Cheese and Pineapple Cake

Pineapple Cheese Cake - a delicacy that combines the sweet aroma of pineapple with the creamy texture of cheese, offering a taste experience that will delight your taste buds. This cake is perfect for any occasion — from family gatherings to parties with friends. Besides being delicious, it is also easy to prepare! Let's embark on this culinary adventure together!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the dough:
- 3 eggs
- 13 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 13 tablespoons of oil
- 13 tablespoons of milk
- 16 tablespoons of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for the cream:
- 400 g cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- Grated zest of one orange
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream
- Sugar to taste
- 2 tablespoons of semolina
- 3-4 slices of pineapple (canned or fresh)

The history of the pineapple cheese cake:
This cake is a traditional combination of cheese and fruits, with ingredients used for centuries in desserts. Cottage cheese, a versatile ingredient, has been used in many cultures to create sweet dishes, while pineapple, with its natural sweetness, adds an exotic touch. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a culinary masterpiece.

Step by step: Preparing the cake

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a large bowl, crack the 3 eggs and add the 13 tablespoons of sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients with a mixer on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes frothy.
- Continue mixing and add the oil in a thin stream, then the milk. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.
- In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Then, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until everything is homogenized. Be careful not to overmix, as this could develop the gluten in the flour, making the cake dense.

2. Baking the first layers:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper (or grease it with butter and sprinkle flour).
- Pour half of the dough mixture into the tray, leveling it with a spatula. Place the tray in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the dough starts to set but is not fully baked.

3. Preparing the cream:
- In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the egg, grated orange zest, sour cream, sugar (to taste), and semolina. Use a fork or a mixer on low speed to achieve a smooth mixture.
- Add the diced pineapple, after draining it well. This will add a pleasant texture and fresh flavor to the cream.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Remove the tray from the oven and carefully pour the cheese cream over the first layer of dough, leveling it.
- Then pour the remaining dough mixture over the cream, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

5. Final baking:
- Put the tray back in the oven and let it bake at the same temperature for another 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden and passes the toothpick test (if the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready).
- Once baked, let it cool slightly in the tray, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

6. Finalizing and serving the cake:
- After the cake has cooled, sprinkle powdered vanilla sugar on top for an elegant look and added sweetness.
- Cut the cake into squares and serve with great pleasure! It can be enjoyed plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious contrast.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure the cottage cheese is well drained to avoid a too wet cream.
- If you want an even more exotic touch, add some finely chopped nuts to the cheese cream or use fresh pineapple.
- You can substitute pineapple with peaches or apricots to vary the recipe.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese than cottage cheese?
- Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a creamier texture.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- You can reduce the amount of sugar in the dough and cream, depending on your preferences.

3. What drinks pair well with this cake?
- A cup of black tea or fresh lemonade are excellent choices. Additionally, a semi-dry white wine could perfectly complement the flavors.

This pineapple cheese cake is not just a dessert, but a gastronomic experience that will bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it. So, don’t hesitate any longer! Put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy the moments spent in the kitchen. Bon appétit!