Discover the recipe for a cake that’s not just a dessert, but a treasure. This delightful cake, learned from an Arabic chef, combines the richness of eggs, sugar, and flour with the creaminess of cottage cheese to create a dessert that is both unique and unforgettable. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this exceptional recipe and explore how to make this amazing cake step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 3 eggs + 1 egg (for the filling)
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 100 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil
- 70 ml (1/3 cup) milk
- 200 grams (1 2/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 250 grams (1 cup) cottage cheese
- 3 tablespoons sugar (for the filling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Equipment
- Baking pan (22×22 cm / 9×9 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Sifter
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a 22×22 cm (9×9 inches) baking pan with a bit of vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, crack 3 eggs. Add 150 grams of sugar and a pinch of salt.
- Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
- Gradually add 100 ml of vegetable oil and 70 ml of milk, continuing to mix until well combined.
- Sift 200 grams of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of baking powder into the wet mixture. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the batter light and airy.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, combine 250 grams of cottage cheese, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 egg. Mix until smooth and creamy. The cornstarch will help to thicken the filling and keep it from becoming too runny during baking.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Spoon the cottage cheese filling over the batter, spreading it evenly but leaving a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the filling, carefully spreading it to cover the filling completely.
- Bake the Cake:
- Place the assembled cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- The top of the cake should be golden brown and the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Cooking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps the batter mix more evenly and results in a better texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, fold gently to keep the batter light and airy. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
- Smooth Filling: For a smoother filling, you can blend the cottage cheese mixture until completely smooth. This ensures a more even texture in the cake.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggs: Provide high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D. Eggs also contribute to the cake’s structure and moisture.
- Cottage Cheese: A good source of protein and calcium, cottage cheese adds creaminess and nutrition to the cake.
- Milk: Provides calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health.
- Vegetable Oil: Contains healthy fats that provide energy and help with the absorption of vitamins.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of the fluffy cake and creamy cottage cheese filling creates a delightful texture contrast that is simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile: This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or a special treat just for you.
- Delicious: The blend of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors makes this cake a standout dessert that everyone will love.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian, making it suitable for those who do not consume meat.
- Nut-Free: The recipe does not contain nuts, making it suitable for those with nut allergies.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The sweetness of the cake is balanced by the tanginess of the cottage cheese filling, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Light Texture: Beating the eggs and sugar until fluffy and folding in the dry ingredients gently ensures a light and airy cake.
- Creamy Filling: The cottage cheese mixture adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the fluffy cake perfectly.
Conclusion
This remarkable cake, learned from an Arabic chef, is truly a treasure. With its fluffy texture, creamy filling, and delightful flavor, it’s no wonder this cake has become a favorite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy. Follow these simple steps and tips to create a dessert that’s not just a cake, but a piece of gold. Enjoy baking and savoring every bite of this extraordinary treat!
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make the best cake you’ve ever tasted. Your family and friends will be amazed by the delicious results, and you’ll have a new favorite recipe to cherish. Happy baking!