Cheesecake

Cheesecake - A delicacy that will delight your taste buds

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

If you are looking for a quick dessert that will impress, you have found the perfect recipe! Cheesecake is a simple yet elegant dessert with a tender crust and a delicious cream that perfectly blends flavors. This recipe is ideal for special occasions, but also for evenings when you want to treat yourself.

A bit of history

Cheesecakes have a long-standing tradition, appreciated in various forms over time. Their popularity is due to the creamy texture and sweet-sour taste, which pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. Additionally, cheese is a versatile ingredient with multiple nutritional benefits, making this dessert not only delicious but also healthier.

Ingredients

*For the crust:*
- 1 egg (approximately 60 g)
- 150 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (you can use full-fat sour cream for extra creaminess)
- 100 g sugar (or sweetener for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ~500 g flour (whole grains for a nutrient boost)

*For the cheese cream:*
- 500 g fresh cheese (cottage cheese or ricotta are excellent options)
- 150 g sugar (or 100 g and a packet of vanilla sugar for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon flour (to bind the cream)
- 2 tablespoons semolina (for better texture)
- 2 egg yolks (from fresh eggs for a more intense flavor)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (optional, for a hint of flavor)

Preparing the crust - Step by step

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the egg and sugar. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved. It's important that the egg is at room temperature for better incorporation.

2. Add the margarine: Incorporate the soft margarine (if too hard, let it soften a bit first) and continue mixing until the mixture becomes homogeneous and fluffy.

3. Sour cream: Add the sour cream and mix again. This ingredient will add moisture and make the crust more tender.

4. Baking powder: Quench the baking powder with a teaspoon of vinegar (this step helps activate the leavening agent) and add it to the mixture.

5. Incorporate the flour: Put the mixer aside and use a wooden spoon or spatula to gradually add the flour, mixing carefully. Now, knead the dough until smooth and homogeneous.

6. Cooling: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This step will make the dough easier to roll out and prevent sticking.

Preparing the cheese cream - Step by step

1. Combining the ingredients: In another bowl, add the fresh cheese, sugar, egg yolks, flour, and semolina. Mix well until you obtain a smooth cream. The consistency should be slightly liquid but not too runny.

2. Taste and texture: If desired, you can add a splash of vanilla essence for extra flavor.

Assembling the cheesecake

1. Preparing the pan: Take a pan (30x20 cm) and grease it with oil. Place parchment paper at the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking.

2. Dividing the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out each part on a floured surface so that you obtain two sheets the same size as the pan.

3. Placing the sheets: Place the first sheet of dough in the prepared pan. Pour the cheese cream evenly over it, then cover with the second sheet of dough.

4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the pan inside. Let the cheesecake bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top becomes golden.

5. Cooling and portioning: Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, cut the cheesecake into squares and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Useful tips

- You can add some raisins or pieces of candied fruit to the cheese cream for a more interesting taste.
- If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the cream by 50 g.
- For a healthier version, you can replace margarine with coconut oil or almond butter.

Nutritional values

Each serving of cheesecake contains approximately 220 calories. It is a protein-rich snack due to the cheese, also providing a considerable amount of calcium. Semolina and flour add complex carbohydrates, giving you energy for the entire day.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with goat cheese or mascarpone, but make sure the texture is similar.
2. How can I store the cheesecake? Keep the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it, but make sure to let it thaw completely before serving.
3. What can I serve the cheesecake with? An excellent combination would be with a berry sauce or vanilla ice cream.

Possible variations

- Cocoa cheesecake: Add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa to the dough for a chocolate cheesecake.
- Fruit cheesecake: Place slices of peaches or apricots between the cheese cream and the dough for a fruity dessert.

Try this cheesecake recipe and let yourself be carried away by its flavors. Whether you serve it at a party or simply want to treat yourself, it is an excellent choice. Enjoy!