Easter bread

Easter Cheese Pie Recipe – A Traditional Delight

Easter cheese pie is a beloved dessert with roots in ancient traditions, often associated with the Easter holidays. This simple and delicious recipe will take you on a culinary journey full of flavor, and its aroma will fill your home with joy and warmth. Whether you serve it with family or at a gathering with friends, the Easter cheese pie will surely be the star of the table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

Ingredients for the dough:
- 400 g flour 650 (or 000, but 650 has a better texture)
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 50 g powdered sugar (melts faster)
- 1 egg (to bind the dough)
- 3 tablespoons milk (or more if needed)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 kg cottage cheese (preferably fresh for better taste)
- 6 large eggs (or 7 small, as you used)
- 200 g powdered sugar (for a sweet and fine taste)
- 100 g raisins (soaked in water with rum essence)
- 4 packets vanilla sugar

Preparation:
1. Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, add the flour and powdered sugar. Mix well, then add the butter cut into cubes. Use your fingers to incorporate the butter into the flour until the mixture becomes crumbly.

2. Add the egg and the 3 tablespoons of milk. Mix everything with a spatula or by hand until the mixture starts to come together. If you find the dough too dry, you can add a little more milk.

3. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface. Knead it gently until it becomes homogeneous, but do not over-knead to avoid making it too elastic.

4. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it reaches the thickness of a coin. Carefully place it in a springform pan, leaving the edges slightly higher to hold the filling.

5. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a perfect texture.

6. While the dough cools, prepare the filling. In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture becomes homogeneous.

7. Add the soaked raisins and gently mix so they do not break. The raisins add sweetness and a pleasant texture to the filling.

8. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and pour the filling over it, leveling it evenly with a spatula.

9. Preheat the oven to a low temperature and bake the Easter cheese pie. Leave it in the oven for about an hour, or until the filling is firm and passes the toothpick test – it should come out clean.

10. After the Easter cheese pie is baked, let it cool for a few minutes in the pan, then carefully remove it. Finally, sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a more appetizing appearance.

11. Serve the Easter cheese pie warm or at room temperature, alongside a cup of tea or coffee for an unforgettable experience.

Practical tips:
- Flour 650 is preferred due to its gluten content, which helps the dough bind better. If you choose flour 000, add a bit of starch to compensate.
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature for even incorporation into the dough.
- You can also add other dried fruits or nuts to the filling to vary the delicious Easter cheese pie.
- If you want an even more intense flavor, add a few drops of vanilla essence to the filling.

Nutritional benefits:
- Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, contributing to bone health.
- Eggs are rich in vitamins A and D, while raisins provide a significant amount of antioxidants and iron.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use store-bought cottage cheese? Yes, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- What can I do with leftover dough? You can make delicious cookies from the leftovers by adding some of your favorite flavors.

Possible variations:
- Add melted chocolate to the filling for a decadent Easter cheese pie.
- Use goat cheese for a more intense and distinct flavor.

This Easter cheese pie recipe is more than just a dessert; it is a piece of culinary tradition, a way to connect with loved ones, and to celebrate beautiful moments. So, put on your chef's apron and enjoy every step of this culinary adventure! Happy Easter!

 Ingredients: For the dough, I used: 400 g of flour 650 (000 can also be used, but I prefer this one) 200 g of butter at room temperature 50 g of sugar (I used powdered sugar to dissolve faster) 1 egg 3 tablespoons of milk. Filling ingredients: 1 kg of cow cheese 6 large eggs (I used 7 small ones) 200 g of sugar (I also used powdered sugar to dissolve faster) 100 g of raisins soaked in water with 2 bottles of rum essence 4 packets of vanilla sugar.

 Tags:  easter bread