Perfect Cottage Cheese Cake: Secrets to a Crumbly Delight

Ingredients

For the Dough

200 grams (1.75 cups) flour

150 grams (1 stick + 3 tablespoons) butter, at room temperature

70 grams (0.5 cup) sugar

40 grams (0.5 cup) cocoa powder

We recommend:

For flour:

For butter:

(8,914) Hoosier Hill Farm Real Butter Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1) $29.99 View details Prime

4.7

(27,356) SKIPPY Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread Twin Pack 2-Pack, 5 LB $10.99 View details

For sugar:

Prime

4.8

(3,527) Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot $24.99 View details

For cocoa powder:

Prime

4.6

(290) Valrhona Cocoa Powder - 3 kg $84.95 View details Prime best seller

Viva Naturals Organic Cacao Powder, 2lb - Unsweetened Cocoa Powder With Rich Dark Chocolate Flavor, Perfect for Baking & Smoothies - Certified Vegan, Keto & Paleo, Non-GMO & Gluten-Free, 907 g

4.6

(20,450) Viva Naturals Organic Cacao Powder, 2lb - Unsweetened Cocoa Powder With Rich Dark Chocolate Flavor, Perfect for Baking & Smoothies - Certified Vegan, Keto & Paleo, Non-GMO & Gluten-Free, 907 g $20.49 View details

4.7

(17,488) BetterBody Foods Organic Cacao Powder, Rich Chocolate Flavor, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Cocoa, 16 ounce, 1 lb bag $10.41 View details

For the Filling

400 grams (2 cups) cottage cheese

2 eggs

150 grams (0.75 cup) sugar

100 grams (0.5 cup) sour cream

Vanilla extract, to taste

30 grams (0.25 cup) cornstarch

We recommend:

For cottage cheese:

4.5

(70) LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 4 ounce bottle $18.75 View details Prime

4.3

(535) LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 1 ounce bottle $9.47 View details

4.1

(2,760) Moon Cheese - 100% Natural Cheese Snack - Gouda - 2 oz $3.99 View details

For sugar:

Prime

4.8

(3,527) Judee's Superfine Caster Sugar - 5 lbs - Delicious and 100% Gluten-Free - Bakers Sugar for Homemade Treats, Baked Goods, and Toppings - Airy and Smoot $24.99 View details

For sour cream:

Prime

Judee’s Bulk Cream of Tartar 40 lb (5lb Pack of 8) - All Natural, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free & Nut-Free - Use for Baking as a Stabilizer, Cleaning and Crafting - Made in USA

4.7

(850) Judee’s Bulk Cream of Tartar 40 lb (5lb Pack of 8) - All Natural, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free & Nut-Free - Use for Baking as a Stabilizer, Cleaning and Crafting - Made in USA $319.99 View details Prime

4.5

(8,164) Duncan Hines Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, 14 oz $1.92 View details Prime

4.3

(5,535) Hoosier Hill Farm Sour Cream Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1) $29.99 View details

For vanilla extract:

Prime

4.7

(20,305) 50 Organic Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Whole Grade A Vanilla Pods for Vanilla Extract and Baking $39.99 View details Prime

50 Organic Grade A Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Certified USDA Organic for Extract and all things Vanilla by FITNCLEAN VANILLA. ~5" Bulk Fresh Bourbon NON-GMO Pods.

4.7

(8,265) 50 Organic Grade A Madagascar Vanilla Beans. Certified USDA Organic for Extract and all things Vanilla by FITNCLEAN VANILLA. ~5" Bulk Fresh Bourbon NON-GMO Pods. $37.99 View details Prime

4.8

(14,059) Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract for Baking and Cooking, 4 Ounce Bottle $19.95 View details

For cornstarch:

4.5

(21) Argo Corn Starch 50 Pound -- 1 Each $112.67 View details

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Dough

Combine flour, butter, sugar, and cocoa powder.

Rub the mixture with your hands until crumbs form.

Step 2

Prepare the Filling

Mix cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, and sour cream.

Blend well and add cornstarch, then mix again.

Step 3

Assemble and Bake

Grease a 7-inch (18 cm) springform pan.

Pour a bit more than half of the dough crumbs into the pan.

Carefully pour the cheese filling on top.

Gently sprinkle the remaining crumbs on top.

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40-50 minutes.

Servings

When it comes to serving this delightful Chocolate Cheesecake Pastry, you have several delicious options to enhance your dessert experience! 🍰

Serve it Chilled: Pop the pastry in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. This gives the filling time to set and makes it easier to slice. The cool temperature also complements the rich, creamy texture.

Add a Berry Compote: Elevate your pastry game by topping it with a homemade or store-bought berry compote. The tartness of the berries beautifully balances the sweetness of the cheesecake. 🍓

A Dollop of Whipped Cream: Who doesn’t love some extra creaminess? A generous swirl of whipped cream on top can make each bite even more heavenly.

Pair with Coffee or Tea: This rich pastry pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a soothing tea. The bitterness of the coffee or the aromatic flavors of tea add another layer of enjoyment. ☕

Equipment

Mixing Bowls

You'll need one for the dough and one for the filling. Make sure they are large enough to mix the ingredients comfortably.

We recommend:

Prime

Umite Chef Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, 6 piece Stainless Steel Metal Nesting Storage Bowls, Non-Slip Bottoms Size 7, 3.5, 2.5, 2.0,1.5, 1QT, Great for Mixing & Serving (Khaki)

4.6

(27,811) Umite Chef Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, 6 piece Stainless Steel Metal Nesting Storage Bowls, Non-Slip Bottoms Size 7, 3.5, 2.5, 2.0,1.5, 1QT, Great for Mixing & Serving (Khaki) $32.28 $37.99 View details

Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer

This will help you blend the filling to a smooth consistency. A hand whisk could work too, but it will take more effort.

We recommend:

Prime

4.5

(9,824) Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, 4 Quarts, Dough Hook, Flat Beater Attachments, Splash Guard 7 Speeds with Whisk, Black with Top Handle $91.99 $114.99 View details Prime

4.5

(60,346) Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Whisk, Traditional Beaters, Snap-On Storage Case, 250 Watts, White $21.99 View details Prime

4.5

(10,789) Hamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer with Snap-On Case, Beaters, Whisk, Black (62692) $19.99 $24.99 View details

Springform Pan

A 7-inch pan is perfect for this recipe. The springform feature makes it easy to release the pastry without damaging it.

We recommend:

Prime best seller

HIWARE Springform Pan Set of 3 Non-stick Cheesecake Pan, Leakproof Round Cake Pan Set Includes 3 Pieces 6" 8" 10" Springform Pans with 150 Pcs Parchment Paper Liners

4.6

(37,491) HIWARE Springform Pan Set of 3 Non-stick Cheesecake Pan, Leakproof Round Cake Pan Set Includes 3 Pieces 6" 8" 10" Springform Pans with 150 Pcs Parchment Paper Liners $23.99 $29.00 View details Prime

Springform Cake Pan Set of 3 - Nonstick Leakproof Round Cheesecake Pan with Removable Bottom, Circle 3 Tiered 4" 7" 9 inch Spring form Pans for Baking with 50 Pcs Parchment Paper Liners

4.6

(7,352) Springform Cake Pan Set of 3 - Nonstick Leakproof Round Cheesecake Pan with Removable Bottom, Circle 3 Tiered 4" 7" 9 inch Spring form Pans for Baking with 50 Pcs Parchment Paper Liners $18.99 $25.99 View details Prime

RFAQK 100PCs Cake Pan Sets for Baking + Cake Decorating Kit: 3 Non-Stick Springform Pans Set (4, 7, 9 inches), Piping Tips, Cake Leveler – Multi-functional Leak-Proof CheeseCake Pan & eBook

4.5

(5,316) RFAQK 100PCs Cake Pan Sets for Baking + Cake Decorating Kit: 3 Non-Stick Springform Pans Set (4, 7, 9 inches), Piping Tips, Cake Leveler – Multi-functional Leak-Proof CheeseCake Pan & eBook $23.99 $29.99 View details

Baking Sheet

Place the springform pan on a baking sheet in case any filling leaks out.

We recommend:

Prime

Paterson Paper 16" x 24" Full Size Unbleached Chromium-Free Reusable Baking Parchment Paper Sheets Commercial Bun/Sheet Pan Liners - 1000/Case - 425F - Non-Stick/Grease-Resistant

4.3

(98) Paterson Paper 16" x 24" Full Size Unbleached Chromium-Free Reusable Baking Parchment Paper Sheets Commercial Bun/Sheet Pan Liners - 1000/Case - 425F - Non-Stick/Grease-Resistant $169.58 View details Prime best seller

4.7

(62,743) Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack, Natural $37.80 View details Prime

Katbite 16x24 inch Heavy Duty Parchment Paper Sheets, 100Pcs Precut Non-Stick Full Parchment Sheets for Baking, Cooking, Grilling, Frying and Steaming, Full Sheet Baking Pan Liners, Commercial Baking

4.8

(13,822) Katbite 16x24 inch Heavy Duty Parchment Paper Sheets, 100Pcs Precut Non-Stick Full Parchment Sheets for Baking, Cooking, Grilling, Frying and Steaming, Full Sheet Baking Pan Liners, Commercial Baking $18.99 $25.99 View details

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitution mix to keep the texture consistent. 🌾🚫

Vegan Option: This one’s a bit trickier but totally doable! Replace the butter with a plant-based butter or margarine. For the filling, use a vegan cream cheese and replace eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg). Opt for coconut cream instead of sour cream. 🥥🌱

Faq

How can I prevent my pastry from sticking to the pan?
Make sure to generously grease your springform pan with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra security.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese as a substitute for the cottage cheese. Just keep in mind it might alter the texture slightly.
How do I know when the pastry is done?
The top should be golden brown, and the center should be slightly jiggly but set. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs, it's done.
Can I freeze the pastry?
Yes, you can! Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Why did my filling crack?
Your oven might be too hot, or the pastry was baked for too long. Try reducing the oven temperature slightly next time and keep an eye on the baking time.
How can I make the cheesecake more stable?
Letting the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open can help prevent cracks and improve stability. You can also add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the filling.