Chocolate and cheese cake

Cocoa and Cheese Cake – A Delicacy that Combines Tradition with Flavor

Are you looking for a dessert recipe that is not only tasty but also easy to prepare? Then the cocoa and cheese cake is the perfect choice! This sweet dessert is ideal for enjoying alongside a cup of hot tea on cool evenings or can be packed for a delicious snack at the office. Once you try it, you will definitely want to make it again. Let’s start the culinary adventure!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients for the dough:
- 140 g flour
- 113 g cold butter
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons sour cream

Ingredients for the cheese filling:
- 500 g sweet cow cheese
- 4 eggs
- 140 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons flour
- seeds from 1 vanilla pod
- grated zest of 1 lemon

Additionally:
- amaretti cookies

Step by step – Your guide to a perfect cake:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, sugar, and cocoa. Add the cold butter cut into cubes and knead with your fingers until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. The kneading process is crucial; ensure the butter is well incorporated to achieve a flaky dough.

2. Adding the wet ingredients:
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredient mixture and add the egg yolks and sour cream. Mix everything with a spatula or your hands until you obtain a homogeneous dough. If it feels too sticky, add a little flour.

3. Rolling out the dough:
On a floured work surface, roll out the dough between two sheets of baking paper, forming a rectangle larger than the baking pan you will use for the cake. This trick will help prevent the dough from sticking to the surface.

4. Preparing the pan:
Line a loaf pan with baking paper. Place the dough in the pan, letting the edges hang over. This step will make it easier to close the cake when filling it.

5. Preparing the cheese filling:
In a large bowl, mix the sweet cow cheese with the eggs, sugar, flour, vanilla seeds, and lemon zest. Use an electric mixer to achieve a smooth and creamy composition. It is important that there are no lumps, so the filling is uniform.

6. Incorporating the egg whites:
Whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. Then, carefully fold them into the cheese mixture, mixing with a spatula from bottom to top, to maintain the airiness.

7. Assembling the cake:
Pour half of the cheese filling over the dough in the pan. Place a layer of amaretti cookies on top, then pour the remaining cheese filling. Gather the edges of the dough over the filling, covering everything.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the oven and bake the cake for 40-45 minutes, or until well browned and the filling is firm. A tip: do the toothpick test; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

9. Cooling and serving:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This dessert can be served plain or, for added flavor, alongside fresh fruit or a delicious butter glaze.

Useful tips:
- Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a uniform texture. Also, use quality sweet cow cheese for better taste.
- Variations: You can add dark chocolate or chopped nuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Serving: This cake pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

Nutritional benefits:
This cocoa and cheese cake is not only delicious but also nutritious. The sweet cheese provides essential proteins, and cocoa is rich in antioxidants, which can help improve mood and heart health. Of course, enjoy in moderation!

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta cheese, but the taste and texture will vary.

2. How can I store the cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it.

3. Can I use different cookies?
Sure! Digestive cookies or even chocolate cookies can add an interesting note to the cake.

This cocoa and cheese cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth in every bite. Experiment with the ingredients and create your own variations to suit your tastes! Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones!