Shortbread cake with cottage cheese cream & raspberry sauce

Ingredients

Shortbread cake layers

450 grams (3.5 cups) flour

200 grams (7 ounces) butter

100 grams (0.5 cups) sugar

1 large egg

5 grams (1 teaspoon) baking soda

0.33 teaspoon salt

A pinch of vanillin

Raspberry sauce

170 grams (6 ounces) fresh raspberries

40 grams (0.2 cups) sugar

0.5 teaspoon pectin

Cottage cheese cream

350 grams (12 ounces) cottage cheese 9%

140 grams (5 ounces) mascarpone

120 milliliters (0.5 cups) condensed milk

50 milliliters (0.2 cups) cream 10%

20 grams (0.1 cups) powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1

1. With a blender, cream the room temperature butter and sugar together until smooth. Ensure the butter is at room temperature to make creaming easier.

Step 2

2. Transfer the butter mixture to a mixer bowl, add the egg, and beat until fully combined. Add in the salt and vanillin, and continue to mix. Mix for an additional minute to make sure everything is well incorporated.

Step 3

3. Swap the whisk attachment for a dough hook, or use a spatula to combine the ingredients. Sift the flour and baking soda together, then gradually add this to the butter mixture. Mix on medium speed until the dough forms lumps. Don’t overmix to avoid tough dough.

Step 4

4. Use your hands to shape the dough into a ball, kneading lightly. Wrap the dough ball in cling film and refrigerate it for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 374°F (190°C). Chilling the dough helps in rolling it out easily.

Step 5

5. Divide the chilled dough into pieces, each weighing approximately 130 grams (4.60 ounces). Roll each piece into an 18cm (7.09 inch) circle between two sheets of parchment paper. Poke holes with a fork. Bake for 4-5 minutes, or until they are light golden brown. Watch closely as baking times may vary.

Step 6

6. In a saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and pectin. Cook over medium-low heat for 7-10 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Blend the sauce, and strain to remove seeds if desired. Allow to cool. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

Step 7

7. Grind the cottage cheese through a sieve to ensure smoothness. Add the cream, condensed milk, mascarpone, and powdered sugar. Blend for 3-4 minutes until smooth. Then, whip the mixture on high speed for 3-5 minutes until fluffy. Ensure all the ingredients are well-chilled before blending for the fluffiest consistency.

Step 8

8. Spread 2.5 teaspoons of raspberry sauce on each layer of shortbread cake. Top with 170 grams (6 ounces) of cottage cheese cream. Continue layering until all ingredients are used. Decorate the top layer with the remaining cream. Refrigerate the cake for a couple of hours before serving to let the flavors meld well.

Servings

Serve this delightful pastry in various creative ways to make any occasion feel special.

For a lavish tea party spread, serve slices of this cake on porcelain plates with a side of fresh raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream. 🍰 Your guests will savor every bite and probably request seconds!

If you’re celebrating a special event, place the cake on a beautiful cake stand and garnish it with edible flowers or even some gold leaf for an extra touch of elegance. 🎂✨

For a cozy family dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee. ☕ The combination of warm and cold temperatures and the indulgent flavors will create a heartwarming experience.

Equipment

Blender

Perfect for mashing butter and sugar to achieve a smooth mixture.

We recommend:

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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

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(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

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(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

Mixer with Whisk and Hook Attachments

Ensures thorough mixing of ingredients, essential for both whipping and dough kneading.

We recommend:

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8.4QT Commercial Stand Mixer 800W with NSF Certified and Aluminum die casting, Kitchen Electric Mixer Metal Food Mixer with Stainless Steel 8L Bowl, Dough Hook, Whisk and Beater

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(9,827) Hamilton Beach Electric Stand Mixer, 4 Quarts, Dough Hook, Flat Beater Attachments, Splash Guard, 7 Speeds with Whisk, Aqua $119.99 View details Prime

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(17,328) Cuisinart HM-90BCS Power Advantage Plus 9-Speed Handheld Mixer with Storage Case, Brushed Chrome $62.99 $79.95 View details

Saucepan

Ideal for cooking the raspberry sauce evenly and prevents scorching.

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4.6

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AVACRAFT Stainless Steel Saucepan with Glass Strainer Lid, Two Side Spouts for Easy Pour with Ergonomic Handle, Multipurpose Sauce Pot (Tri-Ply Capsule Bottom, 2.5 Quart)

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4.6

(10,515) Cuisinart 1-Quart Saucepan, Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard Anodized Saucepan w/Cover, 619-14 $19.95 View details

Sieve

Helps in creating a smooth cottage cheese base by removing lumps.

We recommend:

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

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(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

Oven

Preheat your oven accurately to get the perfect golden-brown shortbread cake layers.

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Restaurantware Hi Tek Half Size Convection Oven 1 Countertop Electric Oven - 1.5 Cu. Ft. 120V Stainless Steel Commercial Convection Oven 1600W 4 Racks Included

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4.6

(7,963) Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer, Convection Toaster Oven with French Doors, Stainless Steel $189.99 View details

Parchment Paper

Prevents sticking and ensures even baking of the pastry layers.

We recommend:

Prime

SMARTAKE 200 Pcs Parchment Paper Baking Sheets, 12x16 Inches Non-Stick Precut Baking Parchment, for Baking Grilling Air Fryer Steaming Bread Cup Cake Cookie and More (Unbleached)

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Variations

Want to make this recipe gluten-free? Simply replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum to maintain the structural integrity of your cake layers. 🥳

To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter with vegan butter, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) instead of the regular egg, and swap the cream and mascarpone with their plant-based versions. For the cottage cheese, opt for a vegan cottage cheese alternative or even silken tofu for a similar texture. 🌱✨

Faq

Why won’t my shortbread dough come together?
Ensure your butter is at room temperature; cold butter may prevent the dough from binding properly.
How do I prevent the raspberry sauce from burning?
Cook it over slightly less than average heat and stir constantly to avoid sticking to the pan.
Why is my cream layer runny?
Make sure to whip the cream mixture at maximum speed until it reaches a thicker consistency. If it's still runny, your ingredients might have been too warm.
My cake layers are too hard; what did I do wrong?
Baking time can vary; ensure to bake just until light golden brown and not longer.
Can I use frozen raspberries for the sauce?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them properly to avoid excess water in your sauce.
How do I store this pastry?
Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.