Cake with flaky layers, cheese, and raisins

Delicate pastry cake with cheese and raisins

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I invite you to prepare with me a delicate pastry cake with cheese and raisins, a dessert that combines the slightly crunchy texture of the pastry with a creamy and flavorful filling. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a gathering with friends to a festive family meal. So, let’s get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the pastry:
- 4 tablespoons of lard (approximately 100 g)
- 600-650 g of white flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 200 ml of milk
- 2 medium eggs
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 800 g of sweet cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 3 medium eggs
- 6 tablespoons of semolina
- 1 teaspoon of grated orange peel
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence
- 4-5 tablespoons of sugar (to taste)
- 50 g of raisins (previously soaked in water or rum essence)

The story of the cake

The delicate pastry cake with cheese is a traditional dessert often found on Romanian tables, frequently associated with moments of celebration and joy. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, with each housewife adding her personal touch, whether it be a secret ingredient or a special preparation technique. The aroma of raisins and orange peel, combined with the fragile texture of the pastry, makes this dessert an irresistible choice for any sweet lover.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, add the lard and sugar. Mix well until you achieve a creamy composition. This step is crucial as the sugar will dissolve more easily, and the texture will be more uniform.

Add the sifted flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix to incorporate the dry ingredients. It is important to sift the flour, as this will add air, contributing to the fragility of the pastry.

2. Incorporate the eggs.
Add the eggs and mix well. You will notice that the dough becomes more compact. Gradually add the milk, continuing to knead by hand. The dough should be elastic and non-sticky; if it is too soft, feel free to add a little flour, and if it is too hard, add more milk.

3. Dividing the dough:
Once you have obtained a homogeneous dough, divide it into two equal parts. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out the pastry.

4. Rolling out the pastry:
On a floured work surface, roll out the first part of the dough into a rectangular sheet, adjusted to the size of your baking tray (20/25 cm). Grease the tray with a little butter to prevent sticking.

5. Preheating the oven:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In the meantime, you can prepare the filling.

6. Preparing the filling:
In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese (make sure it is well-drained), eggs, sugar, orange peel, and rum essence. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Finally, add the semolina and soaked raisins. The semolina will help absorb moisture and provide structure to the filling.

7. Assembling the cake:
Remove the tray from the oven, pour the filling over the first pastry sheet, and level it. Roll out the second sheet from the remaining dough and place it over the filling. Prick the surface of the cake with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush with beaten egg for a golden and shiny crust.

8. Baking:
Place the tray in the oven and bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until the surface is beautifully browned. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will be irresistible!

9. Finishing:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance. Served warm, it is simply delicious!

Serving suggestions

The delicate pastry cake with cheese and raisins pairs perfectly with a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee. Additionally, vanilla ice cream or unsweetened whipped cream can add a delicious contrast of textures.

Possible variations

To personalize this recipe, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or goat cheese. Replace the raisins with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a crunchy note. You can also add additional flavors, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to enhance the taste.

Nutritional benefits

This cake is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the semolina adds complex carbohydrates. Although it is a dessert, in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet. A serving of cake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of fat instead of lard?
Yes, you can use butter or margarine, but the texture will vary.

- What can I do if I don’t have cottage cheese?
You can use ricotta cheese or a mixture of mascarpone cheese and Greek yogurt.

- How can I store the cake?
It is best to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last for a few days.

I encourage you to try this delicate pastry cake with cheese and raisins! It is a wonderful choice to bring a touch of joy to every day. Don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones, bringing more smiles around the table! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 4 tablespoons of lard, 600-650 g of white flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 200 ml of milk, 2 eggs, 3 tablespoons of sugar, a pinch of salt. Filling: 800 g of sweet cottage cheese, 3 eggs, 6 tablespoons of semolina, 1 teaspoon of grated orange peel, 1 teaspoon of rum essence, 4-5 tablespoons of sugar, 50 grams of raisins.

 Tags:  cheese cake