If you’ve ever wanted to experience a dessert that feels like a warm, cozy hug wrapped in rich chocolate and tangy creaminess, then the Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful cake brings together the rustic charm of farmers cheese with the luscious depth of cocoa, resulting in a moist, tender crumb that’s both wholesome and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a comforting treat, this recipe promises a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe lies in its use of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, from the creamy richness of the farmers cheese to the gentle lift provided by baking soda, and the subtle brightness from a hint of lemon zest that truly elevates the chocolate flavor. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this delicious masterpiece:
- 1 3/4 sticks butter (14 Tbsp): Provides a rich, moist texture and depth of flavor that melts in your mouth.
- 1 egg yolk: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients for a smooth cake batter.
- 2 1/2 Tbsp milk: Keeps the batter tender and helps achieve the perfect crumb.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structural backbone of the cake that offers a lovely, soft bite.
- 1 3/4 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses that essential chocolate punch without overpowering other flavors.
- 3/4 Tbsp baking soda: Ensures the cake rises beautifully for a light, airy texture.
- 1.5 lb farmers cheese: The heart of this recipe, offering a tangy creaminess and moist crumb that sets this cake apart.
- 1 1/4 cups sugar: Balances the tang of the cheese while sweetening the chocolate notes.
- 3 eggs + 1 leftover egg white: Eggs provide structure and moisture for a silky batter.
- 1 1/2 Tbsp potato starch or corn starch: Helps lighten the cake, adding tenderness without heaviness.
- Optional: Grated zest of 1 lemon: A reader favorite addition that brings a bright, refreshing twist to the cake.
- 3/4 stick butter: For the delicious cocoa glaze that finishes the cake with a glossy, rich layer.
- 3/4 cup sugar: Sweetens the glaze perfectly to complement the chocolate and cheese flavors.
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds a deeper chocolate note to the glaze.
- 3 Tbsp water: Creates the ideal consistency for pouring the glaze over the cake.
How to Make Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Batter
Begin by softening the butter until it’s creamy and smooth. Cream the butter together with the sugar until light and fluffy — this step is crucial for a tender cake. Next, add the egg yolk, milk, and the optional lemon zest to your mixture and blend well. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and starch to ensure an even distribution of ingredients. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet, folding gently for a uniform batter. Then, stir in the farmers cheese; its creamy texture will bring the batter a wonderful richness and moisture that’s impossible to replicate.
Step 2: Whip the Eggs
In a clean, dry bowl, whisk the three whole eggs plus the leftover egg white until they reach soft peaks. This step adds essential air to the cake, helping it rise beautifully and stay light. Carefully fold this whipped egg mixture into the batter, making sure not to deflate the eggs. This delicate touch ensures the cake stays tender yet substantial, with the perfect balance between fluffiness and body.
Step 3: Bake and Glaze
Pour your batter into a greased cake pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While the cake is baking, prepare the cocoa glaze by gently heating butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and water in a saucepan. Stir constantly until smooth and glossy. Once your cake has cooled slightly, pour this luscious glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides for that irresistible shiny finish that will have everyone’s eyes on it!
How to Serve Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries can brighten the appearance and add a touch of freshness that compliments the creamy cheese and chocolate. For a more indulgent twist, try a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts for added crunch and texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or tea, perfect for a relaxing afternoon treat. For dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tangy raspberry sorbet alongside the cake adds a refreshing counterpoint and balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Served on a rustic wooden board or a vintage cake stand, this cake becomes a centerpiece of any table. For gatherings, consider slicing into neat squares and arranging with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for a charming farm-to-table vibe. You can also serve individual portions in clear glasses layered with fresh fruit for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks or unexpected guests.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, it can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
To gently warm slices, microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them come to room temperature. Reheating helps soften the butter in the glaze and refreshes the cake’s luscious texture. Just be careful not to overheat as it can dry out.
FAQs
What is farmers cheese and can I substitute it?
Farmers cheese is a fresh, unripened cheese with a creamy texture and mild tanginess. It’s key to the cake’s moist crumb. Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute if drained well, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it contains some xanthan gum or stabilizer for best results. Potato starch helps, but the texture might be slightly different.
Do I need to use lemon zest?
The lemon zest is optional but highly recommended. It adds a wonderful brightness that balances the richness of the chocolate and farmers cheese, enhancing the overall flavor.
Can I use regular cream cheese instead of farmers cheese?
You can, but the taste and texture might be a bit richer and less tangy. Farmers cheese has a unique crumbly creaminess that gives this cake its signature texture.
How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out with only a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, your cake is done. Overbaking can make it dry, so keep an eye on it after 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe is truly one of those unforgettable desserts that combines rustic charm with rich, decadent flavor. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again to share with family, friends, or just to enjoy yourself on a cozy afternoon. It’s effortless, comforting, and genuinely one of my favorite cakes to bake and savor. So grab your ingredients and experience the magic of farmers cheese and chocolate combined into a cake that truly delights with every bite.
Print
Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Description
This delightful Farmers Cheese Chocolate Cake combines a rich chocolate dough base with a creamy, tangy farmers cheese filling. The cake features a cocoa-infused crust with a smooth, sweetened cheese center that is light and luscious. Lemon zest adds a subtle bright note, balancing the richness, resulting in a sophisticated dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 3/4 sticks butter (14 Tbsp), softened
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 1/2 Tbsp milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 Tbsp baking soda
Filling
- 1.5 lb farmers cheese
- 1 1/4 cups sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 leftover egg white
- 1 1/2 Tbsp potato starch or corn starch
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional but recommended)
Topping
- 3/4 stick butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 Tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl, cream together the 1 3/4 sticks of softened butter and egg yolk. Gradually add milk while mixing. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda. Combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and knead gently to form a smooth chocolate dough. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, blend the farmers cheese with sugar until smooth. Add the three whole eggs plus one egg white, then mix in the potato or corn starch and lemon zest until well combined and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps for a silky texture in the filling.
- Assemble and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough and line a greased cake pan with it, leaving some dough to form a border. Pour the cheese filling evenly over the dough base. Bake for approximately 35 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is cooked through.
- Prepare the topping: While the cake bakes, prepare the cocoa topping by melting the 3/4 stick of butter with sugar, cocoa powder, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until smooth and syrupy, then let it cool slightly.
- Finish the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the prepared cocoa topping evenly over the top of the warm cake. Let the cake cool completely before slicing to allow the topping to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- The lemon zest in the filling is highly recommended by many readers for a bright flavor contrast.
- Potato starch or corn starch can be used interchangeably as a thickener for the filling.
- Ensure the dough is chilled before rolling to make handling easier and to achieve a tender crust.
- Allow the cake to cool fully to let the filling set, which makes slicing cleaner.
