Plum and cheese cake

Plum and cheese cake is a dessert that combines the sweet-sour taste of plums with the creamy texture of cheese, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. This cake is not just a delight for the taste buds but also a wonderful way to use seasonal fruits. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

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

Necessary ingredients:

- 300 g biscuits (digestive or cocoa type)
- 200 g butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 6 eggs (preferably from free-range hens)
- 600 g sweet cheese (cow or goat, well drained)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 350 g sugar (plus 4 tablespoons for decoration)
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 125 g full-fat yogurt (Greek yogurt would be ideal)
- 600 g plums (fresh, well-ripened)
- Chocolate topping (optional, for decoration)

Preparing the cake:

1. Preparing the plums:
Start by washing the plums under cold running water to remove any impurities. After washing, cut them in half and remove the pits. Place them cut-side up on a clean towel to drain excess water. This step is important to avoid diluting the cake mixture.

2. Preparing the biscuit base:
Use a food processor to crush the biscuits until they become a fine powder. If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a plastic bag and a rolling pin to crush them. Add the melted butter, the 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the cocoa to the biscuits. Mix well until you have a homogeneous and slightly moist mixture.

3. Forming the cake base:
Take a round cake pan with removable sides and grease it with a bit of butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Sprinkle the biscuit mixture on the bottom of the pan and press it down firmly with a spatula, ensuring that you cover the sides of the pan halfway. This will be the base of your cake. Place the pan in the preheated oven at 180°C (low heat) and bake for 20 minutes.

4. Preparing the cheese filling:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs together with the 350 g of sugar and the vanilla sugar using an electric mixer. Add the sweet cheese and continue mixing until you have a creamy and homogeneous mixture. It is important to use well-drained cheese so that the filling is not too watery.

5. Assembling the cake:
After the base has been baked, remove it from the oven and carefully pour the cheese mixture over it. Arrange the plums beautifully, cut-side up, on top of the mixture. They will not only add a delicious taste but also an appealing look to your cake.

6. Final baking:
Put the cake back in the oven and bake for 40 minutes at 180°C (medium heat). The cake is ready when the filling is firm and has a slight golden crust on top.

7. Cooling the cake:
After baking, let the cake cool at room temperature for 2-3 hours. This step is essential to allow the flavors to meld. If you have patience, it’s even better to let it cool overnight in the fridge.

8. Preparing the whipped cream:
In another bowl, whip the liquid cream with a mixer until it becomes firm. If desired, you can add a packet of whipping stabilizer for extra stability. Add the yogurt and gently mix with a spatula, ensuring you don’t lose volume.

9. Finalizing the cake:
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the whipped yogurt cream over the entire surface. If you want an elegant look, you can use a spatula to create a pattern on the cream surface. Optionally, decorate with chocolate topping for an extra touch of flavor.

10. Serving:
Cut the cake into slices and serve it chilled, perhaps alongside a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade. This plum and cheese cake is perfect for a gathering with friends or a special occasion.

Useful tips:
- Choose ripe but firm plums to avoid them breaking down during baking.
- If you want to add a hint of flavor, you can add a bit of cinnamon to the cheese filling.
- You can try variations of the recipe by replacing the plums with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apricots, to create a different cake.

Nutritional benefits:
The plum and cheese cake contains a combination of carbohydrates from the biscuits, proteins from the cheese and eggs, and vitamins from the plums. Plums are rich in fiber and antioxidants, contributing to healthy digestion and strengthening the immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use goat cheese for a stronger flavor or ricotta for a softer texture.
- How can I store the cake? It is recommended to keep it in the fridge, covered, for 3-4 days.
- Is it possible to make this cake without sugar? You can use sugar substitutes, but the taste and texture may vary.

The plum and cheese cake is more than just a dessert - it is a cooking experience that brings back fond memories spent with family. Enjoy every slice and share it with your loved ones!