Marble cake with cheese and chocolate

Marbled Cake with Cheese and Chocolate

Do you dream of a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the delicacy of cheese? Then the marbled cake with cheese and chocolate is the perfect choice! This simple yet refined recipe is sure to become the star of your parties or Sunday dinners. Get ready to impress family and friends with a dessert that looks spectacular and tastes even better!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 70 minutes
Total time: 100 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 200 g digestive biscuits
- 100 g melted butter

For the filling:
- 200 g dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)
- 900 g cottage cheese (at room temperature)
- 300 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 5 eggs (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 200 ml cream (for whipping)

The Story of the Dessert:

The marbled cake with cheese and chocolate is a combination of tradition and innovation that has gained popularity over the decades. This dessert has its roots in cheese recipes that have been prepared for centuries, making it a perfect choice for special occasions. The marbling adds an attractive visual element, turning each slice into a work of art. By making this cake, you not only enjoy a wonderful taste, but also bring a touch of elegance to your table.

Step by Step:

Step 1: Preparing the Base
We start with the base of the cake. Crush the digestive biscuits in a food processor or place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed biscuits with the melted butter until you achieve a moist mixture. This mixture will form the crunchy and delicious base of the cake.

Tips for biscuits: Choose digestive biscuits with low sugar content to balance the sweetness of the filling. You can also use cocoa biscuits for an extra flavor.

Step 2: Preparing the Pan
Line a round cake pan (about 23 cm in diameter) with baking paper. Grease the paper with butter to facilitate the removal of the cake after baking. Place the biscuit mixture in the pan, pressing down well with a wooden spoon to level it. Refrigerate the pan for about 30 minutes, until the base becomes firm.

Step 3: Preparing the Filling
Start preparing the filling by melting the dark chocolate in a double boiler. Make sure the chocolate melts slowly to avoid burning. Once melted, let it cool slightly, then add one egg and mix well. This step will add a fine texture and intense flavor to the filling.

Step 4: Creating the Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the cottage cheese with the sugar until you obtain a smooth paste. Add the flour, a pinch of salt, the other four eggs, vanilla extract, and cream. Mix everything with a mixer on low speed to avoid forming air bubbles. Make sure all ingredients are well integrated.

Step 5: Marbling
Divide the mixture into two equal parts: in one part, add the chocolate mixture with the egg and mix gently. Remove the pan from the fridge, where the base has become firm. Pour alternating tablespoons of the plain mixture and the chocolate mixture into the pan. Use a spatula to gently swirl, creating the marbled effect.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 150 degrees Celsius (level 3). Place the cake in the preheated oven and let it bake for 70 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 50 minutes, to avoid affecting the cake's rise. When ready, let it cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar, then transfer it to the fridge to set completely (ideally overnight).

Serving and Pairing

The marbled cake with cheese and chocolate is delicious served plain, but you can enhance it with a dollop of whipped cream or a berry sauce for a pleasant contrast. It also pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or aromatic tea.

Tips and Variations

- Chocolate variations: You can experiment with white or milk chocolate for a different flavor. Make sure to adjust the sugar amount, as white chocolate is sweeter.
- Adding flavor: Try adding lemon or orange zest to the cheese mixture for a fresh and vibrant taste.
- Toppings: Decorate with chocolate flakes, toasted nuts, or fresh fruit to add extra texture and color.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake is not only delicious but also a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which can provide health benefits, and digestive biscuits are a source of fiber. Although it is a dessert, when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cheese, but keep in mind that the texture and taste of the cake may be slightly different.

2. How can I tell if the cake is done?
The cake is done when the edges are firm and the center jiggles slightly but is not liquid. You can also do the toothpick test.

3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. I recommend slicing it before freezing so you can enjoy it anytime you want.

This marbled cake with cheese and chocolate will surely become a favorite in your home. Cook it with love and enjoy every slice!