Plum and cottage cheese tart

Plum and Cottage Cheese Tart - a sweet and refreshing delicacy

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

When it comes to desserts, few recipes can rival the flavor and texture of a plum and cottage cheese tart. This recipe not only combines the delicious tastes of seasonal fruits with a smooth cheese cream, but it also brings a touch of nostalgia, reminding us of moments spent at home, around the table, with loved ones. Let’s explore the steps to create this wonderful tart that will bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it!

1. Necessary Ingredients

To prepare this tart, you will need the following ingredients:

For the crust:
- 300 g flour
- 125 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 egg
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 150 g butter (melted)

For the plum filling:
- 750 g plums (fresh and ripe)
- 50 g sugar
- 40 g cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water

For the cheese cream:
- 2 eggs
- 75 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla pudding
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice

2. Preparing the Plum Filling

The first step is to prepare the delicious plum filling. These fruits not only bring a sweet-sour taste but are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

- Step 1: Wash the plums under cold running water. Cut them in half and remove the pits. If you have larger plums, you can cut them into quarters to speed up the cooking process.
- Step 2: Place the plums in a pot over low heat, adding the sugar. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft. The sweet aroma of caramelized plums will fill the kitchen!
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to form a paste. Add this mixture to the cooked plums and let it boil for a few minutes until it thickens. Then, remove from heat and let cool.

3. Preparing the Crust

Now that the filling is ready, let’s focus on the crumbly dough.

- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon. These flavors blend perfectly to create a delicious base for the tart.
- Step 2: Add the egg and mix well. Then, pour the melted butter in a thin stream while continuing to mix. I prefer to use a mixer with a kneading attachment, but you can also do this step by hand.
- Step 3: You will obtain a crumbly dough. Here, the secret is not to knead it too much, otherwise, it will become too dense.

4. Preparing the Cheese Cream

Now that we have the dough and filling, let’s take care of the cheese cream.

- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until frothy. This step will add an airy texture to the cheese cream.
- Step 2: Add the vanilla pudding and cottage cheese. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, adding extra nutrients to your tart.
- Step 3: Finally, add the lemon juice, which will provide a fresh taste and balance the sweetness.

5. Assembling the Tart

Now that we have all the components, it’s time to assemble the tart.

- Step 1: Grease a baking dish with butter and press 3/4 of the crumbly dough into the bottom of the dish, raising it slightly on the edges to form a border. This will support the filling and cream.
- Step 2: Evenly distribute the cooled plums over the dough, then pour the cheese cream, spreading it with a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the remaining crumbly dough on top, creating a crispy crust that will contrast perfectly with the creamy texture of the cheese and the softness of the plums.

6. Baking the Tart

- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. It’s important to have the oven well-heated to ensure even baking.
- Step 2: Place the tart in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the surface becomes golden and crispy. You will smell the delicious aroma of caramelized plums that will make you eagerly wait to take it out!

7. Serving and Storing

After the tart has cooled, you can remove it from the dish and cut it into servings. This dessert is delicious both warm and cold, and can be served plain or with a scoop of sour cream or ice cream. A perfect snack for a lazy afternoon or an elegant dessert for a dinner with friends.

8. Variations and Useful Tips

- If you want to experiment, you can replace the plums with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apples. Each fruit will add a unique touch to your tart.
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese cream.
- The tart can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it will be just as delicious the next day after being refrigerated.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned plums for this recipe?
- Yes, but make sure to drain them well before use.

2. What can I do if I don’t have cottage cheese?
- You can use ricotta or goat cheese for a different flavor.

3. How can I make the tart less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the plum filling and cheese cream.

This plum and cottage cheese tart is definitely a recipe that will bring joy and flavor to every meal. Be creative and don’t hesitate to adapt the recipe according to your preferences. Enjoy!