Cakes have a magical way of turning any day into a celebration, and this recipe takes cake-making to a new level. Inspired by an Arabic chef, this dessert is not just a cake; it’s pure gold. It’s light, fluffy, and filled with a creamy, luscious layer of cottage cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or quiet indulgence, this cake is simple to make yet delivers exceptional flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- Eggs: 3 large
- Sugar: 150 grams (3/4 cup)
- Salt: A pinch
- Vegetable Oil: 100 ml (1/2 cup)
- Milk: 70 ml (1/3 cup)
- All-Purpose Flour: 200 grams (1 2/3 cups)
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon
For the Filling:
- Cottage Cheese: 250 grams (1 cup)
- Sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon
- Egg: 1 large
For Garnishing:
- Powdered Sugar: For dusting
Equipment Needed:
- 22×22 cm (9×9 inches) baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Sifter
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
1. Prepare the Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease the baking pan with a thin layer of vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, crack 3 eggs and add 150 grams of sugar along with a pinch of salt.
- Using a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes pale, fluffy, and slightly thickened. This step incorporates air for a light texture.
- Gradually add 100 ml of vegetable oil and 70 ml of milk, whisking until well blended.
- Sift 200 grams of all-purpose flour and 1 tablespoon of baking powder into the wet ingredients.
- Using a spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the batter’s airiness.
3. Prepare the Filling
- In a separate bowl, combine 250 grams of cottage cheese, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 egg.
- Mix the filling until smooth and creamy. For an extra silky texture, use a blender or food processor.
4. Assemble the Cake
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Spoon the cottage cheese filling over the batter, spreading it gently to cover the layer while leaving a small border around the edges. This prevents the filling from leaking during baking.
- Carefully pour the remaining batter over the filling, spreading it to cover the top completely.
5. Bake the Cake
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should turn a beautiful golden brown, and the edges will start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
6. Cool and Garnish
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance and sweetness.
Cooking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring all ingredients to room temperature before starting to ensure a smooth batter and even baking.
- Avoid Overmixing: When folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mix gently to prevent the cake from becoming dense.
- Smooth Filling: Blend the cottage cheese filling for a finer texture if you prefer a more uniform layer.
- Test for Doneness: Check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
Nutritional Benefits
- Eggs: Rich in high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12, eggs provide structure and moisture to the cake.
- Cottage Cheese: A powerhouse of protein and calcium, it adds creaminess and boosts the cake’s nutritional value.
- Milk: Contributes calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
- Vegetable Oil: Supplies healthy fats, aiding in energy production and the absorption of vitamins.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
Yes, ricotta cheese or mascarpone can be used as substitutes for cottage cheese. They have similar textures but bring slightly different flavors.
2. How long does this cake stay fresh?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
4. Can I add flavor variations?
Absolutely! Lemon zest, orange zest, or a splash of vanilla extract can be added to the batter for extra flavor.
5. What type of sugar is best for dusting?
Use powdered sugar for a delicate, sweet finish. You can also mix it with a bit of cinnamon for a spiced touch.
Conclusion
This golden cake recipe, taught by an Arabic chef, is a celebration of simple ingredients elevated to gourmet status. With its airy layers and creamy filling, it’s a cake that will impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Bake, share, and savor the magic of this extraordinary dessert!