Cheesecake

Cheesecake - A Delicacy in Your Free Time

Cheesecake is a dessert that combines the fluffy texture of the base with a rich and delicious cream cheese, perfect for any occasion. This classic recipe is easy to prepare and is sure to impress family and friends. Moreover, it is a versatile dessert that can be served both at a festive meal and as a little treat during the day. Let's discover together each step of this recipe!

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the cake base:
- 5 large eggs
- 10 tablespoons of sugar + 5 tablespoons for the egg white meringue
- 10 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 10 tablespoons of sour cream (or thicker yogurt)
- 12 tablespoons of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (or vanilla essence)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for a fresh and aromatic taste)

Ingredients for the cream cheese:
- 1 kg of cottage cheese (or ricotta)
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of sour cream
- 50 g of raisins (optional, for a sweet and textural note)

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform and fluffy texture.

2. Preparing the base: In a large bowl, beat the yolks with 10 tablespoons of sugar using an electric mixer until you get a dense, light-colored foam. This is the moment when air is incorporated, making the base light and fluffy.

3. Adding wet ingredients: Gradually add the oil and sour cream to the yolk mixture, continuing to mix. These ingredients will add moisture and richness to the cake.

4. Dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder, vanilla sugar, and lemon zest. Sift these ingredients to remove any lumps and to aerate the flour. Add the dry mixture to the wet composition, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is well incorporated. The consistency should be similar to that of sour cream; if necessary, you can add a bit more flour.

5. Preparing the pan: Line a baking tray with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper is well placed on the bottom and sides. This will make it easier to remove the cake after baking.

6. Pouring the mixture into the pan: Pour the cake mixture into the prepared tray, smoothing it out with a spatula.

7. Preparing the cream cheese: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the 6 tablespoons of sugar and the 2 tablespoons of sour cream. If desired, you can also add the raisins, which will add a pleasant contrast in texture to the cake. Use a mixer to achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream.

8. Applying the cream cheese: Using a piping bag or a spoon, spread the cream cheese over the base, making sure to distribute it evenly.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the tray in the oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the base is nicely browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

10. Preparing the meringue: While the cake is in the oven, beat the egg whites with the 5 tablespoons of sugar until you get a firm and glossy meringue. When the cake is almost ready, remove it from the oven and spread the meringue evenly on top. Put the cake back in the oven for another 10 minutes, until the meringue turns lightly golden.

11. Cooling and serving: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray before cutting it into portions. This cake is delicious both warm and cold, served alongside vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit sauce.

Helpful tips:
- If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of rum essence to the cream cheese.
- Replace the raisins with candied fruits or nuts for a crunchy note.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, to maintain its freshness. It will improve on the second day, when the flavors will intensify.

Nutritional benefits:
This cheesecake is rich in protein due to the cottage cheese, providing a considerable nutritional intake. Additionally, the sour cream and oil contribute to the content of healthy fats, essential for a balanced diet.

Why choose cheesecake?
This recipe is perfect for moments when you want to impress someone with an easy-to-make but impactful dessert. It is an excellent choice for parties, birthdays, or simply to add a sweet note to your day.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, ricotta or mascarpone cheese are excellent alternatives and will provide a different yet equally delicious texture.
2. How can I prevent the cake from cracking?
Make sure not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes of baking and that all ingredients are at room temperature.

Delicious pairings:
This cake pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a sweet wine. If you want to add a note of freshness, serve the cake with a berry sauce or a dollop of sweet cream.

I hope you will try this cheesecake recipe and enjoy every bite! I look forward to hearing your impressions and any variations you have tried. Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to create something unique and special. Enjoy your meal!