Cheese Cake

Cheese and cocoa cake - a delicacy that perfectly blends the fluffy texture of the sponge with the smooth cheese cream, all wrapped in a subtle note of cocoa. This recipe is ideal for serving on special occasions or as a delightful dessert after a family meal. I invite you to discover step by step how to prepare this delicious cake, which will delight both the taste buds and the eyes of your guests.

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

Necessary ingredients

*For the sponge:*
- 3 fresh eggs
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 50 ml sunflower oil (or other neutral oil)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- 1 essence of rum (for a flavorful taste)

*For the cheese cream:*
- 150 g butter at room temperature
- 300 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained cheese)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

*For the topping cream:*
- 100 ml whipped cream
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

*For soaking:*
- 4 tablespoons fruit compote (preferably peaches or pineapple)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the sponge: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar until frothy and increased in volume. This step will give the sponge a light and fluffy texture.

2. Adding dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixed with cocoa, baking powder, and salt, mixing with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed. Then add the oil and rum essence, mixing until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Be careful not to overmix, or the sponge will be dense.

3. Baking the sponge: Grease a baking tray with oil and line it with flour to prevent sticking. Pour the sponge mixture into the tray and level the surface. Bake for about 30 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the middle of the sponge; if it comes out clean, it’s done).

4. Preparing the cheese cream: In another bowl, mix the butter with the cottage cheese until you obtain a smooth cream. It is essential that the butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla essence, and vanilla sugar, continuing to mix until the cream becomes homogeneous. Once you achieve the desired consistency, refrigerate the cream for about 20 minutes.

5. Assembling the cake: Once the sponge has completely cooled, cut it into two equal parts. Place the first layer on a platter and soak it with the fruit compote. This step will add moisture and intensify the flavors. Spread the cheese cream over the first layer, leveling it well.

6. Finalizing the cake: Place the second sponge layer and repeat the soaking process. In a separate bowl, whip the cream until firm and add the cocoa. Spread this mixture over the cake. As a personal touch, I grated some cookies over the whipped cream for added texture and flavor.

7. Serving: Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for a few hours (ideally overnight) to firm up well, then cut it into servings and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s also perfect with a glass of cold milk!

Useful tips

- Ingredients: Make sure to use well-drained cheese to avoid a too-wet cream. You can also experiment with mascarpone cheese for a finer texture.
- Calories: A serving of cake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.
- Nutritional benefits: This cake provides protein from the cheese, healthy fats from the butter, and antioxidants from the cocoa, making it a better choice than many other desserts.
- Possible variations: You can replace cocoa with carob powder for a caffeine-free version or add chocolate pieces to the sponge mixture.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of oil? Yes, any neutral oil is suitable, but avoid oils with strong flavors.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream and use unsweetened fruit compote.
- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to do so without the whipped cream on top, which you can add after thawing.

This cheese and cocoa cake is an excellent choice for any occasion and will surely become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and ingredients to suit your tastes! Enjoy!