Milk slice

Cheesecake with Cocoa - A Delight for the Whole Family

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

There are moments in life when a cake is not just a dessert, but a sweet memory that connects us to our loved ones. This cheesecake with cocoa is one of those delights, inspired by my daughter Viviana's preferences. Today, I invite you to cook this simple yet flavorful recipe with me, perfect for any occasion.

The history of this cake is filled with family memories, often prepared on holidays or when we needed a sweet joy. The combination of cocoa and cheese makes each slice both delicious and comforting.

Ingredients needed

*For the layers*
- 4 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 20 ml milk
- 100 ml oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 50 g dark cocoa
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- 1 vial vanilla essence

*For the cream*
- 200 g Făgăraș cheese (or another creamy cheese)
- 200 g sour cream
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 4 packets whipped cream stabilizer
- Zest of one orange
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 1 vial vanilla essence

Step by step for a perfect cake

1. Preparing the cream - Start with the cream, as it needs to chill to set. In a large bowl, add the Făgăraș cheese, sour cream, liquid cream, whipped cream stabilizer, orange zest, honey, and vanilla essence. Use a mixer on medium speed to combine the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous cream. Once the cream is ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator.

2. Preparing the layers - In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar, honey, and vanilla essence. Continue mixing until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes light in color. Now it's time to add the milk and oil. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients - In the same mixture, add the flour, semolina, cocoa, and baking powder. Use a spatula to gently fold them in, ensuring there are no lumps.

4. Beating the egg whites - In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This is the essential step that will make the layers fluffy. Gently fold the egg whites into the above mixture with slow, upward motions to retain the air in the egg whites.

5. Baking the layers - Divide the mixture into two equal parts and pour each part into baking trays lined with parchment paper (25/35 cm tray). Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes or until the layers are firm to the touch and pass the toothpick test.

6. Cooling the layers - Once baked, remove the layers from the oven and let them cool completely in the tray. This is an important step as it will facilitate the assembly of the cake.

7. Assembling the cake - When the layers are completely cooled, take the first layer and place it on a serving platter. Spread half of the cream evenly over the entire surface. Place the second layer on top and cover it with the remaining cream.

8. Final chilling - Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to intensify and the cream to set perfectly.

9. Serving - When you are ready to serve, cut the cake into generous slices and decorate with a little grated chocolate, crushed nuts, or fresh fruit, if desired.

Practical tips

- Choose quality ingredients: A good cheese and high-quality cocoa can make the difference between an ordinary cake and a memorable one.
- Gluten-free option: You can substitute the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but you may need to adjust the liquid amount.
- For an even more intense flavor: Add a few drops of orange essence to the cheese cream for an extra taste.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of cheese?: Yes, you can use mascarpone or a similar fresh cheese, but the taste will vary.
- How can I improve the texture of the cream?: Make sure the whipped cream is well beaten and that the cheese is at room temperature before you start mixing.
- How long can the cake be stored?: This cake keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This cake is a delicious combination of proteins and healthy fats from cheese and sour cream. One serving (approximately 100 g) contains about 320 calories. It is a good source of calcium and vitamins, but should be consumed in moderation.

The cheesecake with cocoa is perfect to serve alongside a cup of tea or coffee, but it also pairs well with a glass of fresh milk. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or just to bring a smile to your loved ones' faces, this recipe is definitely a winning choice. Enjoy!