Indulge in this Cherry and Cream Cheese Crumble Cake, a delightful dessert that combines a buttery, crumbly base with a rich cream cheese filling and juicy cherries. The tender shortcrust dough pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese and the sweet-tart flavor of cherries, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes. This cake is a must-try for anyone who loves a good mix of sweet and tangy flavors, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why You'll Love This: This cake offers the perfect combination of a flaky, buttery crust, creamy cheese filling, and the burst of flavor from cherries. The grated dough on top adds a delightful crunch, making every bite a textural delight. It’s a versatile dessert that’s great served chilled, offering a refreshing treat on warm days or as a comforting dessert after a meal.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for any gathering, whether it’s a weekend family dessert, a potluck, or a special occasion. This cake is also perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great choice for an afternoon snack or a sweet start to your day.
Decoration Tips:
- Powdered Sugar: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a classic, elegant finish.
- Cherry Garnish: Add a few fresh cherries on top before serving for a burst of color and extra fruity flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra indulgent touch.
Ingredients:
- For the Dough:
- 450g flour
- 2 eggs
- 100g sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 200g butter, softened
- 15g baking powder
- For the Filling:
- 600g cream cheese
- 400g full-fat cottage cheese
- 40g flour
- 130g sugar
- 2 eggs
- A splash of vanilla essence
- For the Cherry Layer:
- 500g frozen cherries
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Recipe:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, softened butter, and eggs until a dough forms.
- Press 2/3 of the dough into a 25x25 cm baking tray lined with parchment paper.
- Place the remaining dough in the freezer for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, cottage cheese, 40g flour, sugar, vanilla essence, and eggs until smooth.
- Prepare the Cherry Layer:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the dough in the tray.
- Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Grate the chilled dough over the top of the cherries to create a crumble effect.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Bake the cake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden and the filling is set.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve:
- The cake is delicious served cold, straight from the fridge.
Enjoy this Cherry and Cream Cheese Crumble Cake, a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and crumbly textures that’s sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it!