Irresistibly Simple and Tasty Cake

Ingredients

• Eggs – 2 large
• Sugar – 100 g (1/2 cup or 4 large tablespoons)
• Vanilla sugar – 1 tsp
• Salt – A pinch
• Butter – 80 g (5 1/2 tbsp)
• Cottage cheese (or cream cheese) – 130 g (4.6 oz)
• Flour – 150 g (1 1/4 cups)
• Baking powder – 1 tsp
• Dried candied fruit – 80 g (2.8 oz)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature by the time the batter is ready.

Break the two eggs into a deep bowl. Add 100 g of sugar, 1 tsp of vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until the eggs are fully incorporated with the sugar and the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This step helps to dissolve the sugar and evenly distribute the flavors.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Next, melt the butter either using a double boiler (steamer) or by gently heating it on the stove. Let the butter cool slightly before adding it to the egg mixture. Stir in the melted butter until it is well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Now, add 130 g of cottage cheese (or cream cheese) to the egg and butter mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the cheese is evenly incorporated, creating a rich and creamy batter.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift 150 g of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder through a sieve to remove any lumps. This step ensures the dry ingredients are light and evenly mixed, helping the cake rise evenly in the oven.

Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or cake spoon. Mix just until combined, forming a thick, smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cake.

Step 4: Add the Final Touches

Fold in 80 g of dried candied fruit into the batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The dried fruit will add pops of sweetness and texture to each cake, making them even more irresistible.

Step 5: Bake the cake

Grease a 23×11 cm (or similar-sized) baking tin with a little softened butter to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can use a muffin tin for individual cake.

Transfer the batter into the prepared tin, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even layer. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake are done when they are golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let them cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For an extra sweet finishing touch, lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar. This adds a touch of elegance and sweetness to the final presentation.

Serving Suggestions

These cake are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a variety of toppings:

• Whipped cream or buttercream frosting for added richness.
• Fresh fruit on top for a burst of freshness.
• Drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce for an indulgent touch.

Tips:

• Mix-ins: Feel free to substitute the candied fruit with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried berries for different flavor variations.
• Substitute cottage cheese: If you don’t have cottage cheese, cream cheese or ricotta works well as a substitute, giving the cake a slightly different, but equally delicious, texture.
• Check for doneness: Make sure to test the cake with a toothpick after 35 minutes to avoid over-baking. If the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake are perfectly done.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Fat: 9 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 120 mg

These cake are simple, tasty, and perfect for any occasion. The combination of soft butter, creamy cottage cheese, and sweet candied fruit creates a moist, flavorful dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or share them with friends and family for a delightful treat!