Sponge cake with cheese

Cheese Sponge Cake Recipe: A Delight Easily Prepared

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 60-65 minutes
Number of Servings: 8-10

Who doesn’t love a dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia and comfort in every bite? Cheese sponge cake is one of those recipes that tempts us with its delicate aroma and fluffy texture. This dessert is simple to prepare, yet the result is astonishing. Over time, this type of sponge cake has been loved in many cultures for its versatility and the way it can be customized according to individual preferences.

In this recipe, we will combine the ingredients to create a fluffy sponge cake, with a cheese filling that will settle gently at the bottom, providing a unique texture every time you savor it. Here’s how to prepare it step by step!

Necessary Ingredients

- 5 fresh eggs (preferably from free-range chickens)
- ½ cup of sugar (about 100 g, but you can adjust to taste)
- 10 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or olive oil)
- 20 tablespoons of milk (about 300 ml)
- 1 ½ cups of flour (about 200 g)
- ½ packet of baking powder (about 7 g)
- Zest of 1 lemon (for flavor)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 300 g cheese (cottage cheese or ricotta, depending on preference)
- 1 cup of sugar (about 200 g, for filling)
- 2 eggs (for filling)
- 2-3 tablespoons of flour (for filling)
- Juice of ½ lemon (for filling)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (about 10 g)
- A pinch of salt (to balance the taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a better texture. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a pan (about 30x20 cm) by lining it with parchment paper.

2. Beating the Eggs with Sugar: In a large bowl, add the 5 eggs and ½ cup of sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs at high speed for 5-7 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume. This is a crucial step - the air trapped in the eggs will give your sponge cake a light and fluffy texture.

3. Adding Aerated Ingredients: Continuing to mix, gradually add the 10 tablespoons of oil and the 20 tablespoons of milk. Make sure to mix well to integrate all the ingredients. Then, add the lemon zest and juice, mixing gently.

4. Incorporating the Flour: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. Sift this mixture over the egg mixture and, using a spatula, gently fold in the flour with upward motions. This will prevent the loss of air from the mixture.

5. Preparing the Cheese Filling: In another bowl, mix the cheese with the 2 lightly beaten eggs, the remaining sugar, the 2-3 tablespoons of flour, and the lemon juice. This filling will add a creamy and delicious note to your sponge cake.

6. Assembling the Dessert: Pour the sponge cake mixture into the prepared pan, leveling it evenly. Using a spoon, add the cheese filling on top, ensuring it is evenly distributed but without mixing with the batter.

7. Adding Beaten Eggs: In a small bowl, beat the 2 eggs with 1 packet of vanilla sugar. Pour this mixture over the composition in the pan to create a golden and delicious crust at the end.

8. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes. It is important to check if the dessert is done using the toothpick test - if it comes out clean, your sponge cake is ready!

9. Cooling and Serving: Once the sponge cake is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut it into squares and serve it plain or with a fresh fruit sauce.

Useful Tips

- Fruit Variation: You can add pieces of fresh or dried fruit to the sponge cake mixture for an extra taste and aroma. Blueberries or raspberries are excellent options!
- Sugar: Adjust the amount of sugar according to how sweet you prefer the dessert. If using sweet cheese, you can reduce the amount of sugar.
- Oil: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can use extra virgin olive oil instead of regular oil.

Nutritional Benefits

This cheese sponge cake recipe is a delicious option that can be included in your diet, providing a good source of protein from the cheese and eggs. Additionally, lemon adds vitamin C, contributing to a healthy immune system.

Recommended Pairings

This sponge cake pairs perfectly with a cup of hot tea or aromatic coffee. I recommend serving it alongside vanilla ice cream or with a caramel sauce for a delicious contrast of flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mascarpone or ricotta, to change the texture and flavor.

2. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe is not vegan, but you can try replacing the eggs with a vegan egg substitute and the cheese with a plant-based version.

3. How can I store the sponge cake?
The sponge cake keeps well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for later use.

4. What should I do if the cheese settled at the bottom?
To avoid this, make sure to mix the cheese filling well and distribute it evenly over the sponge cake batter. You can also use a less moist cheese.

This cheese sponge cake recipe is a true treasure, perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it at a family meal or a party, it will surely be appreciated by everyone. Enjoy!