Cherry and cheese cake

Cherry and Cheese Cake - A delicacy that combines the freshness of fruit with the creaminess of cheese, perfect for any occasion.

Making this cherry and cheese cake is a true delight for the senses! The fluffy, creamy base, complemented by juicy cherries, transforms any meal into a special moment. This recipe is not just a simple combination of ingredients, but a story of flavors and textures that will enchant everyone.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean powdered sugar
- 1 small jar of pitted cherries

For the cream:
- 100 g butter at room temperature
- 700 g creamy cottage cheese
- 250 ml cold liquid cream
- 200 g powdered sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 30 g milk chocolate
- Sugar decorations (optional)

Tips for ingredients

- Cherries: Use jarred cherries, but make sure to drain them well to avoid a soggy cake. If you prefer, you can use fresh cherries, but in that case, you will need to cook them a little with sugar to make them sweeter.
- Cottage cheese: Opt for high-quality creamy cottage cheese, which will add richness and a delicate flavor to the cream.
- Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation into the cream.

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the base

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy base.

2. Mixing the yolks: In a bowl, mix the yolks with the sugar until they become a light cream. Add the baking powder, vanilla bean powdered sugar, and 3 tablespoons of flour, gently mixing to avoid losing air in the mixture.

3. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This will add volume to the base.

4. Incorporating the egg whites: Using a spatula, gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture, taking care to use slow, upward motions.

5. Preparing the baking pan: Grease a round 26 cm diameter pan with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.

6. Adding the cherries: Place half of the cherries at the bottom of the pan, then pour in the base mixture and level it out. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 12-15 minutes or until the base is nicely golden.

7. Cooling the base: Once done, remove the base from the oven and let it cool completely. Repeat the process for the second base.

2. Preparing the cream

1. Whipping the cream: In a bowl, whip the cold liquid cream until it forms stiff peaks. This step will add an airy texture to the cream.

2. Mixing the butter: In another bowl, mix the butter with the powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth cream. Add the cottage cheese, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, continuing to mix until well combined.

3. Incorporating the whipped cream: Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture, mixing carefully to retain the air.

3. Assembling the cake

1. Preparing the syrup: In a saucepan, add a cup of water, a few pieces of lemon peel (without the white part, which is bitter), and two tablespoons of sugar. Boil for 3-4 minutes, then let it cool.

2. Lining the pan: Use plastic wrap to line the pan in which you baked the bases.

3. Assembling the cake: Place the first layer of the base in the pan and generously soak it with the prepared syrup. Add more than half of the cream, leveling it evenly. Place the second layer of the base, soak it, and add the remaining cream, leveling again.

4. Decorating: With the reserved whipped cream, make some swirls on top of the cake. Chop the chocolate with a knife and sprinkle it over the center and sides of the cake.

5. Cooling: Place the cake in the refrigerator for about an hour to allow the cream to set.

Chef's tip

For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese cream. Also, if you enjoy contrasts, try adding some crushed nuts to the cream for a crunchy texture.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can substitute cherries with cherries, raspberries, or even peaches, depending on the season.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or choose fresh cherries, which are less sweet.
- What drinks pair well with this cake? A cup of mint tea or a glass of sweet white wine pairs perfectly with this dessert.

Nutritional values (per serving)

- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 6 g

This cherry and cheese cake is not just a treat, but also a wonderful way to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, it is definitely an inspired choice. Enjoy!