Cottage Cheese Tart with Marzipan Crumble

This delectable cottage cheese tart with marzipan crumble is a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of buttery pastry, creamy filling, and sweet marzipan crumble creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. An easy-to-follow recipe, it's ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pastry enthusiasts. The tart's rich and creamy center is beautifully balanced by the light and flaky crust, while the fruity jam adds a delightful burst of flavor. The marzipan crumble on top adds a touch of elegance, making it perfect for dessert or an afternoon coffee break. Whether you're hosting a party or simply enjoying a weekend bake, this tart is sure to impress. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. This is truly a dessert that brings people together.

Ingredients

Dough:

600 g all-purpose flour
400 g butter
200 g sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 egg

Filling:

500 g cottage cheese
2-3 tablespoons sour cream
3 eggs + 1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons semolina
75-100 g sugar
Grated lemon zest
Blueberry or blackcurrant jam (or another of your choice)

Crumble:

100 g all-purpose flour
100 g marzipan paste
50 g butter
50 g sugar

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes
Prep Time: 55 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough: Quickly combine all the dough ingredients without over-mixing. Form into a ball, then chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling: Beat the egg yolks with sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the grated lemon zest, cottage cheese, sour cream, and semolina. Gently fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites for a light texture.
Make the Crumble: Combine all crumble ingredients and mix until the texture resembles breadcrumbs.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (around 390°F).
Shape the Dough: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface and place it into a tart tin, ensuring it covers the base evenly.
Layer the Filling: Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture onto the dough base. Dot with small dollops of blueberry or blackcurrant jam.
Add More Filling: Spread the remaining cottage cheese mixture over the top, ensuring an even layer.
Add the Crumble: Sprinkle the marzipan crumble evenly over the top, covering the filling completely.
Bake: Place the tart in the oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set.
Cool and Serve: Allow the tart to cool before serving. Optionally, dust with icing sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Tips

For a crispier crust, blind bake the base for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
Substitutions: Use ricotta cheese if cottage cheese is unavailable.
For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the filling.

Nutritions

Calories: Approx. 450 per serving
Proteins: 10g
Fats: 30g
Carbs: 40g

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the dough and crumble.
Vegan Version: Substitute with vegan butter and plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with: A light dessert wine or a cup of herbal tea.
Garnish with: Fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a splash of color.

Best Places

Cafe de Flore - Known for its rich pastries and cozy ambiance. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
Pasticceria Marchesi - Iconic for traditional Italian desserts. Location: Via Santa Maria alla Porta 11/a, Milan, Italy.
Konditorei Oberlaa - Famous for its Viennese sweets and confections. Location: Neuer Markt 16, Vienna, Austria.
Demel - A historic cafe offering exquisite pastries. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
Angelina Paris - Renowned for its classic French pastries. Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
Café Savoy - Offers a delightful European-inspired menu. Location: Vítězná 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
Peggy Porschen - A celebrated cake boutique with unique creations. Location: 116 Ebury St, London, UK.
Tatte Bakery & Café - Known for artisanal breads and sweets. Location: 223 Kendall St, Cambridge, USA.
Fine Bagels - Offers an array of freshly baked goods. Location: Warschauer Str. 74, Berlin, Germany.
Conditorei Schober - Revered for its Swiss pastries and cafe culture. Location: Napfgasse 4, Zurich, Switzerland.

Whether enjoyed at home or while traveling to these wonderful dessert spots, this cottage cheese tart is sure to delight your taste buds!