Cheese and raisin cake

The perfect dessert for those moments when the craving for something sweet surprises you! The cheese and raisin cake is a quick and simple recipe that is sure to delight both adults and children. The aroma of cottage cheese combined with the sweetness of raisins makes this cake an irresistible treat. Let's explore this delicious recipe together!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Rising time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 500 g flour
- 1 egg
- 100 g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 15 g fresh yeast (about the size of a walnut)

*For the filling:*
- 500 g cottage cheese (or cheese of any kind, depending on your preference)
- 2 eggs
- 6-7 tablespoons of sugar (depending on how sweet you like it)
- 100 g raisins (soaked in warm water for 10 minutes)

*For decoration:*
- Sesame seeds
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparation steps:

1. Prepare the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, sugar, and yeast. Mix the dry ingredients well. In another bowl, beat the egg and add it to the dry ingredients. Start kneading the dough with your hands, gradually adding warm water until you get a slightly elastic and homogeneous dough. It may seem a bit sticky, but don't worry, it will improve during rising.

2. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy cake.

3. Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the two eggs and sugar. Make sure the cheese is well mashed so that the filling is homogeneous. Add the raisins and mix well. If you are using larger raisins, you can chop them a bit to integrate better into the filling.

4. Form the cake: After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first half on a floured surface to obtain a thin sheet. Place the sheet in a greased and floured baking tray. Pour the cheese and raisin filling evenly over the dough.

5. Place the second sheet: Roll out the other half of the dough and cover the filling. Make sure the edges of the sheets overlap well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. Beat an egg and brush the surface of the cake with it, then sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (or 160°C for fan-assisted). Place the tray in the oven and bake the cake for 30 minutes, or until it turns golden and nicely browned.

7. Cooling and serving: After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When completely cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top and cut into slices.

Useful tips:

- You can use cottage cheese, ricotta, or even sheep cheese, depending on your preferences. Each type of cheese will add a unique flavor to the cake.
- If you like more intense flavors, you can add a bit of vanilla or lemon zest to the filling.
- Raisins can be replaced with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, for a different note of sweetness.

Nutritional information (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g

Possible variations:

- You can transform this cake into a seasonal dessert by adding fresh fruits, such as blackberries or raspberries, to the filling.
- If you want a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour and brown sugar, resulting in a healthier cake.

Serving suggestions:

The cheese and raisin cake is delicious served warm, but also cold. You can accompany it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for an unforgettable dessert. Additionally, a cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this culinary experience.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use soy cheese? Yes, you can adapt the recipe to use soy cheese, but the texture and taste will be different.
- How long does the cake last? If stored in an airtight container, the cake can stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, it is a cake that freezes well. Cut into portions, place them in an airtight container, and you can freeze them to enjoy later.

This cheese and raisin cake is not only a quick and delicious recipe but also a perfect way to impress your family and friends with a homemade dessert. Experiment, adapt, and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!