Plum and cheese cake

Plum and Cheese Cake Recipe – a Sweet and Aromatic Delight

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert, the plum and cheese cake is the perfect choice! This cake combines the fluffy texture of the base with the smooth cheese cream and the juicy sweetness of the plums, offering an explosion of flavors that delights any palate. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe is simple and easy to make. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 4 large eggs (ideally at room temperature)
- 200 g sugar
- 7 tablespoons oil (sunflower oil is a good choice)
- 300 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder (10 g)
- 50 ml milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option)

For the cream:
- 250 g cottage cheese (full-fat cheese gives a creamier texture)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 egg whites (make sure they are well beaten)
- 500 g plums (about 8-10 medium plums)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for the plums)

For decoration:
- 3-4 tablespoons powdered sugar

Necessary utensils

- A rectangular baking pan (24 x 36 cm)
- Baking paper
- 2 large bowls
- Electric mixer
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Paper towel

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Separate the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure no traces of yolk remain in the egg whites, as they need to be whipped to stiff peaks.

2. Whip the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites and beat them on high speed until foamy. Then, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy meringue.

3. Add the yolks: Incorporate the yolks one at a time, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon.

4. Oil and milk: Add the oil and milk, mixing carefully again to avoid losing air in the mixture.

5. Flour and baking powder: Sift the flour together with the baking powder and incorporate them into the wet mixture. Mix gently from the bottom up to avoid deflating the batter.

6. Transfer to the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan lined with baking paper and level the surface.

Step 2: Preparing the cream

1. Prepare the plums: Wash the plums, cut them in half, and remove the pits. Gently dry them with a paper towel to remove excess water.

2. Whip the egg whites for the cream: In another bowl, whip the two egg whites with a mixer until they form stiff peaks. Then, add 50 g of sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm meringue.

3. Prepare the cheese: In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with 50 g of sugar until it becomes a creamy and smooth mixture.

4. Combine the two mixtures: Carefully fold the meringue into the cheese mixture using a spatula and mixing by folding from the top down to keep the air in the egg whites.

Step 3: Assembling the cake

1. Add the cream: Pour the cheese cream evenly over the base in the pan, using a spoon to spread it.

2. Add the plums: Arrange the plum halves on top of the cream, spacing them apart. They will caramelize during baking and add a divine flavor to the cake.

3. Sprinkle the sugar: Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of sugar over the plums to enhance their sweetness and contribute to caramelization.

Step 4: Baking

1. Preheat the oven: Before baking the cake, make sure the oven is preheated to 180°C.

2. Bake the cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cake turns golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Cool the cake: After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Decoration: Before serving, sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the cake for an attractive appearance.

Serving and suggestions

Cut the cake with a knife dipped in hot water for clean slices. This cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

Variations and useful tips

- Fruit variations: If you don't have plums, you can experiment with peaches, apricots, or even apples, which will behave similarly in the cake.
- Cheese: You can use goat cheese or ricotta for a more special touch.
- Flavored sugar: Add a splash of vanilla extract or lemon zest to the cheese cream for an extra flavor boost.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, making it a healthier option than many other desserts, thanks to the cottage cheese that provides protein and calcium.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can try whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture will be different. Adjust the liquid quantities according to the type of flour chosen.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream by 30-50 g, depending on your preferences.

3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended not to add powdered sugar until serving.

I hope this plum and cheese cake recipe inspires you and quickly becomes a favorite in your home! It is simple, tasty, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!