Cottage cheese and raisin cake

Cottage cheese and raisin cake: a delicious and simple dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Sweeten your day with a cottage cheese and raisin cake, a quick and simple dessert that combines the fresh flavors of lemon with the creamy texture of cottage cheese. This dish is perfect for enjoying at a festive meal or a casual gathering with friends. I will guide you step by step, providing useful tips to achieve a perfect result.

Necessary ingredients:

- 2 eggs (separating the yolks from the whites is essential)
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 300 g flour (suggestion: use type 000 flour for a fine texture)
- Zest of 2 lemons (for a fresh and aromatic taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (approx. 10 g)
- 10 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 50 g raisins (soaked in warm water for a softer texture)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (use sour cream with at least 20% fat for better creaminess)
- 450 g cottage cheese (well-drained to avoid excess moisture)
- 2 tablespoons semolina (helps bind the mixture)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the dough for the layers: Carefully separate the yolks from the whites. In a large bowl, mix the yolks with 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar, one packet of vanilla sugar, the zest of one lemon, and the sour cream. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

2. Adding the dry ingredients: Quench the baking powder with the juice of half a lemon and add it to the yolk mixture. Start incorporating the flour, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until you obtain a soft dough that can be rolled out. If necessary, add more flour.

3. Dividing and rolling out the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each part into a thin layer, making sure it is the size of the baking tray.

4. Preparing the cheese cream: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with one packet of vanilla sugar and the remaining 5 tablespoons of sugar until you obtain a stiff foam. Add the lemon zest and the soaked and drained raisins. Gently fold in the cottage cheese and semolina, mixing with a spatula until you obtain a uniform composition.

5. Assembling the cake: Grease a baking tray with butter and dust it with flour. Place the first layer of dough in the tray, pour the cheese cream on top and smooth it out. Cover with the second layer of dough. Before placing the cake in the oven, prick it in several places with a fork to allow steam to escape.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 145 degrees Celsius. Bake the cake for about 35 minutes, or until it turns nicely golden.

7. Finalizing: Once the cake is ready, let it cool slightly, then dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving suggestion: Cut the cake into squares and serve warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of fragrant tea.

Possible variations: Experiment with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, to add a different note. You can also add a splash of vanilla essence to the cheese cream for an extra flavor boost.

This cottage cheese and raisin cake is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly delicious. Its balanced taste and soft texture will turn any meal into a celebration!