Cheese pie with flaky pastry

Cheese and Shortcrust Cake Recipe

A classic dessert that brings a smile to your face and warmth of childhood memories, the cheese and shortcrust cake is the perfect choice for any occasion. With a fine texture and a delicious cheese filling, this cake is not only easy to prepare but also extremely tasty. Whether you serve it at a festive meal or simply to treat your family, this dessert will surely become a favorite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 500 g flour (approximately, plus extra for rolling out)
- 130 g margarine (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 whole eggs
- 200 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar

*For the filling:*
- 800 g sweet cheese
- 5 eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons semolina
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 vial of rum essence
- 2 tablespoons cocoa liqueur (optional, but recommended for a perfect taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the soft margarine. Use a mixer or spatula to mix until creamy. Add the eggs, sugar, and milk, mixing well until combined. Gradually incorporate the flour mixed with baking powder. You will obtain a soft dough that does not stick to your hands. Form a ball from the dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the sweet cheese with the eggs, sugar, semolina, lemon zest, rum essence, and cocoa liqueur. Use a mixer to obtain a smooth and creamy mixture. Make sure the cheese is well blended so the filling is uniform and delicious.

3. Assembling the cake: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two parts: one larger for the base of the cake and one smaller for the lattice. Roll out the larger part with a rolling pin so that it fits the size of the baking tray. Place the dough in a greased tray, leaving the edges slightly raised.

4. Forming the lattice: Roll out the other part of the dough and cut it into strips. Use these strips to form a lattice over the cheese filling. Start from one corner of the tray and continue to place the strips alternately to create an attractive pattern.

5. Baking: Place the cake in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray.

6. Serving: Cut the cake into squares and, if desired, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look. It is particularly delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea. This duo will add extra flavor to your dessert.

Useful tips:
- Make sure to use quality sweet cheese, as it makes a difference in the final taste of the cake.
- If you want to add a hint of flavor, you can replace the cocoa liqueur with vanilla essence or experiment with other flavorings.
- Instead of margarine, you can use butter for a richer taste.

Nutritional benefits:
This cheese cake is rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, providing a good source of essential nutrients. Additionally, the semolina adds extra fiber content, which can aid digestion.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese, but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

2. Is it possible to freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer.

3. How can I keep the cake fresh longer?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap.

This cheese and shortcrust cake recipe is not just a delight but also an opportunity to bring family or friends together around the table. Each slice brings with it a story and a memory. So, embrace the cooking process, enjoy every step, and savor the final result! Enjoy!