Cottage cheese cake

Cottage Cheese Cake - a delicacy that combines the creamy taste of cheese with the perfect sweetness of sugar and the fresh aroma of lemon. This recipe is not only simple and quick, but it also brings a touch of nostalgia, reminding us of moments spent around the table with loved ones. Whether you enjoy it as a dessert after dinner or share it with friends over coffee, this cottage cheese cake is sure to win everyone's hearts.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 200 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 100 ml milk
- 100 ml oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- a pinch of salt
- 300 g flour
- 10 g baking powder

For the cream:
- 500 g cottage cheese (ideally, use fresh, high-quality cheese)
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- grated zest of one lemon (for an intense and fresh taste)
- 50 g raisins (you can also use other dried fruits like apricots or cranberries for a refreshing variation)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to achieve a smooth cream. If you want a more intense flavor, you can let the cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before use.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, crack the egg and add the sugar. Using a whisk or a fork, beat the mixture well until it becomes homogeneous and fluffy. Add the milk and oil, mixing continuously. It is important to integrate these ingredients well, as they will give the dough an airy texture. Add a pinch of salt, which will enhance the sweetness and balance the flavor.

Step 3: Combining the flour and baking powder
Sift the flour together with the baking powder into another bowl. This process will help incorporate air into the mixture, giving the cake a fluffy texture. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. The dough should be soft and flow from the spoon, but not so liquid that it loses its shape.

Step 4: Preparing the cheese cream
In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the two eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and raisins. Mix well until you achieve a uniform composition. If desired, you can also add a teaspoon of vanilla essence to enhance the flavor.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
Grease a baking dish with butter or margarine, ensuring it is evenly covered. Pour half of the dough into the dish, leveling it with a spatula. Then, add the cheese cream, distributing it evenly. Finally, cover with the remaining dough, ensuring the cake will have a uniform appearance at the end.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the cake inside. Let it bake for 40-50 minutes, until it becomes golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It’s good to check the cake every 10 minutes after 30 minutes of baking to avoid burning.

Step 7: Cooling and serving
Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help prevent moisture from forming on the bottom of the cake. For an elegant touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.

Serving suggestions:
This cottage cheese cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a berry sauce. Additionally, a cup of black or green tea will harmoniously complement the cake's flavor. On cooler days, a serving of coffee with milk can be the ideal choice.

Tips and variations:
- For a more exotic taste, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese cream.
- If you want a crunchier texture, you can sprinkle a little coconut on top of the dough before placing it in the oven.
- Instead of raisins, you can opt for dark chocolate chips for a decadent variation.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins, and using natural ingredients like eggs and lemon contributes to the nutritional intake. Whole flour can be used instead of white flour for added fiber.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, low-fat cottage cheese can be used, but the cake will have a slightly drier texture.

- How can I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later use, although the texture may change slightly.

- Is it possible to make the cake without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg.

Now that you have all the details, all that's left is to start cooking! This cottage cheese cake recipe will surely become your favorite. Enjoy the cooking moment and, above all, every slice savored! Enjoy your meal!