Cheese and mint cake

The cheesecake with mint is a delicious and refined combination, perfect for delighting the taste buds of your loved ones. The fresh aroma of mint blends perfectly with the cream cheese, while the chocolate base adds a rich texture and a pleasant contrast. This recipe is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will make you feel like a true master in the kitchen. Start preparing this quick, simple, and impressive dessert, and let yourself be carried away by its flavors!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

For the base:
- 3 large eggs
- 65 g sugar
- 60 g flour
- 20 g cocoa
- 40 g melted butter
- 25 ml milk

For the mint cream cheese:
- 300 g fresh cottage cheese
- 40 g sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 50 g liquid cream
- 4-5 sprigs of fresh mint

Necessary utensils
- Round baking pan with a diameter of 24 cm
- Mixing bowls
- Mixer or whisk
- Spoon or spatula
- Blender or food processor
- Baking paper (optional)

History of the recipe
The cheesecake with mint has its roots in pastry traditions, where the combination of sweet cheese and fresh flavors has been used for centuries. This recipe reminds us of moments of conviviality, of festive meals, where refined desserts hold a place of honor. This unique version, with mint, brings a fresh breath and a note of originality, being perfect for any occasion.

Step by step: Preparing the cheesecake with mint

1. Preparing the base:
- Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a bowl, beat the yolks with 30 g of sugar until you obtain a fluffy cream of vibrant yellow.
- Slowly pour the melted butter into the yolk cream while continuously mixing to avoid coagulation. Add the milk and mix well.
- Sift the flour and cocoa into another bowl. Gently incorporate the flour mixture into the chocolate cream, mixing lightly with a spatula until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

2. Whipping the egg whites:
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining 35 g of sugar until they form a stiff and glossy foam. It is important that the egg whites are well beaten to provide a light structure to your bases.
- Carefully fold the egg white foam into the chocolate cream, mixing with slow up-and-down movements to maintain the aeration.

3. Baking the base:
- Pour the mixture into the greased (or lined with baking paper) pan and level the surface well.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the base for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Each oven bakes differently, so check from time to time.

4. Preparing the mint cream cheese:
- Meanwhile, prepare the mint puree. Wash the mint leaves and blend them with a tablespoon of water until you obtain a fine puree. This will enhance the aroma, providing a vibrant taste.
- In a separate bowl, mix the fresh cheese with 40 g of sugar. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the mint puree to taste, adjusting the amount according to your preferences for aroma intensity.

5. Assembling and final baking:
- After the base has baked, remove the pan from the oven and pour the cream cheese directly over the warm base. This combination will provide a creamy texture and make the cake truly special.
- Place the cake pan in another larger pan, filling the outer pan with hot water to create a bain-marie effect, which will help the cream bake evenly.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, until the cream cheese is set but still soft in the middle.

6. Finalizing the cake:
- Once the cake is done, let it cool completely in the water bath, then remove it and let it cool to room temperature.
- Slice the cake and serve it with a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant look. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a delicious contrast!

Tips and useful advice
- If you want to enhance the mint flavor, you can add a few drops of mint extract to your puree.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a berry sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- If you don't have fresh cottage cheese, you can use ricotta or mascarpone, which will add extra creaminess.
- This cake can be enjoyed both chilled and at room temperature, and refrigerating it makes it even more delicious!

Beverage pairings
To complement this refined dessert, I recommend serving it with mint tea or a strong espresso. If you prefer more refreshing drinks, a lemonade with fresh mint will be a perfect accompaniment.

Nutritional benefits
This cheesecake with mint contains protein from the cheese, and mint brings antioxidants and vitamins. Additionally, using natural ingredients like sugar and butter instead of processed ones contributes to a healthier dessert.

Calories
One serving (1/8 of the cake) has about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is an indulgent dessert, but worth every bite!

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone for a creamier texture.

2. How can I store the cake?
You can store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

3. Can I add other flavors?
Sure! You can experiment with vanilla or lemon to add another layer of flavor.

The cheesecake with mint is definitely a dessert you don't want to miss. By preparing it with care and love, you will create not just a dessert, but a true culinary masterpiece. Enjoy!