Cottage cheese cake

Cottage cheese cake is a wonderful dessert that brings together tradition and culinary innovation in a single dish. This quick and simple recipe transforms seemingly ordinary ingredients into something truly special, perfect for any occasion, from a family meal to a gathering with friends. Today, I will guide you through the process of preparing this delicious cake, offering useful tips and information about the ingredients used, so you can achieve a perfect result every time.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients for composition 1:
- 3 eggs
- 250 g sugar
- 125 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil, for a neutral taste)
- 125 ml milk
- 1 baking powder
- 320 g flour
- 1 pinch of salt

Ingredients for composition 2:
- 200 g cottage cheese (make sure it is fresh for better taste)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1 egg
- Zest of one lemon (for an extra flavor)
- Vanilla (a pod or vanilla essence)
- Raisins (optional, but recommended for a special texture and taste)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the first composition:
In a large bowl, beat the 3 eggs with a pinch of salt and sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and airy cake, so don’t skip it! Add the oil in a thin stream while continuing to mix, then pour in the milk. Ensure that the ingredients are well combined.

2. Incorporating the dry ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. This will help with the even distribution of the leavening agent. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet composition, mixing with a spatula or a mixer on low speed until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.

3. Preparing the cheese composition:
In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar and one egg. Add the lemon zest and vanilla, mixing well to achieve a homogeneous composition. If you want a finer texture, you can use a blender or food processor.

4. Adding the raisins:
Add the raisins to the cheese composition. If you want to make them juicier, you can soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding. They will add a touch of sweetness and a pleasant texture to the cake.

5. Combining the compositions:
In a large bowl, combine the two compositions. Mix gently to achieve a uniform batter, being careful not to ruin the aeration achieved earlier.

6. Baking:
Prepare a baking tray of about 25x35 cm, lining it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the tray and smooth the surface. Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C) and bake the cake for 30 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test: insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

7. Cooling and portioning:
Let the cake cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into squares and, if desired, dust it with a little powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving and variations:
This cottage cheese cake is best served with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side, which balances the sweetness of the cheese. Additionally, a warm drink, such as herbal tea or a cappuccino, perfectly complements this delicacy.

Nutritional benefits:
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamins, thus contributing to a healthy diet. This cake, although sweet, can be adapted to reduce the sugar content and can therefore be a healthier dessert.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use store-bought cottage cheese?
Yes, make sure to choose fresh, high-quality cheese for optimal results.

2. What can I do with leftover cake?
The cake keeps well in the fridge in an airtight container for a few days. You can repurpose it into a trifle by adding fruits and whipped cream.

3. Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! You can add grated apples or peaches, which pair wonderfully with cottage cheese.

4. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use natural sweetening alternatives like honey or maple syrup.

This cottage cheese cake is a perfect example of a quick and delicious dessert that can be adapted to everyone's tastes. Try it and enjoy a special moment with your loved ones!