Strawberry and cottage cheese cake

Strawberry and Cottage Cheese Cake – A Delightful Easy-to-Make Treat

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

I present to you a recipe for a strawberry and cottage cheese cake that not only delights the taste buds but is also a healthy option for any occasion. With a smooth texture and fresh taste, this cake is perfect for warm days and for impressing guests. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Necessary ingredients

For the base:
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 250 g creamy cottage cheese (I recommend Dr. Oetker's cheese for a fine texture)
- 500 ml liquid cream
- 100 g powdered sugar
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 ½ packets of gelatin
- 50 ml warm water

For the glaze:
- 300 g fresh strawberries
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of gelatin
- 50 ml warm water

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure no yolk remains in the whites for a perfect foam.
2. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, mix the egg whites with the sugar, adding the sugar tablespoon by tablespoon, until you achieve a firm, glossy foam.
3. Adding the yolks: Carefully incorporate the yolks mixed with a pinch of salt, gently stirring to avoid deflating the foam.
4. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour and gradually add it, mixing with a spatula from bottom to top to preserve the air in the mixture.
5. Baking: Line a cake pan with oil and flour, pour in the batter, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes, or until the base is golden and passes the toothpick test. After baking, let the base cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the gelatin: Start by hydrating the gelatin in warm water according to the instructions on the package.
2. Mixing the cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the lemon juice and zest, powdered sugar, and vanilla essence. Mix until you achieve a smooth and creamy composition.
3. Whipping the cream: In another bowl, whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm. Make sure to use high-fat cream for the best results.
4. Incorporating the cream into the cheese: Add the whipped cream to the cheese mixture, carefully mixing to avoid losing volume.
5. Adding the gelatin: Melt the hydrated gelatin over low heat and add it to the cheese cream, mixing well to combine.

Step 3: Preparing the glaze

1. Preparing the strawberry puree: Blend the strawberries until they become puree and then strain them to remove the seeds. This step is optional but will make the glaze smoother.
2. Adding the sugar: Mix the strawberry puree with the powdered sugar until it dissolves completely.
3. Incorporating the gelatin: Hydrate the gelatin in warm water, then add it to the strawberry mixture, mixing well.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

1. Cutting the base: After the base has completely cooled, trim any excess batter from the edges of the cake if necessary.
2. Adding the filling: Pour the cheese cream over the cake base, leveling it evenly.
3. Pouring the glaze: Add the strawberry glaze on top of the cheese cream, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
4. Cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours, preferably overnight, to allow the gelatin to set.

Chef's tip

To add a touch of originality to your cake, you can try adding some fresh mint leaves on top of the glaze before serving. They will not only provide a pleasant appearance but also a fresh aroma.

Serving

The strawberry and cottage cheese cake is served cold, straight from the fridge. It is delicious alongside a glass of cold lemonade or herbal tea. It can be an excellent choice for parties, anniversaries, or simply to indulge after a tiring day.

Nutritional information

This cake is not only tasty but also beneficial for health. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. A serving of cake contains approximately 220 calories, making it a lighter option compared to other desserts.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a different texture.

2. How can I make the cake even healthier?
You can replace sugar with a natural sweetener or honey. Also, a version with frozen strawberries is perfect for saving time and still having a delicious taste.

3. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

I hope you enjoy every step of making this strawberry and cottage cheese cake! It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of all who savor it. Bon appétit!