Tear Cake

Lacrima Cake - A Delicacy with Cottage Cheese and Sour Cherries

If you are looking for a cake that brings a touch of joy in every bite, then the Lacrima Cake is the perfect choice. This is a special recipe I received from my neighbor, a young mother with two adorable children. With a fluffy dough, a rich layer of cottage cheese, and juicy sour cherries, this cake can only be delicious. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step.

General Information:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 80 minutes
- Number of servings: 12

Necessary Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 1 sachet of vanilla sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 200 g flour
- 100 g margarine (melted)
- Semolina for sprinkling
- 500 g pitted sour cherries (fresh or frozen)

*For the cheese layer:*
- 1 kg cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 6 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 sachet of vanilla sugar
- 1 vanilla pudding (baked)
- Juice of one lemon (to add a touch of freshness)

*For the meringue:*
- 6 egg whites
- 150 g sugar (for a sweet and crunchy meringue)
- A pinch of salt (for stability)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the oven and the tray:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a 25 cm x 35 cm tray with parchment paper or grease it with a little oil and sprinkle flour to prevent sticking.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and creamy. This step is essential, as the air incorporated into the mixture will make the dough fluffier.

Then, add the flour mixed with the baking powder and homogenize, being careful not to mix too much. Finally, incorporate the melted margarine. Pour the dough into the tray and level it evenly. Sprinkle a little semolina on top to help absorb the juices from the sour cherries.

3. Adding the sour cherries:
Evenly distribute the sour cherries over the dough in the tray. They will add a tart and delicious note, perfect to balance the sweetness of the cheese.

4. Preparing the cheese layer:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the egg yolks, sugar, vanilla sugar, vanilla pudding, and lemon juice. Make sure the mixture is homogeneous and creamy, without lumps. Pour this cheese layer over the sour cherries, leveling it with a spatula.

5. Baking the cake:
Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese layer turns golden.

6. Preparing the meringue:
While the cake is in the oven, prepare the meringue. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you get a firm foam. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until the meringue becomes shiny and forms stiff peaks. This is the key to having a perfect meringue that won't collapse during baking.

7. Adding the meringue:
When the cake is almost done, add the meringue on top, leveling it with a spatula and putting the tray back in the oven for 10-15 minutes, until the meringue becomes slightly golden.

8. Cooling and serving:
Let the cake cool in the tray, then cut it into squares and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cream, for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Useful tips:
- Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained; otherwise, the cake will be too moist.
- If you don’t have fresh sour cherries, frozen ones are an excellent choice. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the cake.
- Vary the fruits! This cake can be made with various seasonal fruits, such as cherries, peaches, or blackberries, to give it a new twist every time.

Nutritional benefits:
Cottage cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamins, while sour cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Thus, the Lacrima Cake becomes a healthier choice for a dessert without sacrificing flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can the cake be made in advance? Yes, the cake keeps well in the fridge for a few days, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to enjoy all its flavors.
- How can I adjust the sweetness level? Adjust the amount of sugar according to personal preferences and the sweetness of the fruits used.

Lacrima Cake is not just a recipe, but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together around a table full of smiles and stories. Try it and discover why it is so loved!