Cheese and Raisin Cake

Cottage cheese and raisin cake – an accessible delicacy that is easy to prepare, combining the delicate taste of cottage cheese with the sweetness of raisins. This simple dessert is perfect for any occasion, from a family meal to a feast with friends. In about an hour and a half, you'll have a soft, fragrant cake that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 2 large, fresh eggs
- 13 tablespoons of sugar
- 13 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil for a neutral taste)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- Flour, as needed (approximately 400-500 g, but adjust according to the desired consistency)

For the filling:
- 700 g of sweet cottage cheese (you can also use ricotta, but cottage cheese provides a finer texture)
- 3 large eggs
- 150 g of sugar (you can adjust according to your sweetness preferences)
- 200 g of raisins (preferably soaked in warm water for 10-15 minutes)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for extra flavor)
- 1 egg for brushing the cake
- Margarine or butter for greasing the pan

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray (preferably a rectangular one) with margarine or butter to prevent the cake from sticking. Make sure you have all ingredients on hand, and that the raisins are already soaked.

2. Preparing the base: In a large bowl, beat the 2 eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. Add the oil and mix well. Sift the flour together with the baking soda and salt, then gradually incorporate it into the egg mixture. You will obtain a soft dough, but not too liquid. Adjust the amount of flour to achieve a consistency similar to that of a thicker pancake batter.

3. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the 3 eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and raisins. Use a fork or a hand mixer to achieve a homogeneous mixture, but with small pieces of cottage cheese for texture.

4. Assembling the cake: Divide the base dough into two. Roll out the first part in the prepared tray, evenly covering the bottom. Pour the cottage cheese filling over the dough, leveling it with a spatula. Roll out the other part of the base dough on top of the filling, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Beat the remaining egg and brush the surface of the cake for a golden and appetizing crust.

5. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until it becomes golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to allow the cake to bake evenly.

6. Cooling: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential to allow the cake to stabilize.

Serving suggestions

The cottage cheese and raisin cake is delicious both warm and cold. It can be served plain or with a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a creamy touch. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon or powdered sugar for a more elegant presentation.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs, while the raisins add fiber and antioxidants. Despite its sweetness, you can adjust the sugar amount to make it healthier. Whole wheat flour could be an excellent choice to add more fiber and nutrients.

Possible variations

If you want to experiment, you can add a little vanilla extract to the filling or chopped nuts for a crunchy texture. You can also replace the raisins with dried cranberries, and for those who prefer a more exotic taste, you can try adding cardamom or ginger to the filling mixture.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes! The cottage cheese and raisin cake can be frozen. You can cut it into portions and place it in an airtight container. When you want to consume it, let it thaw at room temperature.

2. Can I use another type of cheese?
Sure! If you don't have cottage cheese, you can use ricotta or farmer's cheese. Make sure to drain them well to avoid a too liquid filling.

3. What can I do with leftovers?
If you have leftover cake, you can use it for breakfast, serving it with yogurt and fresh fruit. It's an excellent option for a sweet and nutritious breakfast.

4. Can it be made without sugar?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that the texture of the cake may change.

In conclusion, the cottage cheese and raisin cake is a versatile and flavorful recipe that brings together simple ingredients for a delicious result. It is a dessert that can be easily adapted to your preferences and will surely become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So, don't hesitate, gather the ingredients and start your kitchen adventure!