- 3 egg yolks
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon semolina

*For the meringue:*
- 4 egg whites (if you have 2-3 extra whites, use them)
- A pinch of salt
- Sugar (one tablespoon for each egg white)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the crust:
Start by sifting the flour and mixing it with the baking powder in a large bowl. Add the cold butter cut into cubes. Use your fingers to mix the butter with the flour until you achieve a fine crumb texture. This is an important technique, as the cold butter will give a crispy and delicious crust.

2. Forming the dough:
Add the egg yolk and sour cream, mixing quickly. Knead the dough until it is homogeneous, being careful not to over-knead it. Once ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step will help the dough become easier to roll out.

3. Shaping the crust:
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and, using a rolling pin, roll it out between two sheets of plastic until you achieve a sheet about 1.5 cm larger than the detachable form (26 cm diameter). Place baking paper inside the form and transfer the dough, making sure to lift the edges on the sides.

4. Freezing and baking:
Place the form with the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes, then bake it in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes. This step will ensure a firm and perfectly baked crust.

5. Preparing the filling:
While the crust is baking, mix the cottage cheese with sugar, egg yolks, sour cream, lemon zest, and vanilla sugar until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Add the semolina and let the mixture rest for 15 minutes, so the semolina absorbs the liquid.

6. Finalizing the cake:
After the crust has cooled, pour the cheese filling over it. Bake at 160°C for another 30 minutes. This lower temperature will help the filling bake evenly.

7. Preparing the meringue:
Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon for each egg white, and continue mixing until you achieve a shiny and firm meringue.

8. Applying the meringue:
Using a spoon, place the meringue on top of the cheese filling. Make sure to seal it well on the edges to prevent leaking.

9. Final baking:
Put the cake back in the preheated oven at 160°C and bake until the meringue turns golden, about 15 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning!

10. Cooling and serving:
Once the cake is ready, let it cool in the form. Then remove the detachable walls and the baking paper. You can slice the cake and, for an extra treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of whipped cream.

Useful tips:

- Use high-quality cottage cheese that is well-drained to avoid a too-liquid filling.
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can add some berries to the cheese filling or sprinkle a little cinnamon over the meringue.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

Nutritional benefits:
This cheesecake is a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese and contains healthy fats from the butter. The semolina adds complex carbohydrates, and the lemon gives you a boost of vitamin C, making this dessert healthier.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use ricotta or goat cheese for a different flavor.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and meringue.
- What drinks pair well with this cake? A cup of green tea or a glass of cold lemonade are ideal to balance the sweetness of the cake.

In the end, I hope this cheesecake with meringue recipe becomes a part of your culinary repertoire. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, it is a dessert that will surely impress. Enjoy!