Plum cake with cheese cream

Plum and cream cheese cake

This plum and cream cheese cake is a delicacy that perfectly blends sweetness with a hint of tartness, resulting in a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. With a tender crust and a creamy filling, this recipe is ideal for a relaxing afternoon or to celebrate special moments. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 3 hours and 30 minutes (including cooling)
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- A cake pan (26 cm)
- 300 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 4 eggs
- 500 g summer plums
- 175 g butter (at room temperature, left for 2 hours)
- 500 g fresh cow cheese
- 250 g mascarpone
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 packet vanilla pudding
- 3 tablespoons plum jam

Preparing the plum and cream cheese cake:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, combine 300 g flour with 200 g sugar and the 2 packets of vanilla sugar. Add the soft butter and egg, then mix everything until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Divide the dough into two equal parts. One part will be used for the base of the cake and the other for grating on top.

2. Forming the base:
Take the first part of the dough and roll it out with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface, forming an oval sheet. Place the sheet in the cake pan lined with butter and flour, ensuring the edges are well covered. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 175°C.

3. Preparing the filling:
Wash the plums, cut them in half, and remove the pits. In a separate bowl, add mascarpone, the 3 eggs, the fine cream cheese, lemon juice, and the packet of pudding. Use a mixer to blend all the ingredients for 2-3 minutes until you obtain a creamy and homogeneous mixture.

4. Assembling the cake:
Remove the cake pan from the fridge. Spread the base of the dough with the 3 tablespoons of plum jam, then pour the cream cheese over the jam and level it well. Place the sliced plums on top of the cream, distributing them evenly.

5. Finalizing the cake:
Take the other part of the dough and grate it, then evenly sprinkle the grated dough over the plums. This will create a delicious and crunchy crust.

6. Baking:
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about 60 minutes, or until it turns golden and firm to the touch. You can do a toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

7. Cooling:
After the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for at least 3 hours. This step is important as it allows the flavors to develop and the texture to stabilize.

8. Serving:
Before serving, sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the cake for an elegant appearance. This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fragrant tea.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake contains nutrient-rich ingredients, such as fresh cheese, which provides protein, calcium, and vitamins. Plums add fiber, vitamins A and K, as well as beneficial antioxidants for your health.

Calories per serving: Approximately 360 kcal

Practical tips:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy incorporation into the dough.
- You can also use other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or apples, to vary the recipe.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 50 g.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use store-bought cow cheese?
Yes, you can use store-bought cow cheese, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid a too-soft filling.

2. What jam can I use instead of plum jam?
You can use peach or strawberry jam, depending on your preferences.

3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure it is well covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

4. How can I tell when the cake is done?
The cake is done when it has a golden color and a firm texture. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, then the cake is baked.

This plum and cream cheese cake will surely become a favorite in your family. So, don’t hesitate to make it and enjoy every slice!