Cheese cake

Fluffy Cheesecake with Cottage Cheese and Vanilla

This cottage cheese cake recipe is not only a true delight for the taste buds but also an excellent way to bring a touch of sweetness to your days. With a light texture and an intense vanilla flavor, this cake quickly becomes a family favorite.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

History of the Cottage Cheese Cake

Cottage cheese cakes have a rich history, appearing in various forms over time in many cultures. These cakes are often associated with festive moments and family gatherings, as they are easy to prepare and can be decorated in countless ways.

Necessary ingredients

For the base:
- 12 tablespoons of flour
- 2 eggs
- 9 tablespoons of sugar
- 9 tablespoons of milk
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 9 tablespoons of oil

For the cream:
- 500 g cottage cheese
- A pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons of semolina
- 5-6 tablespoons of sugar
- Vanilla sugar (optional)
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 4 eggs
- One vanilla pudding

Step by step to success

1. Preparing the base
- Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. It is important to have the oven ready in advance for even baking.
- In a large bowl, beat the 2 eggs with the 9 tablespoons of sugar. Use an electric mixer to achieve a fluffy, airy cream. This step is essential for giving the cake a light texture.
- Add the oil and mix well. The oil contributes to the moisture of the cake, making it soft and delicious.
- Incorporate the milk and mix again. Make sure all the ingredients are well integrated.
- In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this mixture to the egg mixture, stirring gently until you obtain a homogeneous composition.
- Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper. Pour half of the base mixture into the tray and bake for 10-15 minutes until it slightly sets.

2. Preparing the cottage cheese cream
- In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the 4 egg yolks, 5-6 tablespoons of sugar, semolina, vanilla pudding, and grated lemon zest. These ingredients add a delicious flavor and creamy texture.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff and gently fold them into the cottage cheese mixture. This step will make the cream fluffier and airier. Use a spatula to mix gently, without losing the air from the egg whites.

3. Assembling the cake
- Once the base is baked, remove it from the oven and add the cottage cheese cream on top. Spread the cream evenly, ensuring it reaches the corners.
- Pour the remaining base mixture over the cottage cheese cream. Make sure it is well covered.
- Return the cake to the oven for another 25-30 minutes at 180 degrees. Do not open the oven in the first 15 minutes of baking, as this may cause the cake to collapse.

4. Finalizing and serving
- When the cake is ready, it will have a beautiful golden color on the edges. Let it cool before cutting.
- Once cooled, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look. Serve the cake with a fragrant tea or coffee to enhance the sweet and creamy taste.

Practical tips

- Ingredients: Make sure the cottage cheese is well drained to avoid a too wet mixture. Ideally, use fresh cottage cheese with low fat content.
- Variations: You can experiment by adding raisins or berries to the cream for a touch of freshness. You can also use chocolate pudding for a more decadent version.
- Storage: The cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also serve it cold, and the flavor will intensify.

Frequently asked questions

- Can the cake be frozen?: Yes, you can freeze the cake, but it is recommended to do so without adding powdered sugar to prevent ice crystal formation.
- Can I use plant-based milk?: Absolutely! Plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, can be used to adapt the recipe to your dietary needs.

Nutritional benefits

The cottage cheese cake is an excellent source of protein due to the cheese, and the addition of eggs contributes to essential nutrient intake. Additionally, the semolina content provides complex carbohydrates, making it a healthier choice compared to other desserts.

This fluffy cottage cheese cake is not just a delicious dessert but also an excellent way to bring joy in moments spent with loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, it will surely be a guaranteed success. Enjoy your meal!