Cheesecake (without crust)

Cheese Cake (No Crust) - A Culinary Delight

If you're looking for a quick, simple, and delicious dessert recipe, you've come to the right place! Cheese cake is a perfect choice for any occasion, from festive meals to family weekend evenings. With a fluffy texture and a sweet-sour taste, this crustless cake is a true culinary indulgence that will remind you of childhood flavors and the lovingly prepared meals by grandparents.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

- 1 kg sweet cottage cheese (ideally, use fresh, quality cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 6 eggs (separate the whites from the yolks)
- 300 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to your liking)
- 2-3 packets of vanilla sugar (for a special aroma)
- 4-5 tablespoons of flour (use wheat flour, but you can also experiment with whole wheat flour)
- 1 packet of baking powder (for a fluffier cake)
- grated zest of one lemon (adds a touch of freshness)
- 150 g raisins (you can also use other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries)
- a pinch of salt (helps stabilize the egg whites)

The Story Behind the Recipe

Cheese cake has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a dessert that has been cooked in countless variations over time. Simple and easy to make, this cake is loved by all who appreciate the taste of cottage cheese. It is a symbol of good taste and family meals, bringing together entire generations around a table full of goodies.

Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the cheese mixture
In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese. Use a fork or a whisk to break it down well until it becomes a smooth paste. Add the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, raisins, and flour mixed with baking powder. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a uniform mixture.

2. Beating the egg whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt using an electric mixer or a whisk. Beat until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy meringue. This step is essential for giving the cake a fluffy texture.

3. Combining the ingredients
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture, mixing from the bottom up. This technique will keep the air in the egg whites, giving the cake an airy consistency.

4. Preparing the baking dish
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Grease a baking dish with butter and sprinkle a little breadcrumbs to prevent the cake from sticking. Then, pour the mixture into the prepared dish.

5. Baking
Place the dish in the preheated oven in the middle and let it bake for about 40 minutes or until the cake becomes golden and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick in the middle, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready).

6. Cooling and serving
After baking, let the cake cool in the baking dish. It is recommended to cut and serve it after it has completely cooled to achieve nicer portions.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese cake can be enjoyed plain, but you can enhance it with a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of fruit jam. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce would make it even more delicious.

Possible Variations

1. Cheese cake with chocolate: You can add a few pieces of dark or milk chocolate to the mixture for a special flavor.
2. Cheese cake with vanilla: Replace the lemon zest with vanilla extract for a delicately flavored dessert.
3. Cheese cake with fresh fruits: Add pieces of peaches or strawberries to the cheese mixture for a fresh taste.

Nutritional Benefits

Cheese cake is a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs. And while it contains sugar, you can adjust the amount for a less sweet dessert. Cottage cheese is also rich in calcium, essential for bone health. Raisins add not only sweetness but also fiber, contributing to healthy digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but the flavor will be less rich.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can warm it slightly before serving if you prefer to enjoy it warm.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Although this is a traditional recipe with animal-based ingredients, you can experiment with vegan cheese and flaxseed eggs for a vegan version.

Conclusion

Cheese cake (no crust) is a dessert that combines simplicity with divine taste, making it a perfect choice for all ages. Try this recipe, and you'll discover a new favorite in your kitchen. Don't forget to share it with loved ones because dessert is better when enjoyed together! Enjoy!