Strawberry Kutchen

I found this recipe at Mary's blog, One Perfect Bite I want to say, about two years ago.  I know, slap me for not trying this sooner and blogging about it.  I wanted to slap me.  Mary made a Raspberry Kuchen and I used strawberries since that's what i had on hand.

Mary said this used to be called a "Poor Man's Cheese Cake" but it is officially called a Kuchen.  the Kuchen has a soft , cake-like, custard body and contains fruit.  I would love to try this with blueberries and blackberries.

This dessert is a winner on so many levels, the main one being it is very low-fat and it is not overly sweet.  The Kuchen can be made with fresh or frozen berries, but since it's the beginning of summer, use fresh berries, baby!

Here's the Cast of Characters:

BASE:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup butter, melted

2 egg whites

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 cups fresh or frozen berries (I used fresh strawberries)

FILLING:

1-1/2 cups plain low-fat or non-fat yogurt

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 slightly beaten egg yolks

1 slightly beaten whole egg

1-1/2 teaspoons lemon zest

1 teaspoon vanilla

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springfoam pan.  If using frozen berries, thaw them to room temperature and drain.  In a food processor bowl or medium bowl, stir together 1 cup flour, the first 1/2 cup sugar, salt and baking powder.

Add melted butter, 2 egg whites and first teaspoon of vanilla.  Cover and process until mixed.

Spread on the bottom of the springfoam pan.

Sprinkle with berries and set aside.

For filling, place yogurt in a large mixing bowl, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of flour.

Add remaining sugar, egg yolks, lemon zest and remaining vanilla.  Mix until smooth.

Pour over berries.

Bake for about 55 minutes or until center appears set when shaken slightly.  Cool for 15 minutes and remove sides of pan.

Cover and chill until ready to serve, up to 24-hours.

Berries and a low-fat dessert, it's going to be a great summer!