Cheese and cranberry pie without dough

Cheese and Cranberry Easter Pastry – A Holiday Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60-70 minutes
Total time: 90-100 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Are you dreaming of a delicious, creamy, and aromatic pastry that will be the star of your Easter table? I propose a simple and quick recipe for cheese and cranberry pastry, an innovative version that combines tradition with a touch of modernity. This pastry is not only tasty but also a nutritious option, especially due to the ingredients used.

A Brief History of the Dish

Pastry is a traditional dessert that symbolizes resurrection and hope. Over time, it has evolved from a simple cheese and dough preparation into a symbol of the Easter holiday. Today, pastry comes in many variations, each with its unique ingredients and flavors. Browsing through recipes from the past, we see that cottage cheese has remained a staple ingredient, and the addition of dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, brings a refreshing note and an unmistakable taste.

Necessary Ingredients

For this cheese and cranberry pastry recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

- 800 g sweet cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 200 g sour cream
- 200 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (approximately 16 g)
- 6 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 4 tablespoons of semolina
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g cranberries (you can also use raisins if you prefer)

Step by Step Preparation of the Pastry

1. Preparing the ingredients: Ensure the cottage cheese is well-drained. Choose fresh cheese without water, as it will help you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. If necessary, you can mash the cheese with a fork or blender to remove any lumps.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, salt, sugar, vanilla sugar, and sour cream. Use a whisk or mixer to homogenize the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. It is important that no lumps remain, so be patient.

3. Adding the eggs: Continue by adding the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will contribute to an airy texture and a beautiful color of the pastry.

4. Incorporating the flour and semolina: Now is the time to introduce the flour and semolina. Add them gradually, mixing constantly to prevent lumps from forming. The semolina adds a pleasant consistency and a slight nutty flavor.

5. Adding the butter: Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the mixture. Use the whisk to incorporate it well until it completely dissolves into the mixture.

6. Including the cranberries: Finally, add the cranberries and mix gently, being careful not to crush them. They will provide a pleasant contrast in flavor and a note of acidity.

7. Preparing the baking pan: Choose a round pan with removable edges, and to prevent sticking, line the bottom with parchment paper and grease the edges with butter. This step is essential to easily remove the pastry after baking.

8. Baking: Pour the mixture into the pan, leveling it evenly. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the pastry inside. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges turn brown and the center takes on a golden hue. It is important not to open the oven in the first 40 minutes to avoid deflating the mixture.

9. Cooling: After baking, turn off the oven but leave the pastry to cool inside for about 30 minutes. This step helps prevent cracks on the surface of the pastry.

10. Serving: Once completely cooled, carefully detach the edges with a spatula and transfer the pastry to a platter. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance. Cut into portions and serve with joy!

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This cheese and cranberry pastry can be enjoyed plain, but you can accompany it with a dollop of sour cream or a berry sauce to enhance the flavors. It is also delicious alongside a fruit tea or a sweet wine, perfect for celebrations.

If you wish to experiment, you can replace the cranberries with raisins or other dried fruits, such as apricots. Additionally, you can add lemon or orange zest for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Information and Calories

This pastry contains around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. It is rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, making it a good source of calcium and vitamin D, essential for bone health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use fresh cottage cheese, ricotta, or even goat cheese for a more intense flavor.
- How can I store the pastry? The pastry stores well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-5 days. You can also freeze individual portions, but it is recommended to thaw it slowly in the refrigerator.
- Can the pastry be made without eggs? Yes, you can experiment with flax eggs or other vegan alternatives, although the texture will be different.

In concluding this recipe, I hope to have inspired you to try making this cheese and cranberry pastry, a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy and happy holidays!

 Ingredients: 800 g sweet cow cheese, a pinch of salt, 200 g sour cream, 200 g sugar, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 6 eggs, 4 tablespoons of grated flour, 4 tablespoons of semolina, 100 g butter, 100 g cranberries

 Tags:  cheeseless pastry with cheese and cranberries easter recipes