Apple and Cottage Cheese Crumble Cake

This delicious apple and cottage cheese crumble cake is a delightful combination of a buttery crust, creamy filling, and a crispy topping. The base is made from a mixture of egg yolks, powdered sugar, and butter, which creates a tender and flavorful foundation. The filling consists of cottage cheese blended with eggs and vanilla for a smooth and rich taste. Layered with fresh apples sprinkled with cinnamon, the cake brings a pleasant aroma and sweetness. A crumbly topping made from flour, sugar, and butter adds texture and creates a perfect balance between the soft filling and the crunchy top layer. This dessert is sure to satisfy sweet cravings while providing a hint of freshness with the apples. It's a wonderful addition to any family gathering or special occasion. Made with simple ingredients, it's a straightforward recipe that's easy to follow. Enjoy this cake as a delightful treat that combines comforting flavors with a hint of sophistication.

Ingredients

Cake Base:

3 egg yolks
50 g powdered sugar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
170 g butter

Cake Filling:

500 g apples, grated
400 g cottage cheese
2 eggs
120 g sugar
1 tsp vanilla sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Crumble Topping:

200 g all-purpose flour
50 g sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
100 g butter

Preparation Time

Total: 150 minutes (Preparation: 30 min; Cooking: 60 min; Cooling: 60 min)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cake Base: In a mixing bowl, whip the egg yolks with powdered sugar, baking soda, and 170 g of softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. For enhanced flavor, you can add a pinch of salt if desired.
Gradually sift in 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour and gently fold it into the yolk mixture. Mix until a dough forms but do not overwork it.
Grease a round cake pan with butter and press the dough into an even layer at the base. Place it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix cottage cheese with eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes a uniform creamy texture.
Spread the prepared cottage cheese filling evenly over the chilled base in the cake pan.
Grate 500 g of fresh apples, discarding the cores. Spread the grated apples over the cottage cheese layer, ensuring they're distributed evenly.
Sprinkle 1 tsp of cinnamon and a little sugar over the apple layer for extra flavor.
Make the Crumble Topping: In another bowl, combine 200 g of flour, 50 g of sugar, and 1/2 tsp of baking powder. Cut 100 g of cold butter into small cubes and mix with the dry ingredients using your fingers until crumbly.
Scatter the crumble mixture over the apple layer, covering it completely.
Preheat your oven to 200°C (approx. 390°F).
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
Remove from the oven and let the cake cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before slicing.
Serve this cake warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Tips

Substitutions: You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
Techniques: Use cold butter for the crumble to achieve the right texture.
Additional Flavor: For a twist, add a pinch of nutmeg to the apples.

Variations

Try using pears instead of apples for a different fruit flavor.
For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or almonds to the crumble mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a slice with tea or coffee for a perfect afternoon snack.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of rich custard for dessert time.

Best Places

The Tower Cafe - Known for its creative and delicious pastries. Location: 1518 Broadway, Sacramento, USA.
Roscioli Caffè - A traditional spot famous for its Italian pastries. Location: Via dei Chiavari 34, Rome, Italy.
Konditori Pluggen - Offers a delightful array of cakes in a cozy setting. Location: Luntmakargatan 90, Stockholm, Sweden.
Maison Bertaux - A London gem for homemade pastries and tea. Location: 28 Greek Street, London, UK.
Demel Konditorei - Famous for Viennese sweets and historic atmosphere. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
Café Savoy - A historic café with an elegant pastry selection. Location: Vítězná 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
Pâtisserie Stohrer - The oldest patisserie in Paris known for exquisite desserts. Location: 51 Rue Montorgueil, Paris, France.
Bacana Café - A perfect stop for coffee and cake along the canals. Location: Haarlemmerplein 31, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Conditori La Glace - Offering classic Danish pastries. Location: Skoubogade 3, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Bourke Street Bakery - Known for quality baked goods and a community feel. Location: 633 Bourke St, Sydney, Australia.