Heavenly cottage cheese Easter cakes: airy, fragrant and deliciously simple

These cottage cheese Easter cakes are a delicious treat that combines the lightness of cottage cheese with the citrus zest of orange or lemon and the sweet softness of candied fruits or dried fruits. The texture is wonderfully airy and the aroma is captivating, making these cakes a favorite during the holiday season.

Why you'll love it:

If you like baked goods that are not very sweet and have a unique texture, these cottage cheese cakes are for you. They're simple to make, require basic ingredients, and the result is a soft, moist cake that's bursting with flavor.

Perfect occasion:

These cakes are perfect for Easter celebrations or any special occasion that calls for a light and tasty dessert. They can be served as part of a festive brunch, as a delicious after-dinner dessert, or as a treat to enjoy with tea or coffee.

Decorating Tips:

Once the cakes have cooled, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from egg whites, lemon juice and powdered sugar, then garnish with colorful sprinkles or candied fruit for a festive look. The frosting not only adds sweetness but also helps seal in the moisture of the cakes.

Ingredients:

• 300g flour
• 160 g unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 300 g of sifted white cheese for more softness
• Juice and zest of 1 orange or lemon
• 200 g of candied fruit or dried fruit
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 200g of sugar
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F). Line 9×9 cm baking molds with baking paper.
2. Cream the butter with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Add the citrus zest if using.
3. Using a mixer, beat the mixture for about 4 minutes until fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating for about 40 seconds after each addition.
5. Stir in half of the cottage cheese until combined, then add the remaining cottage cheese and mix until smooth.
6. Incorporate the orange or lemon juice and the candied fruit or dried fruit using a spatula.
7. Mix the baking powder and baking soda with the flour, sift in parts into the dough and gently incorporate with the spatula.
8. Fill the prepared molds a little more than halfway. Cover with foil.
9. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, remove foil and bake for another 30 minutes or until an inserted wooden toothpick comes out clean.
10. Leave the cakes to cool, then prepare the icing: whisk 2 egg whites with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for about 30 seconds, then gradually add 400g of caster sugar, whisking until thickened.
11. Pour the icing over the cooled cakes and decorate if necessary.

Enjoy these delicious cottage cheese Easter cakes that bring a touch of lightness and joy to any celebration!