The Cottage Cheese and Dried Cherry Crumble Cake is a deliciously creamy, lightly sweet dessert with a crumbly texture and a hint of vanilla. The buttery crust pairs beautifully with the smooth cottage cheese filling and the slight tartness of dried cherries, making it a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This cake is an excellent choice for afternoon tea or a special occasion, offering a homemade touch that everyone will enjoy. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, it’s a delight to make and even better to share!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• Butter – 50g (about 3.5 tbsp), softened
• Sugar – 50g (about ¼ cup)
• Salt – a pinch
• Eggs – 2, at room temperature
• Flour – 250g (about 2 cups)
• Baking powder – 1 tsp

For the Filling:

• Cottage cheese – 500g (about 2 cups)
• Eggs – 2, at room temperature
• Vanilla extract – a pinch (or about ¼ tsp)
• Sour cream – 150g (about ⅔ cup)
• Sugar – 100g (½ cup)
• Cornstarch – 60g (about 4 tbsp)
• Dried cherries – 200g (about 1½ cups)

For the Crumble Topping:

• Sugar – 50g (about ¼ cup)
• Flour – 50g (about ⅓ cup)
• Butter – 30g (about 2 tbsp), softened

Steps to Make Cottage Cheese and Dried Cherry Crumble Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Mix Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth.
2. Add Eggs and Dry Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition. Mix in the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt, combining until a dough forms.
3. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Blend Cottage Cheese and Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, sugar, and cornstarch. Use a hand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Cherries: Gently fold in the dried cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Crumble Topping

1. Combine Topping Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Use your fingertips to crumble the mixture if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Roll and Press the Dough: Roll out the chilled dough and press it into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Press the dough evenly to form a firm crust.
3. Pour in the Filling: Pour the cottage cheese and cherry filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.
4. Add the Crumble Topping: Sprinkle the crumble topping over the filling to create a crunchy layer.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
2. Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before removing it from the springform. Serve warm or chilled.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Serving)

(Serves 8)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 9 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Fresh cherries can be substituted, but dried cherries offer a concentrated tartness. If using fresh cherries, pit them and reduce any added liquid, as fresh cherries contain more moisture.

2. Is cottage cheese necessary for this recipe?

Cottage cheese gives the filling a light, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a substitute, ricotta or mascarpone would work, although the flavor and consistency may vary.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Ensure the blend contains a binding agent, such as xanthan gum, for the best results.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This cake also tastes great when chilled!

5. What other fruits can I use?

Dried cranberries, apricots, or raisins can be substituted for cherries if desired. Each brings its own unique flavor to the cake.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cottage Cheese and Dried Cherry Crumble Cake

1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients: The flavors of butter, cottage cheese, and dried cherries really shine, so use fresh ingredients for the best results.
2. Allow Dough to Chill: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to handle but also helps achieve a flaky crust.
3. Experiment with Flavors: If you love citrus, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for added brightness.
4. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: This recipe provides a balanced sweetness, but you can adjust the sugar levels in both the filling and crumble to your preference.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake (without the crumble) for up to a month. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator and add fresh crumble topping when reheating, if desired.

Conclusion

This Cottage Cheese and Dried Cherry Crumble Cake is a satisfying dessert that combines creamy cottage cheese with tangy dried cherries and a crunchy topping. Easy to make and with ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, this cake is perfect for those times when you need a quick but impressive dessert. The crumble topping adds a buttery, crisp contrast to the creamy filling, making every bite enjoyable. Try this recipe, experiment with other fruits, and enjoy a comforting slice with family and friends.