1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Grease a springform pan (8-9 inches) or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
• If making a crust, mix the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of the pan and refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

2. Blend the Cottage Cheese

• Place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. This step ensures a creamy texture for your cake.

3. Mix the Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the blended cottage cheese, vanilla extract, flour, sour cream (if using), and salt. Mix until well combined.
• For variations, fold in optional ingredients like zest, raisins, or chocolate chips gently to avoid deflating the batter.

4. Assemble the Cake

• Pour the batter over the prepared crust (if using). If skipping the crust, pour it directly into the greased pan.
• Smooth the surface with a spatula for an even bake.

5. Bake the Cake

• Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
• To prevent cracks, consider using a water bath by placing the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with hot water.

6. Cool and Chill

• Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature in the pan.
• Once cooled, refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
• Top with your choice of fresh fruits, compote, or whipped cream.
• Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your cottage cheese cake as a delicious dessert or snack!