Sweet cheese and meringue cake

The sweet cheese and meringue cake is a dessert that highlights the delicacy and refined taste of cheese, combined with a light and fluffy meringue. This classic recipe is perfect for moments when you want to surprise family or friends with a special delicacy. The total preparation time is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes, and the recipe is sufficient for 8 delicious servings.

The history of this cake is closely linked to the tradition of home cooking, where each ingredient has been carefully chosen to create a harmony of flavors and textures. The sweet cheese brings a rich and creamy taste, while the meringue adds a touch of lightness and finesse. This cake can be enjoyed both warm and cold, making it an excellent accompaniment to a fragrant coffee or a comforting tea.

Necessary ingredients:
Dough:
- 50 g butter
- 1 egg
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 10 tablespoons of flour
- 5 g baking powder

Cheese cream:
- 700 g sweet cheese
- 3 tablespoons of fructose
- 2 eggs
- 2 packets of bourbon vanilla sugar
- 1 handful of raisins
- 2 tablespoons of semolina

Meringue:
- 4 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons of fructose
- 3 tablespoons of grated coconut

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough for the crust:
In a bowl, combine the melted butter and the egg. Add the vanilla sugar and mix well. Sift the flour together with the baking powder into another bowl. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring continuously until you obtain an elastic dough. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

2. Rolling out the dough:
On a floured work surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin until you obtain a thin sheet. Transfer the dough to a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring that the dough fits perfectly in the tray.

3. Preparing the cheese cream:
In a large bowl, mix the sweet cheese with fructose, eggs, and vanilla sugar. Use a mixer to achieve a creamy and homogeneous consistency. Add the raisins and gently mix with a spoon to incorporate them into the cheese cream.

4. Assembling the cake:
Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of semolina evenly over the dough in the tray. Then pour the cheese cream over the semolina, smoothing it out with a spatula.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the cheese cream sets and has a light golden hue.

6. Preparing the meringue:
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the fructose, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm and shiny meringue. Finally, fold in the grated coconut, mixing gently with a spatula.

7. Finishing the cake:
After the cheese cream has baked, remove the tray from the oven and add the meringue on top. Smooth the meringue and place the cake back in the oven for another 10 minutes, until the meringue is lightly browned.

8. Cooling and serving:
Once the cake is ready, let it cool in the tray for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. It is recommended to serve it after it has been in the refrigerator for a few hours, to allow the flavors to meld.

Practical tips:
- Use high-quality sweet cheese to achieve a cake with a rich taste.
- You can replace the raisins with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, for a different note.
- The meringue can be enhanced with cocoa or almond essence for a unique flavor.
- This cake keeps well in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed for several days.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is a good source of protein from cheese and eggs, with a moderate carbohydrate content due to fructose. Additionally, coconut adds a boost of fiber and healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese?
It is not recommended, as cottage cheese has a different texture and taste, but if you want, you can add a little sugar to compensate.

- How can I make the meringue more flavorful?
Add a few drops of vanilla or almond essence while beating the egg whites for an extra flavor boost.

- How can I serve this cake?
It is delicious served plain, but you can accompany it with a fruit sauce or a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.

This sweet cheese and meringue cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and warmth in every bite. Experiment with the ingredients and serving methods to create a unique version that reflects your personal cooking style. Enjoy!