Cheese and Orange Cake

Cheese and Orange Cake – A Refreshing Delight for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Introduction:
This cheese and orange cake is a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will bring a touch of freshness to any moment of the day. The fluffy base, made from whipped egg whites and cocoa, harmoniously blends with the smooth cheese cream and juicy oranges. Whether you serve it at a birthday party, a gathering with friends, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe is ideal.

A Brief Story:
Cheesecakes have a long history and are loved in many cultures. The combination of cheese with fruits is a tradition that dates back centuries, and adding citrus fruits like oranges not only provides a vibrant flavor but also a note of freshness.

Necessary Ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 4 large eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- Vanilla essence (preferably natural)
- A pinch of baking powder

*For the cream:*
- 250 g of cream cheese (make sure it is at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 25 g of butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 5 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons of gelatin (use good quality gelatin)
- 2 oranges (peeled and diced)
- 300 ml of liquid cream
- Vanilla essence and vanilla sugar

Preparing the Base:
1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowls are clean and free of grease, so the egg whites will whip better.
2. Whip the egg whites: Use an electric mixer to whip the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and glossy foam.
3. Add the yolks: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the oil and vanilla essence. Gently fold this mixture into the whipped egg whites, being careful not to deflate the air in the mixture.
4. Incorporate the dry ingredients: Mix the flour with the cocoa and baking powder. Sift them to avoid lumps, then gradually add them to the egg mixture, folding gently.
5. Bake the base: Pour the mixture into a baking pan lined with parchment paper and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes. Check if it’s baked using the toothpick method – insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the base is ready.

Preparing the Cream:
1. Mix the cream cheese: In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with the powdered sugar and butter until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
2. Whip the cream: In another bowl, whip the liquid cream with the vanilla essence and vanilla sugar until firm.
3. Prepare the gelatin: Hydrate the gelatin in 3-4 tablespoons of orange juice. After 5-10 minutes, heat the gelatin in the microwave for about 20 seconds until completely dissolved.
4. Combine the gelatin with the cream: Add 2-3 tablespoons of the cream cheese to the melted gelatin, mixing well. Then, add this mixture to the cream cheese and homogenize.
5. Add the whipped cream and oranges: Carefully fold the whipped cream and diced oranges into the cream cheese.

Assembling the Cake:
1. Prepare the pan: Line a pan with plastic wrap. This will help you remove the cake more easily after cooling.
2. Add the cream: Pour the cream cheese into the pan, leveling it evenly.
3. Add the base: Place the base on top of the cream and gently press down to secure it.
4. Cooling: Leave the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until the cream has set well.

Serving and Assembly:
After the cake has been in the refrigerator, carefully turn it onto a serving platter. You can decorate with orange slices, grated chocolate, or even a fruit sauce. Personally, I enjoy serving this cake alongside a cup of fruit tea or a cold lemonade for an unforgettable experience.

Practical Tips:
- If you want the cake to be fluffier, make sure the egg whites are whipped well and that you gently fold them into the egg mixture.
- You can replace the oranges with other seasonal fruits, such as strawberries or peaches, to vary the flavors.
- If you prefer a more intense cocoa flavor, you can add a bit more cocoa to the base, but be careful not to affect the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone to achieve a different texture.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and opt for less ripe oranges, which are more tart.
3. How long can this cake be kept? The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This cake is a delicious option, but moderate in calories, having approximately 250-300 calories per serving. The cream cheese is rich in protein, while the oranges provide a significant amount of vitamin C and antioxidants, thus contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

So, prepare your ingredients and enjoy the cooking process! This cheese and orange cake is not just a simple recipe, but also a fantastic way to bring a touch of sunshine into every day. Enjoy!