Cepumu Torte with Cottage Cheese and Jam or Yogurt

This delightful recipe for **cepumu torte** combines the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the rich flavors of jam or yogurt and the satisfying crunch of biscuits. In this no-bake dessert, you'll layer biscuits soaked in coffee with cottage cheese and your choice of sweet filling, allowing the ingredients to meld together over time. The harmonious blend of flavors makes this **torte** a perfect centerpiece for any gathering or a special treat to enjoy on your own. Quick to assemble, the real magic happens as the layers marinate in the fridge, softening the biscuits and intensifying the flavors. It's a versatile dessert too – whether you prefer luscious raspberry jam or a light, fruity yogurt, the choice is yours. Plus, this dessert is a great way to involve kids in the kitchen. The layering process is fuss-free, requiring no special tools, just a bit of patience. This **torte** is prone to be a hit at any table, proving that deliciousness doesn't always require hours of baking.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4-5 packs of Selgas biscuits
4-5 packs of cottage cheese
1 pack/jar of jam or yogurt
Large dish or tray
Coffee (for dipping)

Preparation Time

Total time: Approximately 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Start by brewing a fresh pot of coffee. Let it cool slightly while you prepare your other ingredients.
Arrange a large dish or tray on your workspace where you'll assemble the torte.
Dip each Selgas biscuit briefly in the coffee. The goal is to soften them without making them soggy.
Place the soaked biscuits in a single layer on the dish, forming the base of your torte.
Once the first layer of biscuits is complete, spread a generous layer of your chosen jam or yogurt on top.
Follow this with a layer of cottage cheese, using a spatula to smooth it out evenly.
Repeat steps 3 to 6 to create additional layers: biscuits, jam/yogurt, and cottage cheese until your ingredients are used up.
The top layer should ideally be cottage cheese to give a smooth finish.
Use the back of a spoon or spatula to gently press down on each layer, ensuring the ingredients meld together beautifully.
Once assembled, cover the torte with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator.
Let the torte rest for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to marry and the biscuits to soften thoroughly.
After resting in the fridge, remove the covering and check if the torte has set properly.
If desired, you can garnish the torte with grated chocolate or fresh berries for added flavor and visual appeal.
Carefully slice the torte with a sharp knife, ensuring clean cuts through all the layers.
Use a cake server to lift out individual pieces, serving them on dessert plates.
Store any leftovers covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.
While preparing, ensure that each layer is evenly spread, which will result in a beautiful cross-section when sliced.
Consider taste-testing with different jams or yogurts to determine which combinations you enjoy most.
If you made your torte ahead of time, give it a gentle nudge before taking it out of the dish to aid removal.
Enjoy your cepumu torte with a side of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful indulgence.

Tips

Substitute alternatives: Use gluten-free biscuits if needed.
Enhance flavors: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the cottage cheese.
Textural contrast: Top with crushed nuts for added crunch.

Variations

Vegan-friendly: Use plant-based biscuits and yogurt.
Fruit-infused: Add slices of fresh fruit like bananas or strawberries between layers.
Nutty twist: Incorporate almond butter along with jam.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for extra indulgence.
Serve alongside fresh berries to cut through the sweetness.
Complement with a glass of dessert wine or sweet liqueur.

Best Places

Café Central - Beautiful historic café, known for its pastries. Location: Herrengasse 14, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
Tartine Bakery - Famed bakery serving rustic pastries and sweets. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Pâtisserie Sadaharu Aoki - Renowned for its French-Japanese fusion pastries. Location: 35 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris, France.
Balthazar - Classic NYC bistro with a bread and dessert heaven. Location: 80 Spring St, New York, NY, USA.
Dominique Ansel Bakery - Innovator of the cronut, with creative bakes. Location: 189 Spring St, New York, NY, USA.
Konditori Glace - Swedish confections in a cozy environment. Location: Västerlånggatan 25, 111 29 Stockholm, Sweden.
Cafe Sacher Wien - Famous for the Sachertorte. Location: Philharmonikerstrasse 4, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
Ladurée - Iconic shop for macarons and exquisite cakes. Location: 75 Ave des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France.
Pierre Hermé - Known for luxury pastries and inventive flavors. Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France.
Caffè Florian - Historical café serving legendary pastries. Location: Piazza San Marco, 57, 30124 Venice, Italy.