Saxon cake with sweet cheese

Saxon cheesecake – a delicacy that combines tradition with taste!

If you are looking for a cake recipe that impresses both in appearance and taste, then you have come to the right place. The Saxon cheesecake is a delight that brings a touch of nostalgia in every bite. This soft and aromatic cake, with a velvety texture, is perfect for festive meals as well as for a relaxing afternoon with loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

- 800 ml milk
- 220 g semolina
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 5 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 50 g flour
- 50 g butter (plus extra for greasing)
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- Zest of 2 oranges
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
- 5 tablespoons sugar (for semolina)

For decoration:
- Caramelized orange zest
- 50 g sugar (for caramelizing)

Step-by-step preparation

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature; this will help achieve a homogeneous texture. Also, wash the oranges you will use for the zest well.

Step 2: Preparing the semolina
In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil along with one packet of vanilla sugar, the 5 tablespoons of sugar, and the orange zest. Stir occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. When the milk starts to boil, add the semolina in a rain, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let the semolina boil on low heat, stirring, until it thickens (about 5 minutes). Once thickened, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Preparing the baking dish
Grease a medium-sized baking dish (about 30x20 cm) with butter and sprinkle breadcrumbs on the bottom and sides so that the cake does not stick.

Step 4: Preparing the cheese mixture
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the 5 eggs, 200 g sugar, the 2 packets of vanilla sugar, the orange zest, and the flour. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. This will give the cake a creamy texture and a delicious flavor.

Step 5: Assembling the cake
After the semolina has cooled slightly, spread it evenly in the prepared baking dish, using a spoon to distribute it evenly. Then, pour the cheese mixture over the semolina layer, making sure it spreads well.

Step 6: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the baking dish in the oven and let the cake bake for 45 minutes, or until it becomes golden and firm in the middle. It is important not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes to avoid affecting the cake's rise.

Step 7: Cooling and decorating
After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish. Once cooled, cut the cake into portions and sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance. You can also add caramelized orange zest for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

Serving suggestions
This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce can elevate the tasting experience even more.

Possible variations
To add a personal touch, you can experiment with other flavors. For example, replace the orange zest with lemon zest or add some raisins to the cheese mixture for extra texture. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar.

Nutritional benefits
This cake is a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs. It also contains carbohydrates from the semolina and sugar, providing you with the energy needed for an active day. The orange zest adds vitamin C, an essential antioxidant for your health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta, but make sure to drain them well before use.

2. What can I do if I don't have semolina?
If you don't have semolina, you can substitute it with almond flour or oat flour, but the texture will be different.

3. How can I store the cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later consumption.

A personal note
This sweet cheese cake reminds me of my childhood, of the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who told me about traditional recipes. Every bite brings back those precious moments. I encourage you to share your cooking memories too, as every recipe has a story to tell.

Experiment with this delicious recipe and let yourself be carried away by its flavors and textures! Enjoy!