Polish cheesecake

Polish Cheese Pascha - A Holiday Delight

If you are looking for a recipe for pascha that breaks the usual mold, you have come to the right place! Polish cheese pascha is a delicious variant, featuring a chocolate pound cake batter that perfectly combines sweetness with flavor. This recipe is not only simple but also an easy alternative for all cooking enthusiasts who want to impress with a dessert that is sure to bring smiles to the faces of their loved ones.

General Information
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 60 minutes
- Total time: 90 minutes
- Number of servings: 12

A bit of history
Pascha has deep roots in culinary traditions, often associated with Easter celebrations. In many cultures, pascha is a symbol of rebirth and abundance. This variant with cheese is popular because of its creamy texture and the delightful combination of cocoa and cheese filling. It is a recipe that can be adapted according to personal preferences, but today we will focus on the traditional version that will not disappoint.

Ingredients
Composition I - The Batter:
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups of oil (approximately 500 ml)
- 2 cups of warm milk (approximately 500 ml)
- 2 cups of sugar (approximately 250 g)
- 3-4 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of ammonia (dissolved in a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Rum and vanilla extracts (to taste)
- 5-6 cups of flour (approximately 750 g)

Composition II - The Cheese Filling:
- 800 g of cow cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 400 g of sour cream
- 5 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar (approximately 300 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- Rum essence (to taste)
- 100 g of raisins (optional)
- 5-6 tablespoons of flour (approximately 75 g)

Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
1. Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. It is essential to have the oven at the right temperature to achieve a well-baked batter.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until they become a homogeneous and light-colored cream. This step is crucial for obtaining a fluffy texture.
3. Add the oil, rum and vanilla extracts, salt, and warm milk. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and dissolved ammonia. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

Step 2: Preparing the Cheese Filling
1. In a blender, add the cow cheese and sour cream. Blend until you obtain a smooth paste.
2. Add the eggs, sugar, salt, and rum essence. Continue blending until everything is well incorporated.
3. Finally, add the flour and raisins, gently mixing until well combined.

Step 3: Assembling the Pascha
1. Prepare a rectangular baking dish with higher walls, lining it with baking paper. This step will prevent sticking and facilitate the final removal of the pascha.
2. Pour half of the pound cake mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Add the entire cheese filling, spreading it evenly over the entire surface.
4. Cover with the other half of the pound cake mixture, ensuring it is well distributed.

Step 4: Baking
1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. Check with a cake tester; if it comes out clean, the pascha is ready.
2. After baking, remove the pascha from the oven and let it cool in the dish for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Serving
1. Carefully remove the baking paper and cut the pascha into portions.
2. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar on top or with a fruit sauce for a touch of freshness.

Practical Tips
- Choosing the Cheese: Opt for well-drained cow cheese to prevent a too-wet filling. If you prefer a stronger taste, you can use ricotta cheese.
- Raisins: If you want to add a touch of flavor, you can soak the raisins in a little rum or warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the filling.
- Variations: You can experiment with various flavors, adding citrus zest or cinnamon both in the filling and the batter.

Nutritional Benefits
This pascha is not only delicious but also packed with protein from the cow cheese and eggs. Whole wheat flour can be a healthier option, adding extra fiber. Additionally, cocoa contains antioxidants, benefits that will pamper your body, not just your taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the pascha be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the pascha after it has completely cooled. It is recommended to wrap it well in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
- What drinks pair well with pascha?
A cup of flavored coffee or a fruit tea will perfectly complement the taste of the pascha. Additionally, a glass of sweet wine or a refreshing aperitif can be excellent choices.

Personal Note
This recipe for Polish cheese pascha is one of those delights that can quickly become a family favorite. I recommend making it together with your loved ones, turning cooking into a joyful experience full of memories. Don't forget to enjoy every step of the process, from measuring the ingredients to savoring a slice of warm pascha. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Composition I: -4 eggs -2 cups oil -2 cups milk -2 cups sugar (1 cup approx. 125g) -3-4 tablespoons cocoa -1 baking powder -1 teaspoon ammonia -half a teaspoon salt -rum essence, vanilla 5-6 cups flour Composition II: -800 g cottage cheese -400 g sour cream -5 eggs -one and a half cups sugar -half a teaspoon salt -rum essence -100g raisins -5-6 tablespoons flour