Cheesecake

Cheese dessert is a delight that brings joy to our tables, being a perfect combination of creamy and crunchy. This delicate and flavorful cheesecake recipe is sure to become a favorite among family and friends. It is a simple recipe, but with spectacular results, perfect for any occasion, from an elegant dinner to a birthday party. Let's embark together on the preparation of this quick dessert!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40-50 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the crust:
- 200 g flour (choose a quality flour, ideal for pastry)
- 100 g butter (preferably unsalted, at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (to add a touch of delicate sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 400 g cottage cheese (use well-drained cheese for a smooth texture)
- 100 g sugar (adjustable according to personal preferences)
- 100 g butter (melted, to enrich the mixture)
- 2 eggs (medium, at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparing the crust

1. Sifting dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour with a pinch of salt and powdered sugar. This step helps to aerate the flour and ensures a fine texture for the crust.

2. Incorporating the butter: Add the diced butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers, begin to knead until you achieve a crumbly texture. This step is essential for creating a tender crust.

3. Adding flavors: Pour the vanilla extract over the mixture and continue kneading. When the dough starts to come together, turn the mixture onto a clean work surface and gently knead until it becomes a uniform dough.

4. Chilling the dough: Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to firm up the butter and maintain the shape of the tart during baking.

Preparing the filling

1. Mixing the cheese: In a separate bowl, add the well-drained cottage cheese, sugar, and melted butter. Using a mixer, blend everything until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture.

2. Incorporating the eggs: Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will help to aerate the mixture.

3. Finalizing the filling: Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, continuing to mix. Finally, fold in the beaten egg whites with a spatula to keep the air bubbles and achieve a fluffy filling.

Assembling and baking

1. Rolling out the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a tart form, ensuring an even thickness and covering the edges of the pan well.

2. Adding the filling: Pour the cheese mixture over the prepared crust, leveling it with a spatula for a smooth surface.

3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the tart inside. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the surface is golden and the filling is well set. It is advisable to check the tart in the last 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Serving the delicious tarts

Once the tart is ready, allow it to cool completely in its pan, then carefully remove it. This cheese tart is delicious served cold, and for an extra touch of flavor, you can accompany it with a berry syrup or your favorite jam. A classic combination is with sour cherry jam or a caramel sauce.

Useful tips

- Choosing the cheese: Make sure to use quality cottage cheese to achieve a creamy and flavorful filling. If you want a more intense flavor, you can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese.
- Variations: You can add fresh fruits to the filling, such as raspberries or blueberries, for extra taste and color. Also, for a more exotic flavor, try adding a few drops of almond extract.
- Sweetening: Adjust the amount of sugar according to personal preferences. If you want a healthier option, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Nutritional benefits

This cheese tart contains high-quality proteins from the cottage cheese and eggs, being a good source of calcium. The butter provides healthy fats, and the cream adds a creaminess that improves digestion. When consumed in moderation, this dessert can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but keep in mind that the tart will have a different, denser texture. It is recommended to mix whole wheat flour with white flour for a good compromise.
- How can I store the tart? It stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days.
- Is it suitable for vegans? No, but you can experiment with vegan alternatives like almond cheese or tofu, but the recipe will require adjustments.

In conclusion, this cheese tart recipe is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, bringing a touch of magic to every meal. Try it, and you will discover how easy it can be to offer your loved ones a memorable dessert. Enjoy your meal!