Cheese and dessert - two words you might not often hear in the same sentence. But when combined, they can create some truly unique and delicious concoctions. From cream cheese in red velvet cupcakes to gorgonzola in pear tart, cheese brings an unexpected savory twist to desserts. Here are 5 unexpected pairings of cheese in desserts that you must try.
Gorgonzola and pear tart
One of the classic pairings, gorgonzola and pear work wonderfully together. The salty, tangy gorgonzola cuts through the sweetness of the pear, creating a balance of flavors.
Ingredients:
- Sweet pastry dough
- 2-3 ripe pears
- 200g Gorgonzola cheese
- Honey, to drizzle
Here's a simple recipe to try: Roll out the dough and line a tart tin. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange thin slices of pear and crumbled gorgonzola on the tart. Bake for around 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden. Drizzle with honey before serving.
Ricotta and chocolate cake
Ricotta cheese brings a lightness and creaminess to this rich chocolate cake. The cheese subtly enhances the flavor of the chocolate, making for a divine dessert.
Ingredients:
- 200g dark chocolate
- 200g Ricotta cheese
- 150g sugar
- 3 eggs
Melt the chocolate over a bain-marie. Mix in the ricotta cheese, sugar, and eggs until well combined. Pour the mixture into a cake tin and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30-35 minutes.
Cream cheese and red velvet cupcakes
Cream cheese frosting is a staple topping for red velvet cupcakes. The tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness of the cupcake, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
Ingredients for the cupcake:
- 250g flour
- 150g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 200ml buttermilk
- 1tsp baking powder
- 1tsp red food coloring
Ingredients for the frosting:
- 200g cream cheese
- 100g icing sugar
- 1tsp vanilla extract
Make the cupcakes as per your usual method. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Frost the cupcakes once they've cooled.
Mascarpone and tiramisu
Tiramisu would be nothing without mascarpone. This creamy Italian cheese gives the tiramisu its distinct texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 200g ladyfingers
- 250g Mascarpone cheese
- 3 eggs
- 100g sugar
- 200ml coffee
Layer the ladyfingers in a dish and moisten with coffee. Beat the mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar until creamy. Layer this mixture over the ladyfingers and repeat. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
Cheddar and apple pie
Cheddar cheese and apple pie might sound like an unusual combination, but it's actually a classic pairing. The sharpness of the cheddar perfectly complements the sweetness of the apple, resulting in a surprisingly delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
- Pie crust dough
- 5-6 apples
- 100g sugar
- 1tsp cinnamon
- 100g Cheddar cheese
Prepare your pie as usual, but before you put on the top layer of dough, sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the apples. Bake as per your usual method.
Remember, these are just a few examples of how cheese can be incorporated into desserts. The possibilities are endless, so don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese and dessert combinations.
