Traditional cheesecake

Traditional Cottage Cheese Cake – A Treasure from the Past

Cooking is an art that brings us closer to our roots, and today's recipe is a true gem from traditional cuisine, inherited through generations. The cottage cheese cake is not just a delicious dessert, but also a pleasant memory of summer days spent with loved ones. This recipe, originating from the Tg. Mureș area, has been carefully preserved by my husband's great-grandmother and deserves to be enjoyed by all dessert lovers.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the dough:
- 150 ml lukewarm milk
- 3 tablespoons sugar + 1 teaspoon sugar
- 30 g melted butter
- 350 g flour
- 1 egg
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Ingredients for the cheese filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 10 g raisins
- 100 g noodles
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1 egg + 1 egg white

Ingredients for brushing:
- 1 egg yolk

Secret ingredient for dusting:
- semolina

The story behind the recipe

This cake symbolizes the need to preserve culinary traditions, a way to remember the moments spent with family. The history of this delicacy teaches us that from simple ingredients, memorable flavors can be created. Cottage cheese, an essential ingredient in many traditional recipes, is rich in protein and calcium, providing significant nutritional benefits.

Step by step in making the cake

1. Preparing the starter: Start by warming 100 ml of milk until it is lukewarm. Add the yeast and one teaspoon of sugar, stirring gently to dissolve the yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is when the yeast starts to activate, bringing air and volume to the dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Add the egg, melted butter (but lukewarm), the rest of the milk, sugar, and grated lemon zest. Pour the yeast starter into the center of the mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients. Knead for about 10 minutes until you obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough.

3. Dough rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for one hour until the dough doubles in volume. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

4. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, cook the noodles according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain them and let them cool. In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with sugar, egg yolk, grated lemon zest, raisins, and semolina. Beat the egg white separately until stiff peaks form and fold it into the cheese mixture.

5. Assembling the cake: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out the first thin sheet. Place it in a greased baking dish or lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle semolina over the entire surface of the sheet to absorb moisture.

6. Adding the filling: Evenly spread the cheese filling over the first sheet, sprinkling semolina on top again. Roll out the second sheet of dough and carefully place it over the filling. Use a fork to gently prick the sheet in several places, allowing steam to escape during baking.

7. Baking the cake: Brush the surface of the cake with the beaten egg yolk for a golden and appetizing crust. Bake the cake for 50 minutes at 150 degrees Celsius. Check if it is done by testing with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

8. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can sprinkle a little semolina or powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.

Useful tips for a perfect result

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the preparation process for better homogenization.
- If you want a more aromatic version, you can add vanilla essence or cinnamon to the cheese filling.
- Depending on your preferences, you can replace the raisins with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries.
- This cake is wonderful both warm and cold. You can serve it with a scoop of yogurt or sour cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Combinations and variations

The cottage cheese cake is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Additionally, a glass of fresh milk or a fruit smoothie will pair wonderfully. If you want to turn it into a more sophisticated dessert, you can add a berry sauce on top.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought cottage cheese?
Yes, it is perfect! Make sure to choose a low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter option.

2. How can I store the cake?
I recommend storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe contains eggs and dairy products, but you can try vegan alternatives using egg substitutes and plant-based cheese.

In conclusion, the traditional cottage cheese cake is a simple yet flavorful and nostalgic recipe. Whether you choose to make it for a special occasion or simply to treat your family, this dessert will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 150ml milk, 3 tablespoons of sugar + 1 teaspoon of sugar, 30g butter, 350g flour, 1 egg, 25g fresh yeast, 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel. For the filling: 500g cottage cheese, 10g raisins, 100g noodles, 2 tablespoons semolina, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel, 1 egg + 1 egg white. For brushing: 1 egg yolk. For dusting: semolina.

 Tags:  cake sweet cheese layered cake gray raisins