If you are searching for a unique and incredibly delicious cake, look no further! This recipe, inspired by an Arabic chef, promises a soft and fluffy cake with a delightful surprise of creamy cottage cheese filling. It’s a simple yet extraordinary dessert that will leave your taste buds dancing. Easy to make, with ingredients that are readily available, this cake is perfect for any occasion or just to enjoy with a cup of tea. The combination of moist cake layers and a rich, cheesy center makes this the best cake you’ll ever try!
Ingredients:
For the Cake Batter:
- Eggs – 4 pieces
- Sugar – 200 grams
- Salt – a pinch
- Vegetable oil – 120 ml
- Kefir (or buttermilk) – 120 ml
- All-purpose flour – 280 grams
- Baking powder – 1 tsp
For the Cottage Cheese Filling:
- Cottage cheese – 300 grams
- Egg – 1 piece
- Powdered sugar – 3 tbsp
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a mixing bowl, beat 4 eggs with 200 grams of sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
- Add a pinch of salt, 120 ml of vegetable oil, and 120 ml of kefir to the mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Gradually sift in 280 grams of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix until a smooth batter forms with no lumps.
- Prepare the Cottage Cheese Filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix 300 grams of cottage cheese with 1 egg and 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Stir until well combined, forming a smooth and creamy filling.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Grease and line a 22×22 cm baking pan with parchment paper.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add the cottage cheese filling on top of the batter, spreading it out gently.
- Pour the remaining cake batter over the cottage cheese layer, ensuring it covers the filling completely.
- Bake the Cake:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, slice the cake into squares or rectangles and serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream if desired. Enjoy this delicious and unique cake with your favorite hot beverage!
Cooking Tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best results, use fresh eggs and cottage cheese to ensure the cake is moist and flavorful.
- Kefir Substitution: If you don’t have kefir, you can substitute it with buttermilk or even plain yogurt.
- Avoid Overmixing: When adding the flour, mix until just combined to keep the cake light and airy.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking the cake for doneness at around 35 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Customization: Feel free to add a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of lemon zest to the batter for extra flavor.
Nutritional Benefits:
- High Protein Content: This cake is rich in protein from the eggs and cottage cheese, making it a more satisfying dessert option.
- Calcium-Rich: Cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is vital for bone health.
- Lower Sugar Option: You can reduce the sugar content by substituting half of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Healthy Fats: The use of vegetable oil in the batter provides healthier fats compared to butter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Unique Flavor: The blend of a fluffy cake with a creamy cottage cheese filling creates a taste that’s both unique and delicious.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday ingredients that are easy to find, this recipe is both cost-effective and convenient.
- Easy Preparation: The steps are straightforward, and the cake comes together quickly, making it perfect for last-minute dessert needs.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, and it pairs perfectly with tea, coffee, or even milk!
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This cake is suitable for vegetarians as it does not contain any meat products.
- Lower in Fat: Compared to traditional cakes made with butter, this recipe uses vegetable oil, which has less saturated fat.
- Can Be Made Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Why This Recipe Works:
This cake recipe stands out because of its unique combination of a light, fluffy batter and a creamy cottage cheese filling. The kefir in the batter adds a slight tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor, while the cottage cheese filling provides a rich and creamy contrast. Baking at a moderate temperature ensures the cake remains moist, and the layered assembly prevents the filling from sinking, resulting in a perfectly balanced dessert.
Conclusion:
This delicious cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that combines the best of both worlds—fluffy cake and creamy filling. Taught by an Arabic chef, this recipe brings together simplicity and taste in the best way possible. Perfect for family gatherings, tea time with friends, or just a cozy evening treat, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your home. Try it out, and you’ll understand why it’s considered a golden treasure among cakes!