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Baking has long been a cherished tradition that transcends generations, bringing warmth and comfort to homes around the world. The Classic Cottage Cheese Cake is a testament to this timeless tradition. This cake, with its rich, moist texture and delicate sweetness, highlights the use of simple, accessible ingredients to create something extraordinary. Cottage cheese, or tvorog, plays a starring role in this recipe, lending a unique, tangy flavor that balances the richness of butter and eggs. This cake is perfect for special occasions, teatime, or simply as a delightful homemade treat that is guaranteed to make your kitchen the coziest spot in your home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Wheat flour – 400 g
Cottage cheese (tvorog) – 500 g

Unsalted butter – 200 g (softened)
Eggs – 4 large
Sugar – 300 g

Baking powder – 1 tsp
Vanilla sugar – 2/3 tsp
Salt – 1/5 tsp

Preparation Steps

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10
Kcal per serving: Approx. 350 kcal

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

Start by taking the butter out of the fridge ahead of time to allow it to soften at room temperature.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 24 cm (9.5-inch) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.

2. Make the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a smooth, velvety batter.
Mix in the vanilla sugar and salt for a hint of flavor depth.

3. Incorporate the Cottage Cheese:

Gradually add the cottage cheese to the butter mixture. Mix until well-combined, but be careful not to overmix. You want the mixture to retain a slight graininess for texture.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding it in with a spatula until just combined. This ensures that the cake remains tender and moist.

5. Assemble and Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it with a piece of aluminum foil halfway through baking.

6. Cool and Serve:

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps prevent it from breaking apart and ensures a perfect crumb.

Explanation of the Recipe: Why It’s Timeless

This Classic Cottage Cheese Cake is a beautiful blend of traditional flavors and textures that make it a perennial favorite. The use of cottage cheese imparts a subtle tanginess, setting it apart from other cakes and providing a soft, moist crumb. Unlike dense cheesecakes or overly sweet desserts, this cake strikes the perfect balance between richness and lightness. The addition of vanilla sugar adds a delicate fragrance that elevates the overall flavor profile, making it ideal for pairing with tea or coffee.

The cake’s versatility is another reason for its timeless appeal. It can be enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or served with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent treat. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it accessible for novice bakers while still being sophisticated enough to impress more experienced ones.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 10g

Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 1g

Sugars: 25g
Cholesterol: 90mg

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese? Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but the cake will be slightly less rich. Full-fat cottage cheese adds a creamier texture and richer flavor.

2. Can this cake be frozen? Absolutely! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

3. Can I substitute wheat flour with gluten-free flour? Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour substitute to make this cake gluten-free. Just ensure the substitute contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.

Tips for Making

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the eggs, butter, and cottage cheese are at room temperature before starting. This helps them mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter.

Avoid Overmixing: When incorporating the flour, gently fold it in to avoid over-developing the gluten, which can make the cake dense.
Texture Tip: For an extra-smooth cake, blend the cottage cheese briefly in a food processor before adding it to the batter.
Flavor Add-Ons: Feel free to add lemon zest or a teaspoon of cinnamon for a unique twist.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It tastes great cold or warmed slightly in the microwave.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

The Classic Cottage Cheese Cake is a testament to the joy of baking with simple ingredients to create something that feels special. Its unique blend of cottage cheese, butter, and vanilla creates a harmony of flavors that’s both familiar and slightly unexpected. Whether served as an after-dinner dessert, a mid-afternoon snack, or part of a special celebration, this cake has a timeless quality that continues to delight.

What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability and ease. Even if you’re new to baking, the straightforward steps ensure a successful outcome. More experienced bakers will appreciate the potential for creative variations, from adding fruit toppings to incorporating spices for a new twist. The light, tender crumb and rich yet balanced flavor profile make this cake a winner that will be passed down through generations, becoming a household classic in its own right.

The Cottage Cheese Cake stands as an ode to uncomplicated yet luxurious baking, where each bite embodies comfort, nostalgia, and a touch of elegance. Serve it to friends and family, or enjoy a quiet moment with a slice and a warm beverage, knowing that you’re partaking in a recipe steeped in tradition and love.