Fresh little cake Ileana

Fresh Ileana Cake – a refined and delicious dessert, perfect for delighting the taste buds of family and friends. This recipe brings together the creamy texture of cheese and the sweetness of raspberries, in a combination that will make you fall in love at first bite. With a preparation time of about 30 minutes and a cooling time of 3 hours, this recipe is ideal for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 3 hours
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the cheese cream:
- 500 g of low-fat cottage cheese
- 150 g of thick sour cream
- 120 g of powdered sugar + 2 tablespoons
- 5 sheets of gelatin
- 120 g of frozen raspberries (or other berries)

For the biscuit base:
- 500 g of ladyfingers (or biscuit base, such as in the Andra Cheesecake recipe)

For the raspberry glaze:
- 1 sheet of gelatin
- 120 g of raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- Water, if needed

Necessary utensils:
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Removable mold (or a mold lined with cling film)
- Whisk or mixer
- Knife and cutting board

Nutritional information:
This cake is an excellent choice due to the low-fat content of cottage cheese and the benefits of raspberries, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Each serving has approximately 180 calories, making it a lighter option for a dessert.

Step by step for a perfect cake:

Step 1: Preparing the gelatin sheets
Start by soaking 4 of the 5 gelatin sheets in cold water for 5 minutes. It is important to let them hydrate properly to achieve a smooth texture for the cream.

Step 2: Cheese cream
In a bowl, add 120 g of powdered sugar and cottage cheese. Mix well with a whisk or mixer until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Add the thick sour cream and continue mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Dissolving the gelatin
In a small saucepan, heat a little sour cream (you can use some from what you reserved) and dissolve the drained gelatin sheets. This is a crucial step, as the gelatin must be completely dissolved to avoid crystals in your cream. Mix well until it becomes liquid.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients
Add the gelatin mixture to the cheese cream and mix gently but thoroughly to ensure that the gelatin is evenly distributed. This will help stabilize the cake.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
This recipe can be made either with ladyfingers or with a biscuit base. If you opt for ladyfingers, place an even layer on the bottom of the removable mold. Pour the cheese cream over the biscuit base, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the cream is well set.

Step 6: Preparing the raspberry glaze
Soak the remaining gelatin sheet in cold water for 5 minutes. In a saucepan, add the raspberries and bring to medium heat. Mash the raspberries with a fork or an immersion blender, then add 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Mix well and let it cook for about 1 minute. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency. Once you have a uniform mixture, add the drained gelatin sheet and mix until completely dissolved.

Step 7: Glazing the cake
Remove the cake from the refrigerator and pour the raspberry glaze over the cheese cream, being careful to distribute it evenly. You can gently shake the mold to ensure that the glaze covers the entire surface. Put the cake back in the refrigerator to set for a few hours.

Step 8: Serving
Once the cake has set, carefully remove it from the mold. You can decorate it with some fresh berries or a mint leaf for a more elegant look. It is a dessert that pairs perfectly with a cup of green tea or a fragrant coffee.

Variations and suggestions
If you don't have raspberries on hand, you can try using other berries, such as blackberries or strawberries. Also, for a touch of originality, you can add a few drops of vanilla extract to the cheese cream or use a mix of seasonal fruits.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use vegetable gelatin? Yes, you can substitute gelatin with agar-agar, but you will need to follow the instructions on the package to achieve the desired consistency.
- How can I store the cake? The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, covered with cling film or in an airtight container.
- Is it a suitable dessert for vegans? This recipe can be adapted for vegans by using vegan cheese and a substitute for animal gelatin.

In conclusion, the Fresh Ileana Cake is a dessert that not only delights with its taste but also with its elegant appearance. It is a simple and quick recipe that can be adapted according to everyone’s preferences. I wish you much success in preparing this cake and, above all, enjoy every bite!