Cheese Cake

Cheesecake: a delicacy that combines sweet and salty, soft and creamy, this is a recipe that will bring a smile to your face and fill your home with inviting aromas. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare a delicious cheesecake that will quickly become your favorite and that of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

*For the cake base:*
- 3 large eggs
- 300 g sour cream
- 9 tablespoons of sugar (preferably fine sugar)
- 9 tablespoons of oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 225 g flour
- ½ packet of baking powder
- Rum essence (optional, but recommended)
- Lemon essence (a few drops)

*For the filling:*
- 500 g fresh cow cheese (choose a sweet cheese, unsalted)
- 50 g sugar (for the filling)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 70 g raisins
- Grated zest of half a lemon

Preparing the cheesecake:

1. Preparing the raisins: Start by soaking the raisins. Place them in a bowl with warm water, add a few drops of rum and lemon essence. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to rehydrate and develop flavor.

2. Preparing the cake base mixture: In a large bowl, whisk the 3 eggs with a whisk or mixer until fluffy. Add the sour cream and mix well. Continue by incorporating the sugar and oil, beating until the sugar dissolves completely. It is important for the mixture to be smooth and creamy.

3. Adding the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder, then gradually add them to the egg mixture. Mix gently until the composition becomes homogeneous and flows slowly from the whisk. It may be helpful to use a silicone spatula to push the ingredients from the sides of the bowl.

4. Baking the first half of the base: Preheat the oven to 190°C. Prepare a medium-sized baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm) and line it with parchment paper. Pour half of the cake base mixture into the tray and level it. Bake for 15 minutes until the base is lightly browned.

5. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the fresh cheese with the sugar and vanilla sugar. Add the beaten eggs and lemon zest, mixing well until you obtain a uniform composition. Remove the raisins from the water, drain them well, and incorporate them into the filling.

6. Assembling the cheesecake: After the base has been baked for 15 minutes, remove it from the oven. Spread the cheese filling over the hot base, distributing it evenly. Then, pour the remaining cake base mixture over the filling.

7. Final baking: Return the cheesecake to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until it becomes golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. If you notice liquid in the cheese filling, you can sprinkle a thin layer of semolina to absorb the excess liquid.

8. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the cheesecake cool completely in the tray, then cut it into squares. This will reveal the delicious layers of cheese and base, making it perfect for serving.

Serving suggestions: The cheesecake is delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce. You can accompany it with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee for a moment of indulgence.

Calories and nutritional benefits: This cheesecake is rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the sour cream adds a creamy texture and delicious flavor. A serving (approximately 100g) contains around 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is an excellent choice for a dessert, but should be consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but the taste and texture of the cheesecake will change.
- Can I substitute the sugar? Yes, you can use natural sweeteners or brown sugar for a different taste.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the cheesecake can be frozen, but it is recommended to cut it into portions before placing it in the freezer.

This cheesecake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a recipe that brings back pleasant memories spent with loved ones. I hope you enjoy every bite!