Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe blends velvety cheese, a tender cocoa crust, and a glossy chocolate glaze into a truly memorable dessert. The rustic sweetness of farmers cheese pairs beautifully with deep chocolate notes and a subtle citrus lift, creating a slice that feels both nostalgic and special. If you’re searching for a treat that marries the rich decadence of chocolate with the lighter tang of cheese, this classic Eastern European cake is bound to become a favorite at your table—and it’s much easier to make than you might think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about this recipe is that it uses everyday ingredients, but each one plays a starring role in the final texture and flavor. Pick up fresh, quality dairy and cocoa for best results—they really make this Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe shine.
- Butter: Use softened butter for a crust that’s easy to work with and imparts a rich, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Egg yolk: Adds extra richness and helps bind your crust dough together.
- Milk: Just a touch to keep the crust tender without making it heavy.
- All-purpose flour: The everyday pantry staple that forms the backbone of the crust, providing structure and softness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings that deep, chocolaty flavor and gorgeous color—Dutch-processed is especially dreamy here.
- Baking soda: Lifts the crust and keeps it light, so each bite is tender rather than dense.
- Farmers cheese: The unmistakable star! Its mild tang and creamy texture make the filling deliciously unique.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cheese layer and the glaze, balancing the cocoa and cheese beautifully.
- Eggs and leftover egg white: Help set the filling into a creamy, custardy layer and give structure.
- Potato starch or cornstarch: Thickens the filling to lush, sliceable perfection.
- Grated lemon zest (optional): A hint of zest adds brightness and finesse—totally worth trying at least once!
- Butter, again (for the glaze): Creates a rich, glossy topping that finishes the cake beautifully.
- Water: Helps dissolve the glaze ingredients smoothly for a perfect pourable consistency.
How to Make Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Make the Cocoa Crust
Start with a large mixing bowl and cream together softened butter, egg yolk, and milk until the mixture looks smooth and fluffy. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda, then dive in with your hands—mix until it all comes together in a smooth, chocolatey dough. Divide this dough into two equal pieces, roll them into balls, and wrap them up snugly in plastic wrap. Pop both into the freezer for at least 45 minutes; this will make them easy to grate later, giving your crust and topping that signature crumbly look and feel.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
While the dough firms up, add the farmers cheese, sugar, eggs, leftover egg white, and starch to a mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer on low speed, blend everything until the filling is beautifully smooth—don’t be afraid to break up any lumps of cheese as you go. If you’re in the mood for a citrusy twist, now’s the time to stir in some lemon zest for a fresh sparkle that will set this cake apart.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9-inch round springform pan or deep pie pan by buttering it and lining the base with parchment paper. Retrieve one of your frozen dough balls and grate it into the pan, distributing it evenly to cover the bottom (and slightly up the sides)—this forms your crust and keeps all that luscious cheese filling where it belongs. Pour the cheese mixture on top, then gently spread it out to the edges. Grate the second ball of dough and sprinkle it evenly over the filling, creating a beautiful, crumbly top layer.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still jiggle just a bit—like a cheesecake. To keep your oven spotless, place a baking sheet or a sheet of foil on the bottom oven rack to catch any drips during baking. Let the Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake cool completely to room temperature on a rack before you even think about the glaze; patience will reward you with the best texture!
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Glaze
While your cake cools, grab a small saucepan and combine butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and water. Set over medium heat and stir constantly; the mixture will melt and thicken into a silky chocolate glaze once the sugar dissolves. Take it off the heat and let it cool fully to room temperature—you don’t want a runny topping! Only after everything is cooled do you pour and spread the glaze across the cake’s surface, then pop the cake into the refrigerator so the glaze can set to a glossy finish.
Step 6: Optional Garnishes
If you want to add a pop of color and a little fruity zing, scatter fresh raspberries or another favorite berry over the chilled glaze right before serving. It’s a delightful way to brighten the plate and add a juicy, tangy contrast to the chocolatey richness.
How to Serve Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest way to dress up your Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe is with a dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of fresh berries, or some delicate curls of chocolate. If you have edible flowers, a few petals can make your cake look like something straight from a European bakery display.
Side Dishes
Complement this cake with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing. For a cozier feel, serve it alongside a mug of coffee, espresso, or even a small glass of dessert wine—the gentle tang and sweetness of the cheese layer really shine with these additions.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try cutting the cake into wedges and fanning them out on a platter with slices of seasonal fruit. Individual slices can also be plated with a drizzle of berry coulis or caramel sauce if you want to take things up a notch. Or, use a stencil and sift cocoa powder or powdered sugar in a pretty pattern over the top for elegant detail.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe keeps best in the refrigerator. Cover the pan well with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container—the flavors will deepen slightly by the next day, making your treat even more irresistible. It’ll keep for up to 4 days this way, though it hardly ever lasts that long in my kitchen!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze individual slices or the whole cake. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop them into a freezer-safe container. When stored this way, your cake will stay fresh for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
If you like your cake a little warm (especially that fudgy chocolate glaze!), reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as the cheese filling is best slightly chilled or at room temperature, not piping hot.
FAQs
Can I substitute ricotta or cottage cheese for the farmers cheese?
Yes! If you can’t find farmers cheese, whole milk ricotta (well-drained) or small curd cottage cheese (also drained of excess liquid) work in this Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe, though the texture may be slightly softer. The key is to use the freshest cheese possible and be sure to drain it well for best results.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
No worries at all—a deep, round 9-inch pie pan will also do the trick. Just remember to butter and line it with parchment, as the cheese filling can be sticky after baking. The cake might be a bit trickier to slice cleanly, but it will taste just as delicious!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the crust or filling?
Of course! Finely chopped nuts (like walnuts or hazelnuts) in the crust add crunch and nutty depth, or swirl in a handful of mini chocolate chips for an extra chocolate boost. If you want to experiment, just keep mix-ins on the modest side so the structure of the cake stays lovely.
Is the lemon zest necessary?
Lemon zest is optional in this Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe, but highly recommended if you enjoy a hint of citrus. It complements the cheese and chocolate without overpowering them. If you’re hesitant, try using half the suggested zest to ease into the flavor.
How far ahead can I make this cake?
This cake actually benefits from a little rest time—make it up to 1 day in advance and store it chilled, which allows the flavors to meld. Add the final toppings just before serving so everything stays neat and fresh!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe a whirl—the combination of creamy cheese, rich cocoa, and glossy glaze is comfort food at its finest. There’s something special about sharing a home-baked treat that brings old-world charm into your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to taste that very first forkful. Enjoy every bite!
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Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 9-inch cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of this Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake. A decadent dessert that combines a buttery crust, a luscious farmers cheese filling, and a glossy chocolate glaze for the perfect finish.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 14 tablespoons (1 3/4 sticks) butter, softened
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 1/2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 tablespoon baking soda
Cheese Filling:
- 1.5 pounds farmers cheese
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs + 1 leftover egg white
- 1 1/2 tablespoons potato starch or cornstarch
- (Optional) Grated zest of 1 lemon
Chocolate Glaze:
- 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Butter a 9-inch round springform pan or deep pie pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, egg yolk, and milk until smooth. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Use your hands to mix until a dough forms. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape into balls, and wrap each in plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 45 minutes or until firm.
- Make the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine farmers cheese, sugar, eggs, leftover egg white, and starch. Mix on low speed until smooth and well combined. (Optional) Add grated lemon zest for a hint of citrus flavor.
- Assemble the Cake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove one ball of frozen dough from the freezer. Grate it into the prepared pan, evenly spreading it across the base and ensuring full coverage to prevent the filling from leaking. Pour the cheese filling over the grated crust, spreading it evenly. Grate the second ball of frozen dough onto a plate, then sprinkle it evenly over the cheese filling. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. To prevent spills, place a baking sheet or foil on the bottom oven rack. Let the cake cool completely to room temperature before adding the glaze.
- Make the Chocolate Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and water. Melt the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let the glaze cool to room temperature. Once the cake and glaze are cool, pour the glaze evenly over the cake. Refrigerate until the glaze is fully set.
- Optional Topping: Garnish with fresh fruit, such as raspberries, for a decorative and flavorful touch.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Use a deep pie pan for a thicker cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Cake Recipe, Cheese Cake Recipe
