Cheese cake (without flour)

Cheesecake without flour - a quick and delicious dessert that combines the creamy taste of cheese with the subtle sweetness of raisins and the fresh aroma of lemon. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends, a family celebration, or simply a night of indulgence. By not using flour, this cheesecake becomes an excellent option for those who want a lighter dessert.

Total preparation time: 1 hour (30-35 minutes of baking, 25 minutes of preparation)
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

- 500 g cottage cheese (choose a fresh and creamy cheese for better taste)
- 175 ml sour cream (full-fat sour cream will provide a richer flavor)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjustable according to sweetness preferences)
- 5 eggs (separate yolks from whites)
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar (to sweeten the mixture)
- 5 tablespoons semolina (to bind the mixture)
- 100 g raisins (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
- Zest of one lemon (freshly grated, adds a vibrant aroma)
- A pinch of salt (helps to enhance the flavor)

Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on a work surface. Make sure the cottage cheese is well homogenized. If possible, choose fresh cheese, as it will make the cake softer and tastier.

2. Homogenizing the cheese: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, sour cream, and powdered sugar. Use a whisk or a fork to mix well until you achieve a fine and homogeneous mixture. This step is crucial, as well-homogenized cheese will give a more pleasant texture to the cake.

3. Mixing the yolks: In another bowl, beat the yolks with the granulated sugar and semolina. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes slightly light in color and fluffy. This will contribute to an airy cake.

4. Combining the ingredients: Add the yolk mixture over the cheese mixture. Don't forget to add the lemon zest and raisins (if you choose to use them). Gently mix to integrate all the ingredients.

5. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you obtain a firm foam. It is important that the bowl and utensils are completely clean and free of grease to achieve well-beaten foam.

6. Incorporating the egg whites: Add the egg white foam to the cheese mixture and, using a spatula, incorporate it with gentle bottom-to-top movements. This step will add air and make the cake fluffy.

7. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with butter and line it with breadcrumbs. This will help the cake not to stick to the dish.

8. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and level the surface. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the cake turns golden and slightly pulls away from the edges.

9. Cooling and serving: Allow the cake to cool in the dish, then you can cut it into servings. It is recommended to let it cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.

Serving suggestions

For added sweetness, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving. You can also accompany it with a spoonful of sour cream or vanilla ice cream, which will add a pleasant temperature contrast.

Possible variations

- Adding fruits: You can replace the raisins with pieces of peaches, apricots, or even grated apples for a different flavor.
- Vanilla flavor: You can add a splash of vanilla essence to the mixture for extra flavor.
- Nuts: Include ground nuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.

Nutritional information

This cake is a good choice due to the cottage cheese content, which is rich in protein and calcium. Without flour, it is a lighter option for those looking to limit their carbohydrate intake. Each serving has approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the exact amount of sugar and sour cream used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cheese, but the cake will have a less creamy texture.

2. Is it possible to replace semolina?
Yes, you can try using almond flour or ground oats, but the texture will be different.

3. How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can last up to 3 days.

Cheesecake without flour is not just a simple recipe, but also an opportunity to explore new flavors and enjoy a culinary experience full of taste. I encourage you to experiment with various flavors and ingredients to customize your favorite cake!