Cottage cheese cake

Cottage Cheese Cake - a classic and comforting delight

Cottage cheese cake is a traditional recipe that has brought joy to the tables of many generations. This soft and fluffy cake, filled with delicious sweet cheese, is perfect for both dessert and as a snack during the day. With a sweet and slightly tangy taste and an airy texture, it is an excellent choice for all ages and can be customized according to individual preferences.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients for the dough:
- 3 large eggs
- 8 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of ammonium quenched in vinegar
- Flour (as needed, approximately 400-500 g)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 kg of cottage cheese (ideally fresh and well-drained)
- 250 g of sugar
- 100 g of raisins (preferably soaked in warm water or rum)
- 4 large eggs

For decoration:
- Powdered sugar, to taste

Recipe history
This cottage cheese cake, also known as "cheese pie", is a true symbol of home cooking. Its origins are ancient and are found in the cooking traditions of many cultures, where cottage cheese represented an accessible and nutritious ingredient. Over time, the recipe has evolved, adapting to the available ingredients and the culinary preferences of each household.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained so that the filling does not become too wet. If you want additional flavor, you can add a little vanilla or lemon zest to the filling.

2. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, crack the 3 eggs and add the oil and sugar. Mix well with a whisk or an electric mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Quench the ammonium in vinegar, then add it to the egg mixture. This will help the dough rise and achieve a fluffy texture.

3. Adding the flour
Begin to gradually add the flour. Mix with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a soft dough that easily pulls away from the edge of the bowl. There is no need to knead too much, just incorporate the flour. If the dough is too soft, you can add a little more flour.

4. Dividing the dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts. One part will be used for the base of the cake, while the other will cover the filling.

5. Preparing the filling
In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the sugar and the 4 eggs. Mix well until you obtain a smooth mixture. Add the soaked raisins and mix gently. If you want a hint of flavor, now is the time to add vanilla or lemon zest.

6. Assembling the cake
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray with oil and dust it with flour. Place the first layer of dough in the tray, smoothing it out well. Pour the cottage cheese filling over the dough, making sure it is evenly distributed. Cover with the second layer of dough and prick it in several places with a fork. This step is essential to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing excessive puffing.

7. Baking
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about 30 minutes, or until it turns golden and firm to the touch. You can check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.

8. Cooling and serving
After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When it is cool, cut it into squares and sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a more attractive appearance.

Serving suggestions
This cottage cheese cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or alongside a scoop of sour cream or natural yogurt for a pleasant contrast of textures. Additionally, a cup of aromatic tea or coffee will perfectly complement this delicacy.

Healthy variant
For a healthier version, you can replace sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. You can also use low-fat cottage cheese to reduce calorie intake.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of cottage cheese cake (approximately 100 g) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamins, making this cake a healthier choice compared to other fat-rich desserts.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat or skim cottage cheese, but make sure it is well-drained.

2. How can I vary the filling?
You can add dried fruits like apricots or cranberries, or you can replace some of the cheese with yogurt for a different texture.

3. How can I store the cake?
It keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it in portions to enjoy later.

4. What other recipes can it be paired with?
Cottage cheese cake pairs excellently with a fresh fruit salad or a berry sauce. It is also delicious alongside vanilla ice cream.

The cooking experience is one full of creativity and joy. This cottage cheese cake will not only delight your taste buds but also bring back the nostalgia of home flavors. Try it with your loved ones and enjoy every bite!