Cheesecake with strawberry jelly

Cheesecake with Strawberry Jelly

In a world full of sophisticated desserts, cheesecake with strawberry jelly stands out for its simplicity and elegance. This recipe combines fluffy layers, a fine cream cheese filling, and an intense strawberry jelly, providing a perfect contrast of textures and flavors. The origins of this cake are deeply rooted in pastry traditions, where cheese has always been a staple ingredient, and strawberries, with their natural sweetness, are an ideal accompaniment. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or simply want to indulge yourself, this recipe will delight you.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 24 minutes
Total time: 54 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the layers:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 packets vanilla sugar

For the strawberry jelly:
- 350 g fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon and 1/2 cornstarch

For the cream cheese:
- 650 g cottage cheese (preferably creamy)
- 200 g cream cheese
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 5 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparation:

1. Preparing the layers:
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. This step is essential for achieving fluffy layers.
- Separate the eggs: beat the yolks with sugar and vanilla sugar until you obtain a frothy composition with an intense yellow color. This process will add air and contribute to the volume of the layers.
- Add the flour and baking powder, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid losing the incorporated air.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This is the key to getting airy layers.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture using a silicone spatula, with upward motions.
- Grease a baking tray (24x37 cm) with butter and line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture for the first layer and level it out.
- Bake the layer for 10-12 minutes, or until it becomes lightly golden and passes the toothpick test. Let it cool on a rack.

2. Preparing the strawberry jelly:
- Wash the strawberries well, remove the stems, and cut them into suitable pieces. Fresh strawberries are the key to a delicious jelly.
- In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar and boil the mixture for 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Add the strawberries and cook for 2 minutes.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in 3 tablespoons of water and add it to the saucepan, stirring continuously. Over low heat, let the mixture boil until it thickens. This step will give the jelly a perfect texture.
- Once the jelly is ready, let it cool to room temperature.

3. Cream cheese:
- In a large bowl, whip the cold cream until it becomes firm. This will add a layer of aeration to your cream.
- In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese, cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix well until you obtain a creamy composition.
- Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture, being careful not to lose the air.

4. Assembling the cake:
- Place the first layer in the tray and pour the strawberry jelly over it, leveling it evenly.
- Allow it to cool completely, then add the cream cheese over the jelly, leveling it gently with a spatula.
- Place the second layer on top and press down gently to secure it. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight.

5. Serving:
- Cut the cake into portions and serve it chilled. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of flavor.

Useful tips:
- You can substitute strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries or blueberries, to create delicious variations of this recipe.
- Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to prepare, to achieve the best results.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon juice to the cream cheese.

Nutritional information:
This cake is a relatively light option, with approximately 250 calories per serving, depending on the portion sizes and ingredients used. Cottage cheese and cream cheese provide essential proteins, while strawberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese? Yes, but the result will be slightly different in texture.
- What type of sugar is recommended for the cream cheese? Powdered sugar dissolves more easily and provides a smooth texture.
- How can I store the cake? It is recommended to keep it in the refrigerator, covered, to maintain its freshness.

This cheesecake with strawberry jelly is not only a visual delight but also an explosion of flavors. Whether you prepare it for a gathering with friends or for a quiet evening at home, the result will always be the same: joy and satisfaction. Enjoy!