Dessert - Cheesecake with cherries by Iris J. - Recipia
Cheesecake with cherries

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8-10

Who doesn’t love a fluffy cake with a creamy cheese filling and pieces of sweet cherries? This cheesecake recipe is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, while being a quick and simple dessert to prepare. Additionally, cherries are not only delicious but also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which adds extra nutritional value to this dish.

The history of cheesecakes is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Over time, cheese has been used as a staple ingredient in various desserts, due to its creamy texture and ability to perfectly combine with fresh fruits. Cherries, with their sweet-tart flavor, perfectly complement the cheese filling, transforming this cake into an irresistible delight.

Here’s how to prepare an unforgettable cheesecake with cherries, step by step:

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 100 ml milk
- 100 ml yogurt
- 1 packet of vanilla (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract)
- 1 pinch of baking powder
- Flour as needed to obtain a thicker batter than pancake batter

For the cheese filling:
- 250 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 150 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon rum essence

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing all the ingredients. It’s important to have everything at hand for more efficient work. Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained so the filling isn’t too watery.

2. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This way, the cake will bake evenly and become beautifully golden.

3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer. Mix until they double in volume and become frothy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base.

4. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix. Then, incorporate the yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

5. In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Gently mix with a spatula until the ingredients are well incorporated. Do not overmix to avoid a dense base.

6. Line a baking tray with parchment paper (the ideal size is about 20x30 cm). Pour half of the batter into the tray and spread it evenly. Place the tray in the oven for 10-12 minutes, until the batter starts to set but is not fully baked.

7. Meanwhile, prepare the cheese filling. In a food processor, add the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, sour cream, and rum essence. Blend until you obtain a smooth and homogeneous cream. If you desire a finer texture, you can use high-quality cottage cheese or even ricotta.

8. Remove the tray from the oven and spread the cheese cream evenly over the pre-baked base. Add the pitted cherries, placing them here and there to create an attractive appearance. Pour the remaining batter over the filling, covering the cherries well.

9. Put the tray back in the oven and bake the cheesecake for another 30 minutes, or until it becomes golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. It’s important to be patient and allow the cheesecake to bake well to achieve the perfect texture.

10. Once the cheesecake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray. This will help stabilize the cheese filling.

11. When the cheesecake is completely cooled, you can cut it into squares or triangles, as preferred. For an elegant finish, dust with powdered sugar generously. This will add a pleasant contrast of textures and make the cheesecake look more sophisticated.

Serving suggestions:

This cheesecake with cherries pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce. You can also accompany it with a fruit tea or an espresso coffee, which will highlight the delicate flavors of the cake.

Customized version:

If you want to add a personal touch, you can try replacing the cherries with other seasonal fruits like peaches, blueberries, or raspberries. Additionally, you can add chopped nuts to the filling for an extra texture.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid a too-liquid filling.

2. What can I do if I don’t have fresh cherries?
Frozen cherries are an excellent alternative; just make sure to let them thaw and drain well before use.

3. How can I store the cheesecake?
The cheesecake keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days, but you can also keep it in the fridge for longer freshness.

4. Does this cheesecake have a high calorie count?
A serving has about 220-250 calories, but this number can vary depending on the ingredients used. It’s a delicious dessert, but like everything else, it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

The cheesecake with cherries is not just a simple recipe, but also an opportunity to bring a bit of joy and flavor to every day. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this cheesecake will surely become one of your favorites! Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones!

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Dessert - Cheesecake with cherries by Iris J. - Recipia

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