Cheesecake

Cheesecake: A Simple and Refreshing Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 50-60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

The history of cheesecake is rich in flavor and tradition. This dessert has been cherished over time for its simplicity and delicious taste, often prepared for festive occasions as well as on ordinary days. This dish combines the fluffy texture of the dough with a creamy and rich filling, offering a culinary experience that will delight your senses. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delightful cheesecake!

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 12 tablespoons of oil (you can use sunflower or canola oil)
- 3 tablespoons of milk
- 2 packets of baking powder
- Flour, as needed (approximately 500 g)

*For the filling:*
- 600 g of cottage cheese (choose a fresh cheese without water)
- 9 tablespoons of sugar
- 100 g of raisins (you can use golden raisins for a sweeter taste)
- Zest of one lemon (for extra flavor)
- 3 eggs

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, beat the two eggs with the 2 tablespoons of sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. Add the oil and milk, continuing to mix to incorporate the wet ingredients well.

2. Adding the flour: Sift the flour together with the baking powder to aerate them. Gradually add the flour to the egg mixture, mixing with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a smooth and manageable dough. The dough should be soft but not sticky to the hands. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.

3. Dividing the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. Cover one part with a clean towel to prevent it from drying out and roll out the other part on a floured work surface, forming a thin sheet that fits into the baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm).

4. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mash the cottage cheese with a fork to achieve a fine texture. Add the sugar, raisins, lemon zest, and eggs, mixing everything until you obtain a homogeneous composition. This filling will give the cake a sweet and aromatic taste, perfect for contrasting with the dough.

5. Assembling the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the first sheet of dough in the baking tray, then pour the cottage cheese filling evenly. Roll out the second sheet of dough on top of the filling and gently press the edges to seal the cake.

6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for 30-40 minutes, or until it turns golden and firm to the touch. A useful trick is to check if the cake is baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, then it’s ready.

7. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the cake cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving suggestions: Cheesecake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, which adds a note of freshness. Additionally, a berry sauce or raspberry coulis can bring an extra splash of color and flavor.

Tips and variations: If you want to personalize your cake, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling or replace the raisins with pieces of dried peaches or apricots. Also, if you’re looking for a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling by 2-3 tablespoons.

Nutritional benefits: Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, making this cake not only tasty but also nutritious. Depending on the serving sizes, each slice can have approximately 180-220 calories, providing a satisfying snack without overly burdening your diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use soy cheese or another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, but make sure the texture is similar to that of cottage cheese to achieve a creamy filling.

2. How can I keep the cake fresh?
It is recommended to keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a week.

3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure it is completely cooled, then cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer container.

Cheesecake is more than just a dessert – it is a culinary experience that will bring you closer to culinary traditions and moments of joy with loved ones. So give it a try and let yourself be carried away by its delicious flavors!