Cottage cheese cake

Cheese Cream Cake with Strawberries and Peaches

Total preparation time: 5 hours (including cooling)
Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 1 hour (4 layers)
Number of servings: 12-14

Who can resist a cake that combines the sweet and juicy flavors of strawberries and peaches with the creaminess of cottage cheese? This cake recipe is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a true work of art on your table. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to pamper your family, this cottage cheese cream cake is the perfect choice.

A Brief History of Cream Cakes

Cream cakes have a long tradition in international cuisine, often associated with festive events and celebrations. The use of cottage cheese in desserts emerged as a way to enrich texture and add a touch of freshness. Combining with seasonal fruits like strawberries and peaches makes this cake even more appealing, bringing a contrast of flavors and colors.

Ingredients

For the Cake:
- 2 eggs
- 400 g fresh strawberries
- 200 g sugar
- 350 g flour
- 200 g kefir (or Greek yogurt)
- 180 ml oil (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vinegar

For the Cream:
- 200 g liquid cream
- 150 g white chocolate
- 1 kg fresh peaches
- 250 g whipped cream
- 250 g fatty cottage cheese
- 200 g kefir
- 20 g gelatin (about 1-2 sheets of gelatin, if preferred)

For the Ganache:
- 180 g white chocolate
- 90 g liquid cream

Necessary Equipment
- Mixer or whisk
- Large mixing bowls
- 26 cm cake pan
- Blender
- Small pot for ganache
- Removable cake ring

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Cake

1. Preparing the strawberries: Start by cleaning the strawberries and pureeing them in a blender until you get a smooth puree. This puree will add moisture and flavor to your cake.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well and set aside.

3. Mixing the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture becomes frothy. Add the strawberry puree and oil, continuing to mix until well combined.

4. Combining the ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and kefir to the wet mixture, starting and ending with flour. Add the vanilla essence and baking soda quenched in vinegar. Mix well.

5. Baking the layers: Divide the batter into 4 equal parts. Pour each part into a prepared pan and bake each layer for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream

1. White chocolate ganache: In a small pot, heat the liquid cream and add the chopped white chocolate. Stir constantly until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Let it cool.

2. Preparing the peaches: Boil 500 ml of water with 250 g of sugar to make a syrup. Blanch the peaches in this syrup for 2-3 minutes, then cool them, peel them, and cut them into cubes.

3. Mixing the cream ingredients: In a large bowl, whip 250 g of cream until stiff. In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the kefir, then add the cooled ganache. Mix well until creamy.

4. Adding the gelatin: Dissolve the gelatin in 100 ml of warm water and add it to the cheese mixture. Finally, fold in the whipped cream and peach cubes.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake

1. Preparing the cake base: Place the first layer of cake at the bottom of a removable ring. Soak the layer with the remaining syrup from blanching the peaches.

2. Adding the cream: Spread a generous layer of cream over the first layer, then add another layer of cake. Continue this process until all layers are finished, ensuring that the last layer is only lightly soaked.

3. Cooling the cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight to set well.

Step 4: Decorating the Cake

1. Preparing the ganache for decoration: The next day, heat 90 g of cream and pour it over 180 g of white chocolate. Mix until smooth and let it cool slightly.

2. Coating the cake: Remove the cake from the refrigerator and release it from the ring. Use the ganache to evenly cover the cake.

3. Decorating: Use fondant to create decorations on the cake. You can use cut shapes or create flowers and other designs to give it a festive touch.

Practical Tips

- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: This cake contains approximately 350 calories per serving, depending on the amount of sugar used. Cottage cheese provides a high protein content, while the fruits add vitamins and fiber.

- Variations: You can replace the peaches with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or mangoes for a different flavor. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate.

- Frequently Asked Questions: Why use kefir instead of milk? Kefir adds a richer consistency and acidity that helps the layers rise. If you don't have kefir, you can use Greek yogurt.

- Serving Suggestions: Serve the cake alongside a scoop of ice cream or with a fruit sauce. A good drink to accompany this cake would be iced tea or a fruit smoothie.

Final Notes

This cheese cream cake with strawberries and peaches is a delicious choice that will impress everyone. Whether you prepare it for a special event or for a simple gathering with friends, you can't help but enjoy every slice. So put on your apron, turn on the blender, and get ready to surprise your guests with an unforgettable dessert!