Creamy Cottage Cheese Tart with Shortcrust Pastry

This delightful creamy cottage cheese tart is a delicious dessert that strikes a perfect balance between a rich, flaky crust and a soft, creamy filling. The shortcrust pastry forms a pleasing contrast to the fluffy cottage cheese, enhancing its subtle sweetness with a hint of citrus. With the refreshing zest of lemon added to the dough, this dessert is elevated to a new level of flavor. The subtle crunch of the crust complements the velvety texture of the filling, creating a melt-in-the-mouth experience. This recipe requires simple ingredients, making it accessible for home bakers who want to experiment with traditional flavors. Not only it is satisfying, but it's also a wonderful treat to share with friends and family. Delicious both warm from the oven or chilled, this tart offers versatility in serving. Its aroma while baking will surely make your kitchen a warm and inviting space. Perfect for gatherings, this tart can also serve as a splendid conclusion to any meal.

Ingredients

For the Pastry:

200 g unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2-3 cups flour (250ml cup)
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Filling:

600 g cottage cheese
3 egg whites
1/2 cup sugar
Vanilla sugar to taste (optional)

Preparation Time

Total Time: 90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the egg yolks one by one, mixing well after each addition.
Add Lemon to the Mix: Incorporate the lemon zest and lemon juice into the butter mixture, and continue to beat until well combined and smooth.
Prepare the Dough: Mix the flour with baking soda and gradually add to the wet mixture. Start by adding 2 cups of flour, mixing until just combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Adjust the Consistency: If the dough is too sticky, continue adding small amounts of flour until it is soft and doesn’t stick to your hands. Typically, this requires about 2.5 cups of flour, depending on the type used.
Roll Out the Dough: Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1 cm. Cover and allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling: While the dough is chilling, whip the egg whites with 1/4 cup of the sugar until stiff peaks form.
Combine Cottage Cheese and Whites: In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the remaining sugar and carefully fold in the beaten egg whites, creating a light, airy filling.
Assemble the Tart: Retrieve the dough from the refrigerator, place it onto your baking dish, and spread the cottage cheese filling evenly over the tart base.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.

Tips

Substitute Ingredients: If you prefer, substitute lemon with orange zest for a sweeter aroma.
Sugar Adjustments: Adjust sugar based on your taste preferences.
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving that light, flaky crust.

Nutrition

Calories: 350 per serving
Protein: 8g
Fats: 20g
Carbs: 36g

Variations

Add a handful of dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to the filling for added texture.
Replace the vanilla sugar with almond extract for a nutty twist.

Serving Suggestions

Best enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pair with a cup of herbal tea or a light dessert wine for an elegant touch.

Best Places

Cheese Tart Heaven - Famous for its rich variety of cheese tarts. Location: 123 Bakery Lane, Paris, France.
Tart Bliss - Known for innovative tart flavors. Location: 45 Dessert Ave, New York City, USA.
Pastry Perfection - Renowned for classic recipes. Location: 78 Sweet St, Berlin, Germany.
Cottage Comforts - Offers a cozy atmosphere with delightful treats. Location: 56 Cozy Rd, London, UK.
Creamy Creations - Praised for their creamy fillings. Location: 89 Tart Ln, Tokyo, Japan.
Bake Away - Popular spot for bakery aficionados. Location: 102 Pie Blvd, Sydney, Australia.
Dessert Dreams - Known for artistic desserts. Location: 134 Confectioner’s Walk, Montreal, Canada.
Taste of Tradition - A charming eatery with a rustic feel. Location: 22 Baker's Dr, Dublin, Ireland.
Delightful Bites - Offers a modern twist on traditional recipes. Location: 60 Sweet St, Wellington, New Zealand.
Heavenly Hues - A popular choice for cheese tart lovers. Location: 150 Cheese St, Rome, Italy.