Sweet cheese pie
Sweet cheese pie is a simple and delicious dessert, perfect for bringing a smile to the faces of loved ones. This classic recipe is often associated with festive moments and family reunions, carrying a long history that reminds us of the flavors of childhood. Whether you enjoy it warm, freshly baked, or at room temperature, sweet cheese pie is always a winning choice.
In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to achieve a perfect result, highlighting the flavor of the cottage cheese, the sweetness of the raisins, and the aroma of the essences.
Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients
- 1 package of pastry sheets (about 250 g)
- 1 kg cottage cheese
- 4 eggs
- 100 g raisins
- 200 g sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- Grated zest of 1 orange
- Oil mixed with melted butter (for greasing)
- Vanilla sugar (for dusting)
Necessary utensils
- Baking tray (about 30 x 40 cm)
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Brush for greasing
- Knife for cutting
Preparing the filling
1. Preparing the cheese: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, beaten eggs, sugar, raisins, vanilla essence, and grated orange zest. Mix all the ingredients well with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture becomes homogeneous. Ensure that the cheese is well broken down so that the filling is smooth and creamy.
2. Soaking the raisins: To enhance the flavor of the raisins, you can soak them in warm water or rum for about 10 minutes. They will become juicier and release more flavor into the filling.
Assembling the pie
3. Preparing the tray: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease the tray with a thin layer of oil and melted butter to prevent the pie from sticking.
4. Laying the sheets: Open the package of pastry sheets and divide them in half. Place the first half of the sheets in the tray, brushing each sheet with a mixture of oil and melted butter using a brush. This will ensure that the pie has a flaky and golden texture.
5. Adding the filling: After placing the first sheets, pour the cheese filling into the tray, leveling it evenly.
6. Laying the remaining sheets: Continuing, place the other half of the sheets, brushing each sheet with oil and butter, just as in the previous step. Make sure the last sheets are well greased to achieve a crispy crust.
7. Cutting the pie: Using a knife, cut the pie into portions, making it easier to serve after baking. This will also help to ensure even baking.
Baking the pie
8. Preparing the syrup: In a small saucepan, bring 100 ml of water to a boil with 4 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add a little grated orange zest for extra flavor.
9. Baking in the oven: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. After this time, pour the warm syrup over the pie and let it bake for another 20 minutes until it becomes golden and crispy on top.
10. Finishing: Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Dust it with vanilla sugar before serving for an attractive appearance.
Serving
Sweet cheese pie can be served warm or at room temperature. It is delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a glass of fresh milk. An excellent combination is also with a cup of flavored fruit tea or coffee.
Practical tips
- Filling variations: You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped dark chocolate or nuts, to give it a different taste.
- Pastry sheet: If you wish, you can use store-bought pastry sheets or make homemade pastry sheets for a more authentic taste and texture.
- Storage: The pie keeps well in the fridge for a few days, but it is best consumed fresh.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
- Yes, you can try ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different texture.
2. How can I make the pie less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling or omit the syrup on top.
3. Is it possible to freeze the pie?
- Yes, the baked pie can be frozen. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Nutritional benefits
Sweet cheese pie provides a good source of protein from the cheese, but it is important to consume it in moderation due to the sugar and fat content. Cottage cheese is also a source of calcium, essential for bone health.
In conclusion, sweet cheese pie is a dessert that should not be missing from anyone's culinary repertoire. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to indulge yourself, this simple and delicious recipe will bring you joy and satisfaction. Enjoy!
Ingredients: a package of pastry sheets 1 kg of cottage cheese 4 eggs 100 g of raisins vanilla essence, grated orange peel 200 g of sugar oil mixed with melted butter (for greasing the sheets) vanilla sugar
