Crumble vanilla cheesecake

Ingredients

Base

360 grams (12.7 ounces) all-purpose flour

140 grams (5 ounces) unsalted butter, cold

90 grams (3.2 ounces) granulated sugar

Pinch of salt

Cottage Cheese Filling

670 grams (23.6 ounces) cottage cheese (6% to 9% fat)

3 large eggs (170 grams/6 ounces)

1 egg yolk

120 grams (4.2 ounces) granulated sugar

10 grams (0.35 ounces) cornstarch

10 grams (0.35 ounces) vanilla paste or sugar with natural vanilla

Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1

Ensure all ingredients except the butter are at room temperature. Prepare an 18 cm (7 inches) round baking tray by lining the bottom with parchment paper. This will prevent the pastry from sticking and make it easier to remove from the tray.

Step 2

Press the cottage cheese through a fine sieve. Don't skip this step; it ensures a smooth texture for your filling. Add the sugar, cornstarch, vanilla paste (or vanilla sugar), salt, eggs, and egg yolk. Blend until smooth.

Step 3

In another bowl, sift the flour. Add sugar, salt, and cold, chopped butter. Using a blender, mix until the dough forms small, uniform crumbs. The dough should be soft but crumbly, forming a shape when pressed and crumbling easily with touch.

Step 4

Press ⅔ of the crust mixture into the bottom and sides of the prepared tray. Ensure it is well-pressed. Spread the cheese filling evenly over the crust, then sprinkle the remaining ⅓ of the crumbs on top.

Step 5

Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (347°F) for 45 minutes. For best results, use the convection mode on your oven.

Step 6

After baking, leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open until it cools completely. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks on the surface. Then, refrigerate for 5 to 6 hours.

Step 7

Before serving, decorate with fresh berries if desired. Bon appétit!

Servings

Your Cottage Cheese Pastry is a multi-talented star at any table ⭐. For an elegant finish, decorate it with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar. 🫐🍓 The tartness of the berries enhances the creamy filling, making every bite a mix of sweetness and a zing of fresh fruit. Serve chilled, as this brings out the flavors more robustly.

Looking to pair it with something special? Try a glass of chilled Moscato wine or a warm cup of Earl Grey tea 🍷🍵. Both pair beautifully with the richness of the pastry, creating a well-rounded flavor experience.

Hosting a brunch? 🎉 Place thin slices of your pastry alongside a luscious fruit platter and some artisanal cheeses. You'll have a spread that will make your guests feel pampered and will have them talking about your fabulous brunch for days!

Equipment

18 cm | 7-inch round baking tray

Make sure to line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

We recommend:

Prime best seller

4.7

(22,744) Fat Daddio's Anodized Aluminum Round Cake Pans, 2 Piece Set, 7 x 2 Inch $19.53 View details Prime

4.7

(8,539) HIWARE 8-Inch Round Cake Pan Set of 3, Nonstick Baking Cake Pans with 90 Pieces Parchment Paper, Dishwasher Safe $19.99 View details Prime

Irenare 10 Pcs Bread Banneton Proofing Basket Round Dough Sourdough Proofing Basket Rattan Bakery Baking Bread Bowl with Liner and Scraper Tool Set for Starter Gifts Professional Home Bakers (7 Inch)

4.5

(21) Irenare 10 Pcs Bread Banneton Proofing Basket Round Dough Sourdough Proofing Basket Rattan Bakery Baking Bread Bowl with Liner and Scraper Tool Set for Starter Gifts Professional Home Bakers (7 Inch) $59.99 $65.99 View details

Fine sieve

This tool is essential for getting that smooth, lump-free cottage cheese filling. Don't skip this step!

We recommend:

Prime best seller

4.8

(31,370) Cuisinart Mesh Strainers, 3 Count (Pack of 1) Set, CTG-00-3MS Silver $12.99 View details Prime

Makerstep Fine Mesh Strainer Set of 3, Stainless Steel 3.38", 5.5", 7.87" Strainers Wire Sieve Sifter with Insulated Handle Strainers for Kitchen Gadgets Tools Premium Colanders, Sifter

4.7

(13,107) Makerstep Fine Mesh Strainer Set of 3, Stainless Steel 3.38", 5.5", 7.87" Strainers Wire Sieve Sifter with Insulated Handle Strainers for Kitchen Gadgets Tools Premium Colanders, Sifter $12.79 $19.99 View details Prime

(4) Fine Mesh Sifter Sifter Shaker Extractor 150 Mesh Flour Sifter Sieve Stainless Steel Food Strainer for Home Bakery Shop Cocoa Powder 30cm $39.36 $46.38 View details

Blender

A good blender helps achieve a perfectly mixed filling and crust. Opt for one with multiple speed settings.

We recommend:

Prime

Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie & Food Processing Blender, 1100-Watts, 3 Functions -for Frozen Drinks, Smoothies, Sauces, & More, 72-oz.* Pitcher, (2) 16-oz. To-Go Cups & Spout Lids, Gray

4.7

(102,420) Ninja BL660 Professional Compact Smoothie & Food Processing Blender, 1100-Watts, 3 Functions -for Frozen Drinks, Smoothies, Sauces, & More, 72-oz.* Pitcher, (2) 16-oz. To-Go Cups & Spout Lids, Gray $99.99 $119.99 View details Prime

Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, Portable Blender for-Smoothies, Shakes, Food Prep, and Frozen Blending, 700-Watt Base, (2) 16-oz. Cups and Spout Lids, Black QB3001SS

4.7

(38,140) Ninja Fit Compact Personal Blender, Portable Blender for-Smoothies, Shakes, Food Prep, and Frozen Blending, 700-Watt Base, (2) 16-oz. Cups and Spout Lids, Black QB3001SS $49.99 $69.99 View details Prime best seller

4.4

(109,298) Magic Bullet Blender, Small, Silver, 11 Piece Set $39.88 $49.99 View details

Mixing bowls

Use sturdy, medium to large-sized bowls for mixing your ingredients. Glass or metal bowls work best.

We recommend:

Prime

YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage

4.7

(9,737) YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage $27.99 $35.99 View details Prime

REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful)

4.8

(8,743) REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful) $26.99 View details Prime best seller

4.8

(29,369) Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece, 3 PC Mixing Bowl Set $17.53 View details

Variations

Going Gluten-Free? 🌾🌟 Swap out the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour. Ensure you use one that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The rest of the recipe remains the same, producing a scrumptious dessert that everyone can enjoy.

Making it Vegan? 🌱❤️ Replace the butter with a vegan butter spread and the cottage cheese with a blend of silken tofu and vegan cream cheese. For the eggs, you can use flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tbsp of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg). The result is a compassionate, yet equally delicious, version of this delightful treat.

Faq

Why is it important to use room temperature ingredients?
Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, ensuring an even texture and flavor in your pastry.
Can I use a different size baking tray?
While an 18 cm tray is ideal, you can use a different size but the baking times and crust thickness may need adjustment.
How can I tell if the pastry is done?
The pastry should be golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch. If in doubt, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
What if my cottage cheese filling is too runny?
If it's too runny, add a bit more cornstarch to help thicken it up. Ensure that the cottage cheese is well-drained before using it.
Can I prepare the pastry in advance?
Absolutely! This pastry tastes even better the next day. Store it in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 5-6 hours or overnight before serving.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Bake the crust until it's golden brown before adding the filling. This helps to seal it and prevents it from becoming soggy.