Dessert - Sweet cheese pie with apricot jam by Olivia E. - Recipia
Sweet cheese and apricot jam cake

A wonderful, delicious, light, and very aromatic cake, the sweet cheese and apricot jam cake is the perfect choice for any festive meal, including Christmas celebrations. This recipe will not only impress your guests but will also fill your home with enticing aromas. I invite you to discover each step of this recipe, and in the end, you will have a dessert that will surely become a favorite among your loved ones.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15-20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

- 850 g creamy sweet cheese (I recommend the cheese from Lidl, it is very fine)
- 50 g cornstarch
- 4 large eggs
- 125 g butter
- 3/4 packet of baking powder
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla
- a pinch of pink salt
- rum essence (optional, but recommended)
- grated zest of one organic orange (for a special flavor)
- a jar of apricot jam (or another preferred jam, such as peach or plum)

Necessary utensils

- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Cake pan (preferably with a removable bottom)
- Pan for melting the butter
- Cooling rack (for cooling the cake)

History of the sweet cheese cake

The sweet cheese cake has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a beloved dessert in many cultures around the world. It has evolved over time, adding various flavors and ingredients, such as fruit jams, which provide a note of freshness and sweetness. Apricot jam, with its delicate flavor, perfectly complements the sweet cheese, creating a wonderful contrast that delights the taste buds.

Step-by-step preparation of the cake

Step 1: Separating the eggs

Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Use two large bowls to facilitate the process. It is important to ensure that not even a drop of yolk gets into the egg whites, as this will prevent the egg whites from whipping well.

Step 2: Beating the egg whites

Add a pinch of pink salt to the egg whites and use the mixer to beat them until frothy. When they start to become foamy, gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you obtain a firm meringue. Here, the secret is not to rush; mix at medium to high speed to incorporate the necessary air.

Step 3: Preparing the cheese mixture

In another bowl, add the yolks and sweet cheese. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Then, melt the butter in a pan over low heat and let it cool slightly. Add the melted butter to the cheese mixture, along with the cornstarch, baking powder, vanilla, rum essence, and orange zest. Mix well to combine the ingredients.

Step 4: Combining the ingredients

Now comes the magic moment! Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture using a spatula. Use a folding motion to keep the air in the egg whites, ensuring a fluffy and airy cake.

Step 5: Baking

Grease the cake pan with butter to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface. Bake the cake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 45-60 minutes. Check the cake with a toothpick; it should come out clean from the center when baked. The top should become golden and firm.

Step 6: Glazing with jam

After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, heat the apricot jam in a small pan until it becomes fluid. Pour the warm jam over the warm cake, allowing it to spread evenly. This will add not only an attractive appearance but also a delicious aroma.

Step 7: Cooling

Let the cake cool completely, then refrigerate it for a few hours, ideally overnight. This step will help firm up the cake and make cutting easier.

Serving and variations

The sweet cheese and apricot jam cake can be served with a vanilla sauce or sweet cream for an extra creaminess. You can also experiment with different types of jams, such as berry or plum jam, to give it a new flavor. If you want to play with the texture, you can add oats or chopped nuts to the cheese mixture.

Tips and useful advice

1. Choose the cheese carefully: Quality sweet cheese is essential for a delicious cake. Look for creamy cheese without additives.
2. Egg yolks at room temperature: They will incorporate more easily into the mixture. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before starting the recipe.
3. Flavored additives: Feel free to add extra flavors, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, for a warm note.
4. Storing the cake: It keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it will be just as delicious even after a week, thanks to the blending of flavors.

Nutritional benefits

The sweet cheese cake is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. It also contains healthy fats from the butter and can provide a dose of vitamins from the orange zest. However, considering the sugar content, it is best enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese?
Yes, but make sure it is well drained, otherwise the cake may become too wet.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar by 50-100 g, depending on your preferences.

3. Is it possible to use another type of jam?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various jams or even fresh fruits to vary the taste.

This sweet cheese and apricot jam cake is a true delight, perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of your loved ones. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!

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Dessert - Sweet cheese pie with apricot jam by Olivia E. - Recipia

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