Cheese and shortcrust pastry cake

Cheese and Shortcrust Cake - A Recipe from the Heart

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours + overnight in the fridge
Total: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

The cheese and shortcrust cake is a dessert that brings back pleasant childhood memories, a family recipe that my mother cooked with great love. This Romanian cheesecake, rich in creamy cheese and flavored with raisins, is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a celebration or simply a gathering with friends. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy!

Ingredients

For the shortcrust:
- 250 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 2 tablespoons of rum or vanilla sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- About 400-500 g of white flour (or as needed)
- Half a teaspoon of salt

For the filling:
- 800 g of cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 250 g of sugar
- 100 g of raisins
- 3 egg yolks
- 5 egg whites
- Rum essence

Step by Step

1. Preparing the shortcrust:
Start by cutting the margarine into cubes and placing it in a large bowl. Add the egg yolks, sugar, lemon zest, baking powder, rum (or vanilla sugar), and salt. Use your fingers to mix all the ingredients until you get a homogeneous mixture. It’s important that it doesn’t stick to your fingers – this indicates that the dough is well-kneaded!

2. Adding the flour:
Sift the flour and gradually incorporate it into the mixture. Continue kneading with your fingers until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If it’s too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

3. Preparing the cheese filling:
In another bowl, mash the cottage cheese with the sugar and egg yolks. Add the rum essence and mix well. In another container, beat the egg whites until frothy. When well incorporated, gradually add them to the cheese mixture, using a wooden spoon to stir in circular motions. Also, add the raisins and gently mix to distribute them evenly.

4. Assembling the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Take a round baking dish with a diameter of 28 cm and grease it with a little oil or margarine. Then, press the dough onto the bottom and sides of the dish, ensuring it is evenly spread, just like a tart.

5. Baking the cake:
Pour the cheese filling over the dough in the dish and level it with a spatula. Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. Even if the filling seems soft at the end, don’t worry!

6. Cooling:
After 45 minutes, turn off the oven but leave the cake inside for another 2 hours to cool gradually. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture. Ideally, you should leave it overnight in the fridge before serving, but who can resist the temptation?

Serving and Variations

The cheese and shortcrust cake is served cold, cut into generous pieces. You can decorate it with a little powdered sugar on top or with a berry sauce for extra flavor. Additionally, an excellent combination would be with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of sour cream.

Useful Tips

1. Choosing the cheese: Use well-drained cottage cheese to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the final texture.
2. Raisins: If you prefer, you can replace the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts to add a different flavor.
3. Rum vs. vanilla sugar: Rum adds a deep flavor, but if you prefer a less alcoholic option, vanilla sugar is an excellent choice.

Nutritional Information

This cake is not only delicious but also nutritious, thanks to the cottage cheese, which is a good source of protein. Each serving has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. It is a dessert that can be part of a balanced diet as long as it is consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can also try ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a creamier texture.

2. How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in the fridge in an airtight container, where it can last for 4-5 days.

3. What other desserts can I try?
If you like this cake, I recommend trying a fresh fruit tart or chocolate tart to explore new flavor combinations.

So, take your time to prepare this cheese and shortcrust cake, a sweet with a story and plenty of flavor! I guarantee it will quickly become a family favorite, just as it was for me! Happy cooking and enjoy!