Cottage cheese and cranberry cake - 250

Cottage Cheese and Cranberry Cake – Recipe 250: A Sweet Delight

Let me tell you about a special recipe, full of flavor and with a soft and fluffy texture that will surely become your favorite. This cottage cheese and cranberry cake is inspired by a recipe from Ancuta and is number 250 in our recipe series. It is perfect to be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether served at breakfast, as a snack, or on a special occasion.

Preparing this quick and simple dessert does not require special skills in the kitchen, just a little patience and love for cooking. Get ready to enjoy a delicious combination of creamy cottage cheese, dark chocolate, and tart cranberries that will delight everyone's taste buds!

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably fresh and of good quality)
- 100 g dark chocolate (choose a chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for an intense flavor)
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g cranberries (either fresh or dried)
- 3 large eggs
- 30 g butter (for greasing the pan, ensure it is at room temperature)
- 30 g starch (can be replaced with flour, but starch will provide a finer texture)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar (for an enriched flavor)
- A pinch of salt

Nutritional benefits:
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while cranberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This cake offers a combination of nutrients that can help you stay energetic and healthy.

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by separating the eggs. It is important to have all ingredients at room temperature to achieve a uniform and fluffy cake.

2. Beating the yolks:
In a large bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until they become a light-colored and fluffy cream. This process will incorporate air, which will help the cake rise.

3. Adding the butter:
Add the softened butter to the yolk mixture and continue mixing until completely homogeneous. The butter will give a delicious flavor and a fine texture to the cake.

4. Incorporating the starch:
Add the starch and mix well. This will help thicken the composition and contribute to a fluffier texture.

5. Mixing the cottage cheese:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the vanilla sugar until it becomes a smooth and homogeneous cream. This is the base of your cake, so make sure the cottage cheese is well mixed.

6. Combining the ingredients:
Add the cottage cheese cream to the yolk mixture and mix well until homogeneous.

7. Beating the egg whites:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form a firm foam. It is important that the bowl is completely dry to achieve good foam.

8. Incorporating the egg whites:
Gently fold the egg whites into the cottage cheese mixture using a spatula, with up-and-down movements to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

9. Adding the chocolate and cranberries:
Cut the dark chocolate into small pieces and add them to the cottage cheese mixture, along with the cranberries. Gently mix to distribute them evenly.

10. Preparing the pan:
Grease a pan with butter and pour in the obtained mixture. Level the surface with a spatula and sprinkle the cranberries on top for an attractive appearance.

11. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and place the pan inside. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the cake turns golden and passes the toothpick test, which should come out clean from the middle of the cake.

12. Cooling and serving:
Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack. You can cut it into portions and dust it with sugar before serving.

Practical tips:
- If you don’t have cranberries, you can use other fruits (blueberries, raspberries, or even peach pieces) to vary the flavor.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add lemon or orange zest to the cottage cheese mixture.
- Make sure the cottage cheese is well drained of whey to avoid a wet cake.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can replace cottage cheese with ricotta or cottage cheese, but the texture and flavor will vary.
- How can I store the cake?
It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can gently reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Is the cake suitable for vegans?
Unfortunately, this recipe is not vegan, but you can look for vegan alternatives for cheese and eggs.

Serving:
This cottage cheese and cranberry cake pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a flavored coffee. Enjoy!

With love and the hope that you will try this recipe, I encourage you to enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! This cake is not just a dessert, but an experience, an opportunity to share beautiful moments with loved ones. So, preheat the oven and let your creativity shine!