Plum and cheese cake

Plum and Cheese Cake: a delicious dessert recipe

Who doesn’t love a fragrant dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia and comfort in every bite? Plum and cheese cake is exactly that type of dessert: a perfect combination of sweetness and acidity, with a soft texture and a crunchy topping that will make you come back for every slice. This dessert is ideal to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee, being perfect for both a special occasion and a simple family afternoon.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 - 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 7 tablespoons oil
- 50 ml milk
- 300 g flour
- 10 g baking powder
- 10 g butter (for greasing the pan)
- 500 g plums (fresh or canned)
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 2 egg whites
- 100 g sugar (for egg whites)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for topping)

Let’s start preparing this tasty dessert!

Step 1: Preparing the plums
Start by washing the plums well under a stream of cold water. Then, cut them in half and remove the pits. It’s important to choose ripe but firm plums to ensure an intense flavor and pleasant texture.

Step 2: Preparing the base mixture
In a large bowl, beat the eggs well with a mixer until frothy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy cake.

Step 3: Adding the wet ingredients
To the egg mixture, add the oil and milk, mixing well. The oil adds moisture and a pleasant taste, while the milk contributes to the fineness of the mixture.

Step 4: The dry ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Sift the flour mixture over the wet mixture, gently folding with a spatula. It’s important not to overmix to avoid developing the gluten in the flour, which could lead to a dense cake.

Step 5: Preparing the cheese
In a separate bowl, mash the cottage cheese with 50 g of sugar. This mixture will add a creamy and sweet note to the cake.

Step 6: Beating the egg whites
In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with 100 g of sugar until you achieve a firm foam. This step is crucial for adding volume and airiness to your cake.

Step 7: Combining the ingredients
Combine the cheese mixture with the beaten egg whites, gently folding with a spatula to maintain the airiness. This will be the filling that adds a wonderful texture to the cake.

Step 8: Assembling the cake
Grease a pan with butter and pour the base mixture evenly into the pan. Use a spoon to easily place the cheese mixture over the batter, spreading it gently. Arrange the plums side by side and sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of sugar on top.

Step 9: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the oven and let the cake bake for 30-40 minutes. When the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, it’s ready. Finally, increase the oven temperature to 200 degrees Celsius for the last 3-4 minutes to achieve a nicely browned crust.

Step 10: Cooling and serving
Let the cake cool in the pan, then slice it and sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.

Serving suggestion: You can enjoy the plum and cheese cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream for a creamy contrast.

Nutritional benefits: This cake is a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese, while the plums add fiber and antioxidants, being beneficial for digestion.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits?
Sure! You can replace the plums with apples, pears, or cherries, depending on your preferences.
2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar added to the egg and cheese mixture. You can also use tarter plums for a pleasant contrast.
3. What can I do with leftover cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave to restore its soft texture.

Possible variations:
You can add spices like cinnamon or vanilla to the egg mixture for an extra flavor boost. You can also experiment with chopped nuts or chocolate chips in the batter for a crunchy note.

In conclusion, plum and cheese cake is a versatile and delicious dessert, perfect for enjoying with family or friends. Enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!