Sweet cheese cake

The sweet cheese cake is one of those recipes that evokes pleasant childhood memories, when its inviting aroma filled the house and brought the family together around the table. This cake is not only easy to prepare but also an excellent choice to impress your loved ones. Whether you enjoy it at a festive meal or as a snack while reading a book, it is a recipe that never disappoints.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

The necessary ingredients are easy to find, and you probably already have them in your pantry. Here’s what you will need:

For the crust:
- 400 g flour
- 250 g butter or margarine
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 20 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for yeast)
- 1 teaspoon flour (for yeast)
- Warm milk (about 100 ml)
- Salt (a pinch)
- Vanilla (to taste)
- Lemon zest (optional)

For the filling:
- 600 g sweet cottage cheese
- 200 ml yogurt (10% fat)
- 150 ml liquid cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Lemon zest and juice (to taste)
- 50 g raisins
- Rum (a few tablespoons)
- 4 egg whites
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
- A little milk (for brushing)

Preparing the crust:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with a teaspoon of sugar, a teaspoon of flour, and the warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step to activate the yeast, which will make the dough rise beautifully.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with a pinch of salt, the remaining sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest. Add the diced butter and rub it into the flour until you achieve a sandy texture. Make a well in the center and add the egg yolks and the yeast mixture. Knead well until you obtain a soft but non-sticky dough. If necessary, add a little more milk. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

3. Preparing the raisins: In a small bowl, soak the raisins in rum. This step will add a flavor note to the cake and make the raisins juicier.

Preparing the filling:

1. Mixing the ingredients: In another bowl, combine the sweet cottage cheese with the yogurt, liquid cream, sugar, lemon zest, and juice. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Add the drained raisins and gently mix.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Then, carefully fold them into the cheese mixture using a spatula to maintain the air in the egg whites.

Assembling the cake:

1. Preparing the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking pan with parchment paper. Divide the risen dough into two equal parts. Roll out the first part into a sheet and place it in the prepared pan.

2. Adding the filling: Pour the cheese mixture over the dough in the pan and smooth the surface. Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips, which you will arrange in a lattice pattern over the filling. This will allow the filling to be visible and will add a rustic look to the cake.

3. Brushing with egg yolk: Mix the egg yolk with a little milk and brush the strips of dough on top. This will give a beautiful golden color when baked.

4. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the cake is golden and firm to the touch.

Serving:
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before cutting it into slices. This is a delicious cake, perfect to be served warm or at room temperature. You can accompany it with a scoop of yogurt or a spoonful of fruit sauce for a delightful contrast.

Nutritional benefits:
This sweet cheese cake is a good source of protein from the cottage cheese and yogurt, also providing a significant amount of calcium, essential for bone health. It also contains healthy fats from butter or margarine, but it is best to consume it in moderation, given its sugar content.

Possible variations:
You can experiment with the filling by adding fresh or dried fruits, such as raspberries or cranberries, for a touch of freshness. Instead of raisins, you can use chopped nuts or dark chocolate to add a decadent flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Of course! Ricotta or mascarpone cheese can be delicious alternatives.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and add more citrus flavors.
- How do I keep the cake fresh? Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

This simple sweet cheese cake recipe will surely bring a smile to your face and turn any moment into a celebration. So, don’t wait any longer! Put on your apron and enjoy this delicacy that will surely please the whole family. Enjoy your meal!