Cherry and cheese cake

Cherry and cheese cake: a sweet-sour delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

The history of cherry and cheese cake is rich in flavor and tradition. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, symbolizing summer and bountiful harvests. The cherries, with their slightly sour taste, blend perfectly with the sweet cheese, creating a delicious contrast that delights the taste buds. Get ready to bring a touch of magic to your kitchen!

Ingredients:
- 250-300 g pitted cherries
- 125 ml oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil for a neutral taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for a more intense flavor)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 whole eggs
- 4 egg whites
- a pinch of salt
- 300 g sugar (plus 1 tablespoon for the cheese filling)
- 500 g flour
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional, for color contrast)
- zest of one lemon (for extra flavor)
- 100 ml milk
- 125 g sweet cheese (can be cottage cheese or ricotta)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface to have everything at hand. It is important to use fresh ingredients, as their quality will directly influence the taste of the cake. Make sure the cherries are well washed and pitted.

2. Beating the eggs:
In a mixing bowl, add the 3 whole eggs and the 4 egg whites. Add a pinch of salt and beat vigorously with a mixer until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume. This is a crucial step to achieving a fluffy cake.

3. Sweetening:
Continue to beat the eggs and gradually add the sugar. Keep mixing until the sugar completely dissolves, and the mixture becomes smooth and shiny. Here, you can add the two packets of vanilla sugar or the vanilla extract and mix well.

4. Wet ingredients:
Add the oil, milk, baking soda, and baking powder to the egg mixture, mixing well after each addition. These wet ingredients will contribute to the cake's texture.

5. Flour:
Start incorporating the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed. It is important not to overmix, as this could develop the gluten in the flour, making the cake dense.

6. Preparing the cheese mixture:
In a separate bowl, mix the sweet cheese with a tablespoon of sugar and the teaspoon of cocoa powder. This mixture will add a delicious note to your cake. If desired, you can also add a bit of lemon zest to enhance the flavor.

7. Assembling the cake:
In a baking tray lined with parchment paper, pour half of the batter. Then, using a spoon, add the sweet cheese mixture in places, so that each piece receives a generous portion. Add the remaining batter on top. Finally, sprinkle the cherries over the entire surface of the cake, pressing them lightly to integrate into the batter.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the cake in the preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Cooling and serving:
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle it with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions:
The cherry and cheese cake pairs perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a cup of flavored tea. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a vanilla sauce for an extra creaminess.

Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can try replacing the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as cherries or plums. You can also add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for a crunchy note or chocolate.

Nutritional benefits:
Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, while sweet cheese provides protein and calcium. This cake is an excellent choice for a dessert that combines delightful taste with nutritional benefits.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before use.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe and use cheese with a lower sugar content.

3. Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid amounts.

So, get ready to delight your family and friends with this simple and delicious cherry and cheese cake recipe. It is perfect for any occasion or simply to treat yourself after a long day. Enjoy!