Sweet cheese cake

Sweet cheese cake is a dessert that combines tradition and refinement in an absolutely delicious way. This soft, fluffy, and light dish is perfect for any occasion, from a family meal to a special party. Whether you choose to make it in small molds or in a regular tray, the result will always be a delight that will impress anyone.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 servings

Ingredients:

- 500 g sweet cheese
- 175 g cottage cheese with raisins and vanilla (preferably Rarăul brand)
- 4 eggs
- 80 g powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons semolina
- 100 g raisins
- 50 g dried cranberries (optional)
- 1 vial of rum essence
- 1 packet of FINESSE orange flavor from Dr. Oetker (or grated zest from an orange)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 50 g butter
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Nutritional information:
This sweet cheese cake is not only a tasty dessert but also a good source of protein, thanks to the cheese and eggs. Additionally, the raisins and cranberries add a splash of antioxidants and vitamins.

Preparing the ingredients:
Start by leaving the butter at room temperature a few hours before you begin preparing. This step will make it easier for the butter to incorporate into the cheese mixture. Additionally, it is recommended to soak the raisins in rum essence a few hours beforehand to give them extra flavor and juiciness.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, start by beating the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become stiff and glossy. This step is crucial to give the cake a fluffy texture. Set them aside.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients:
In another bowl, cream the egg yolks with the powdered sugar and soft butter until the mixture becomes smooth and the sugar completely dissolves. Gradually add the semolina, vanilla sugar, orange flavor, and rum essence. Mix well.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients:
Add the cottage cheese to the egg yolk mixture and mix again. Then, carefully fold in the beaten egg whites using a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid losing the air in the mixture.

4. Adding the cheese and fruits:
Add the sweet cheese and cottage cheese with raisins to the mixture, along with the raisins and cranberries (if you choose to use them). Gently combine the mixture, being careful not to overmix to maintain the airy texture.

5. Preparing the baking pan:
Prepare a baking tray or small silicone molds. Grease them with butter and dust with flour to prevent the cake from sticking. If using small molds, baking time may be reduced.

6. Baking:
Pour the mixture into the prepared tray and place it in a preheated oven at 160°C. Let the cake bake for about 50 minutes or until it turns golden and firm to the touch. A useful trick is to use a toothpick to check if it’s done by inserting it in the middle; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

7. Cooling and serving:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions:
This sweet cheese cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a topping of melted chocolate, which will add a decadent touch. It is also perfect alongside a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Possible variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the raisins with other dried fruits such as apricots or figs, or you can add chocolate chunks for a richer flavor. Additionally, you can add a bit of cinnamon for a touch of warmth and flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese, but the texture of the cake may be slightly different. Make sure the cheese is well-drained.

2. How can I store the cake?
The cake stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can serve it cold or gently reheat it in the microwave.

3. Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! You can experiment with lemon, almond, or even cocoa flavors to diversify the taste of the cake.

4. Is this cake suitable for vegans?
This recipe contains eggs and dairy products, but you can adapt the recipe using vegan substitutes for eggs and cheese.

The sweet cheese cake is more than just a simple dessert; it is a cooking experience that brings joy and indulgence in every slice. So, don’t hesitate to try it and enjoy the positive feedback from your loved ones!