Dome cake with cottage cheese and fruit

Dome cake with cottage cheese and fruits

A truly special cake, this dome cake with cottage cheese and fruits perfectly combines the fine texture of the cream with the sweet flavor of the fruits, all in a remarkable presentation. It is perfect for any occasion, from anniversaries to casual parties. Preparing this cake may seem like a challenge, but with a little patience and guidance, you will achieve a truly impressive dessert.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Cooling time: at least 4 hours (ideally overnight)
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients

*For the shortcrust pastry:*
- 60 g cold butter (80-82% fat)
- 100 g flour
- a pinch of salt
- 30 g sugar
- 1 egg yolk

*For the roll:*
- 5 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 150 g flour
- 5 tablespoons of oil
- 120 g black cherry jam (or other preferred jam)

*For the cream:*
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 250 g mascarpone
- 150 g yogurt
- 200 g powdered sugar with vanilla flavor (or more, to taste)
- 2 packets of gelatin granules (20 g)
- 200 ml juice from compote
- 100 ml liqueur (red Cinzano or other preferred liqueur)
- fruits from compote (or bananas, kiwis, etc.)

*For decoration:*
- 100 ml liquid cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Shortcrust Pastry:
Start by placing the flour, salt, and cold butter cut into cubes in a mixer. Mix these ingredients until you obtain a sandy texture. Add the sugar and egg yolk, continuing to mix until everything combines. Do not knead too much; the goal is to obtain a ball of dough. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This will help achieve a flaky texture.

2. Baking the Pastry:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. On a baking paper (parchment), roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 3 mm. Cut out a circle using a bowl with a diameter of 20 cm. Place the cut dough in a baking tray, pricking it with a fork in several places to prevent air bubbles from forming. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until it turns slightly golden.

3. Preparing the Roll:
In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until a stiff foam forms. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until it completely dissolves. Add the egg yolks one at a time, then the oil gradually and finally the sifted flour, mixing gently with a spatula. Pour the mixture into a rectangular mold (32x36 cm) lined with baking paper and bake for 15 minutes. Perform the toothpick test to check if it’s done.

4. Rolling the Roll:
After baking, turn the roll out onto a damp towel sprinkled with sugar. Carefully roll it starting from one corner to avoid cracking. Let it cool in the damp towel.

5. Preparing the Cream:
Hydrate the gelatin in 200 ml of compote juice for 10 minutes. Then, heat it over low heat until it melts, without letting it boil. In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese, mascarpone, and yogurt. Add the powdered sugar and mix well until you obtain a smooth texture. Incorporate the chosen liqueur and mix. Take 2 tablespoons of the obtained cream and add them to the melted gelatin, mixing quickly to homogenize. Then, pour the gelatin into the remaining cream, mixing constantly. Incorporate the fruits from the compote, being careful not to crush them.

6. Assembling the Cake:
Sprinkle a bowl with cold water and place cling film on the bottom. Start with the rounds of the roll, placing them at the bottom of the bowl. Pour half of the cheese cream on top. Continue with another layer of roll rounds, then the rest of the cream. Cover with the shortcrust pastry you prepared earlier. Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to set and develop the flavors.

7. Serving the Cake:
Finally, turn the cake out onto a serving platter with a firm motion. Remove the plastic wrap and decorate with whipped cream. Cut with a sharp knife and serve with a smile! This cake is not only delicious but also colorful, thanks to the fruits and jam.

Practical Tips:
- You can replace the cherry jam with any other preferred jam, such as strawberries or peaches, depending on the season.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the cheese cream.
- Make sure the gelatin does not boil, as boiling will destroy its gelling properties.
- The cake can be customized with various seasonal fruits, adding a touch of freshness.

Nutritional Information:
This cake is a healthier choice due to the cottage cheese, which is rich in protein and calcium, and the fruits, which bring essential vitamins. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on portions and ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Of course! You can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor.
- How long can the cake be stored in the fridge? The cake can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days, covered to prevent drying.
- Can this cake be frozen? Although it is possible to freeze it, the texture of the roll may be affected. It is recommended to consume it fresh.

Delicious Combinations:
This cake pairs perfectly with fruit tea or refreshing lemonade. Additionally, a glass of white or sparkling wine can add a festive touch to any meal.

Now I invite you to enjoy this dome cake with cottage cheese and fruits, a delicious combination that will impress everyone. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple family evening, this cake will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!