Baked Cottage Cheese Cake with Raisins and Apricots

This delicious baked cottage cheese cake with raisins and apricots is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. It features a creamy and rich filling that beautifully combines the textures of dried apricots and plump raisins, offering a sweetness that's not overpowering. The flaky pastry crust adds a light and crispy contrast to the smoothness of the cheese mixture. Topped with a buttery streusel, each bite offers a pleasant balance of flavors and textures. This dessert isn't just visually appealing but also quite simple to prepare, ensuring you'll impress your family and friends with minimal effort. The use of tangy sour cream mixed with the cottage cheese adds depth, making the cake both light and satisfying. Vanilla sugar gives a warm, inviting aroma with every slice you serve. With some thoughtful serving suggestions and variations, this recipe can suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy a slice of comforting goodness!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 250 g puff pastry
• 500 g dry, low-fat cottage cheese
• 150 g sour cream
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons semolina
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar
• 50 g raisins
• 100 g dried apricots

For Sprinkling

• 50 g butter
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 tablespoons flour

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Baking Pan: Grease a springform pan with a removable edge for easy handling.
2. Roll Out the Pastry: Roll the puff pastry to a size that lines the pan with a slight overhang on the edges.
3. Blend the Cheese Mixture: In a blender, combine the cottage cheese with sour cream, eggs, sugar, and vanilla sugar until smooth.
4. Mix in Dry Ingredients: Stir the semolina into the cheese mixture to help the filling set properly.
5. Chop and Add Dried Fruits: Chop the apricots into small pieces. Mix in the raisins and chopped apricots, ensuring even distribution throughout the filling.
6. Assemble the Cake: Pour the cheese and fruit mixture into the prepared pastry-lined pan.
7. Make the Streusel Topping: Mix the butter with sugar and flour to create a crumbly streusel.
8. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the filling.
9. Trim the Pastry Edges: Cut off any excess pastry, leaving a slight edge that you can fold over the filling if desired.
10. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to a temperature between 180-200 degrees Celsius.
11. Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-60 minutes, depending on the cake’s height, until golden brown and set.
12. Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
13. Allow to Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing it to a wire rack.
14. Serving: Serve warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
15. Storage: The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
16. Warming Up: Reheat individual slices in a preheated oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.

Tips

• Substitutions: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter version.
• Add Zest: Grate a bit of lemon or orange zest into the cheese mixture for added freshness.
• Fruit Variations: Swap apricots with prunes or cranberries for different flavors.

Nutrition

• Calories: 290 per serving
• Protein: 8 g
• Fats: 15 g
• Carbs: 30 g

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free puff pastry and substitute semolina with ground almonds.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar in the cheese mixture, using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if preferred.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairings: Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Beverage Pairings: Complement with a spiced chai or a robust espresso.

Best Places

• Café Central - A Viennese-style coffeehouse with a delightful array of pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Konditorei Buchwald - Known for their traditional cakes, a staple in Berlin. Location: Bartningallee 29, Berlin, Germany.
• Edd Kimber's Bakery - A blend of classic and innovative dessert options. Location: Harrods, London, UK.
• Magnolia Bakery - Exhibit the finest American-style cheesecakes and more. Location: 1240 6th Ave, New York, USA.
• Café de Flore - An iconic Parisian café with a classic dessert menu. Location: 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, Paris, France.
• Demel - Offers classic Austrian desserts in an elegant setting. Location: Kohlmarkt 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Café Tortoni - A historic café known for Argentine sweets. Location: Avenida de Mayo 825, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Ladurée - Famed for their patisserie and elegant ambiance. Location: 16-18 rue Royale, Paris, France.
• Bettys Café Tea Rooms - A quintessentially British tea room experience. Location: 1 Parliament St, Harrogate, UK.
• Hofbräuhaus München - Famous for Bavarian hospitality and desserts. Location: Platzl 9, Munich, Germany.