farmers cheese strawberry cake

Strawberry season is always so exciting. Every late June I try to head to the farm and pick a few pints of fresh strawberries. Nothing compares to fresh strawberries on hot summer day, and we have been getting a lot of hot summer days lately. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining! Summers in Michigan tend to run short, therefore I try to make the best of the seasonal fruit.

In keeping along with the fresh flavors, for this cake, I paired the strawberries with farmers cheese. This combination is quite popular in Romanian summer cakes and needless to say, one of my favorites since it reminds me of childhood.

RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

for the cake batter:

• 3 whole eggs

• 2 Tbs bourbon vanilla sugar

• 2/3 cup white granulated sugar

• pinch of salt

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 Tbs baking powder

for the cheese batter:

• 1/4 cup all purpose flour

• 1 Tbs baking powder

• 2 Tbs bourbon vanilla sugar

• 3 Tbs white granulated sugar

• 1 Tbs rum extract

• 2 whole eggs

• 16 oz farmers cheese

• 16 oz fresh strawberries, sliced

other:

• vegetable oil to brush the pan

• parchment paper to coat the pan

• confectioners sugar to dust the cake

to serve:

• whip cream

• caramel sauce

• fresh strawberries

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 360 degrees F, convection setting.

2. Brush a 13x10 inch rectangular pan with oil and coat with parchment paper.

3. To make the cake batter combine the eggs, sugars and salt in a medium-sized bowl. With the help of a mixer, beat on medium speed for 4 minutes or until the composition becomes light and fluffy.

4. Add the vegetable oil and the milk and beat again until incorporated.

5. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and the baking powder. Fold this mixture into the egg mixture with the help of a wooden spoon.

6. Pour the cake batter into the previously prepared pan and spread in an even layer. Set the pan aside.

7. For the cheese layer, mix all the ingredients for the cheese batter until a smooth paste is obtained. Spread this paste over the cake layer in the pan. Arrange the sliced strawberries in a single layer on top of the cheese layer.

8. Bake the cake for about 50-55 minutes.

9. Allow for the cake to completely cool off at room temperature, then dust with confectioners sugar and slice.

10. Serve as is or topped with whip cream, and/or caramel sauce, and/or fresh strawberries.