Ingredients:

For the Crumble:

• Flour – 400 grams
• Cocoa powder – 40 grams
• Sugar – 100 grams
• Butter – 250 grams (cold and diced)

For the Filling:

• Cottage cheese (5% fat) – 500 grams
• Eggs – 4 large
• Sugar – 100 grams
• Vanilla sugar – 10 grams
• Cornstarch – 30 grams
• Sour cream – 100 grams

Steps to Make Cottage Cheese Crumble Pie:

Step 1: Prepare the Crumble The first step is to prepare the crumble mixture that will form both the base and the top layer of the pie. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and sugar. Add the cold, diced butter to the bowl and rub it into the dry ingredients using your hands. Continue working the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix; the goal is to create a crumbly texture that will bake up into a tender, buttery crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Filling In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, cornstarch, and sour cream. Using a blender or hand mixer, blend the ingredients together until smooth and well-combined. The filling should be creamy with no lumps of cottage cheese. The sour cream adds a bit of tanginess, which perfectly balances the sweetness of the pie.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 22 cm (9-inch) springform pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal. Sprinkle two-thirds of the prepared cocoa crumble mixture into the bottom of the pan, spreading it out evenly to form the base. Pour the cottage cheese filling over the crumble layer, smoothing the top with a spatula. Then, sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crumble mixture over the filling to create the top layer.

Step 4: Bake the Pie Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes at 180°C. The top should become golden brown, and the filling will set as it cools. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serve After the pie has fully cooled, slice it into portions and serve. The combination of the chocolate crumble and the rich, creamy filling is heavenly. It pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 440 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 220mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese? Yes, you can substitute ricotta for cottage cheese in this recipe. Ricotta has a similar texture and will work well in the filling, but keep in mind that ricotta is generally smoother, so the texture of the filling may differ slightly.

2. Can I add other flavors to the filling? Certainly! You can enhance the flavor of the filling by adding lemon zest, orange zest, or a tablespoon of rum or almond extract. These additions can add a unique twist to the traditional recipe.

3. Can I make this pie gluten-free? Yes, you can make this pie gluten-free by substituting the regular flour with gluten-free flour blends. Ensure that the flour blend you use is suitable for baking, and the texture should remain similar to the original recipe.

Tips for Making the Best Cottage Cheese Crumble Pie:

• Cold Butter is Key: For the perfect crumble texture, make sure to use cold butter when mixing with the flour and cocoa. Cold butter helps create that irresistible crumbly texture. If the butter gets too warm, pop the mixture into the fridge for a few minutes before using.
• Blend the Filling Thoroughly: For a smooth and creamy filling, blend the cottage cheese mixture until there are no lumps. If the cottage cheese you are using has larger curds, you may want to press it through a sieve before blending to achieve a smoother texture.
• Use a Springform Pan: A springform pan is ideal for this recipe because it allows you to easily remove the pie once it has cooled. If you don’t have a springform pan, make sure to grease your pan well or line it with parchment paper to prevent the pie from sticking.
• Let the Pie Cool Completely: Resist the temptation to slice the pie while it’s still warm. The filling needs time to set properly, so allow the pie to cool completely before cutting into it.

Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crumble may soften slightly, but the pie will still taste delicious. To re-crisp the crumble, you can warm individual slices in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pie. Once it has fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the pie, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it up in the oven to refresh the crumble before serving.

Conclusion: Cottage Cheese Crumble Pie is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, with a rich chocolate crumble crust paired with a creamy cottage cheese filling. It’s a simple dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a special family dinner or enjoying it as a weekend treat. The combination of sweet and slightly tangy flavors will please both adults and children alike. Try it out, and you might find that this pie becomes a regular addition to your dessert rotation!