Super fine Easter cake

Super Fine Pastry: A Delight that Brings Joy to Every Home

When it comes to holidays, pastry is one of those traditional recipes that must not be missing from the Easter table. With a soft and silky texture, this super fine pastry promises to become the star of your table, bringing a touch of sweetness and cheer. This recipe is perfect for cooking enthusiasts who want to impress with an elegant and refined dessert, as well as for those looking for a simple and quick recipe. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients

For the pastry:
- 400 g cream cheese (we recommend Philadelphia for a rich and creamy taste)
- 60 g powdered sugar
- 60 g butter (at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 6 egg yolks
- 200 ml whipping cream (30% fat; ensures a fine texture)
- 10 ml vanilla essence or lemon juice (depending on preference)
- 80 g flour (sifted for a fine texture)

For the meringue:
- 6 cold egg whites (from the fridge for better whipping)
- a pinch of salt
- 100 g powdered sugar

Step by step for a perfect pastry

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by separating the eggs; ensure that the yolks are in one bowl and the whites are in another clean and dry bowl. This is an essential step, as any trace of fat in the egg white bowl will prevent the formation of a perfect meringue.

2. Cream cheese: In a large bowl, add the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to mix them until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous composition. It is important that the cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.

3. Incorporating the butter: Add the butter at room temperature and continue mixing until it becomes a homogeneous cream. This addition will make your pastry even softer and fluffier.

4. Yolks and cream: Incorporate the yolks, whipping cream, and vanilla essence (or lemon juice). Mix well until you obtain a creamy composition.

5. Flour: Sift the flour and add it gradually to the composition, mixing gently until fully integrated. The dough should be creamy and fine, without lumps.

6. Preparing the meringue: In another bowl, beat the cold egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. Gradually add 1/3 of the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until the sugar dissolves. Then, add the remaining sugar and mix at high speed until you obtain a shiny and consistent meringue. This technique is essential for achieving a light and airy pastry.

7. Incorporating the meringue: Add 1/3 of the meringue composition to the cheese dough and mix gently to homogenize. Then, add the rest of the meringue and use a silicone spatula to gently fold it in, with up-and-down movements, to maintain the air in the meringue.

8. Baking: Line a 26 cm diameter cake pan with baking paper. Pour the obtained composition into the pan and gently tap the pan on the table to remove air bubbles. Wrap the bottom of the pan in aluminum foil to prevent burning. Preheat the oven to 160 degrees C and bake the pastry for 60 minutes, or until it becomes golden on top.

9. Cooling: Once baked, let the pastry cool in the oven with the door ajar. This technique will prevent sudden cracking of the surface and will keep the pastry soft.

Serving and variations

The super fine pastry can be served plain or with a fruit sauce, such as raspberry or strawberry sauce. You can also add fresh fruits on top, such as strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi, for an extra touch of color and freshness.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use well-drained cottage cheese or ricotta for a different taste in the pastry.

2. What can I do if the pastry cracked?
If the pastry cracked, don’t worry! You can cover it with a fruit sauce or whipped cream to mask the imperfections.

3. Can I prepare the pastry in advance?
Absolutely! The pastry keeps well in the fridge for a few days. You can prepare it a day before serving.

Nutritional benefits

This pastry is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, and the cream adds a bit of healthy fats. Additionally, it is rich in calcium, essential for bone health. However, it is important to mention that, having a higher calorie content, it is recommended to consume it in moderation.

Conclusion

The super fine pastry is not only a delicious dessert but also a way to bring family and friends together around the table. With each bite, you will enjoy a perfect combination of creaminess and sweetness. I encourage you to experiment with different variations of the recipe, adding your favorite ingredients or customizing the serving sauces. Whether you prepare it for the holidays or simply to indulge yourself, this pastry will always bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!