Cheesecake

Delicious Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Recipe

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Number of servings: 8

In the world of desserts, cheesecake holds a special place, being a symbol of refinement and pleasure. This cottage cheese cheesecake recipe is one of the simplest and most delicious, perfect for enjoying on any occasion. Whether you prepare it for an anniversary, a gathering with friends, or simply to indulge yourself, this dessert will surely impress.

Ingredients for the crust:
- 250 g flour
- 125 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese (or cream cheese)
- 100 ml liquid cream (optional, if using cream cheese, not necessary)
- 200 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 60 g cornstarch
- Grated zest of one lemon (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar

Step by step for a perfect cheesecake:

1. Preparing the crust:
In a bowl, add the soft butter and mix it with the egg, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use a spatula or your hands to mix well until you achieve a smooth composition. It is important not to leave lumps of butter to ensure a fine texture of the crust.

2. Adding the flour:
Sift the flour over the butter and egg mixture and start kneading gently. The goal is to obtain a ball of elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid making the dough too dry.

3. Chilling the dough:
Form the dough ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This step is essential, as chilling the dough will make it easier to roll out and prevent deformation during baking.

4. Preparing the filling:
In a separate bowl, place the cottage cheese and add the liquid cream. Use a blender or mixer to obtain a smooth mixture. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and lemon zest until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. Add the cheese mixture to the eggs and continue mixing. Finally, incorporate the cornstarch and vanilla sugar, mixing until well combined.

5. Preparing the baking pan:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Roll out the dough between two sheets of baking paper to obtain a round shape. Line a baking tray with baking paper and butter, then place the dough, leveling it well on the edges. Prick the dough here and there with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming.

6. Baking the crust:
Place the tray in the oven for 5-10 minutes until the crust turns slightly golden. This step will provide a crunchy base for the cheesecake.

7. Adding the filling:
Remove the tray from the oven and pour the cheese filling over the baked crust. Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it back in the oven for 20 minutes at 200°C. The covering will help maintain the moisture of the filling.

8. Finishing the baking:
After 20 minutes, remove the aluminum foil, reduce the oven temperature to 170°C, and let the cheesecake bake for another 30 minutes until the surface becomes golden and slightly firm.

9. Cooling and serving:
Once baked, let the cake cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and improve the texture. Serve the cheesecake plain, or with fresh fruit toppings, caramel sauce, or dusted with powdered sugar.

Useful tips:
- If you want a lower-calorie version, you can use low-fat cottage cheese and replace sugar with natural sweeteners.
- Try adding different flavors to the filling, such as vanilla extract or a splash of almond essence, to give it a personal twist.
- The cheesecake pairs wonderfully with aromatic coffee or fruit tea, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use cream cheese or ricotta, but make sure to adjust the amount of cream and sugar according to your taste.

2. How can I avoid cracks on the surface of the cheesecake?
Bake the cake at lower temperatures and avoid opening the oven during baking, as sudden temperature changes can cause cracking.

3. How long can the cheesecake be stored in the refrigerator?
The cheesecake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, well covered to protect its flavor.

Cottage cheese cheesecake is an excellent choice for any occasion, but also a pleasant challenge for cooking enthusiasts who want to explore the art of desserts. Enjoy this creamy delight and feel free to experiment with various toppings and flavors! Enjoy your meal!