Easter cake with raisins

Raisin Easter Bread is a traditional dessert that adds a touch of magic and joy to every festive meal. With a fluffy dough and a creamy cheese filling, this dish is not only a delicacy but also a way to bring the family together around the table. Let's discover together how to prepare a delicious Raisin Easter Bread step by step, with plenty of helpful tips and interesting information!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60-70 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 3 large eggs
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 500 g flour
- 1 packet (7 g) dry yeast
- 100 ml oil
- 100 g sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon

For the filling:
- 750 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 5 eggs
- 100 g butter (room temperature)
- 150 g sour cream
- 60 g semolina
- 90 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 150 g raisins
- 2 tablespoons rum
- 3 tablespoons milk
- Grated zest of one orange or lemon

A Brief History
Easter Bread has deep roots in culinary traditions, being associated with religious celebrations. Over time, recipes have evolved, but the essence remains the same: a light dough and a rich filling that reflect joy and family reunions. Raisins add a touch of sweetness and a pleasant texture, making this Easter Bread a perfect choice for the holiday table.

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the dry yeast with one tablespoon of sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of flour. Pour 100 ml of lukewarm milk over the mixture, stir gently, and let it rise for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy.

2. Soaking the raisins: While the yeast is rising, place the raisins in a bowl with 3 tablespoons of milk and 2 tablespoons of rum. This step will help the raisins become plump and flavorful.

3. Making the dough: In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Pour in the risen yeast, then add the eggs, remaining milk, sugar, oil, and grated lemon zest. Knead the dough well until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes.

4. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the butter, sour cream, sugar, flour, semolina, orange zest, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Finally, fold in the soaked raisins gently. Add the beaten egg whites, mixing carefully to avoid deflating them.

5. Assembling the bread: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a round baking pan with butter and sprinkle a little flour. Divide the dough into two parts: roll one part into a thick sheet about 1 cm thick and place it in the pan. Raise the dough along the edges, about two fingers high, to form a "wall."

6. Adding the filling: Sprinkle a little semolina on the dough in the pan, then pour in the cheese filling with raisins. From the remaining dough, form rolls that you braid together. Place the braid around the edge of the pan, leaving some dough to form a cross on top of the filling.

7. Baking the bread: Brush the bread with a beaten egg for a beautiful color at the end. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. Once golden, cover with aluminum foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes to ensure it is well cooked inside.

8. Cooling and serving: After the bread is baked, let it cool in the pan for a few hours before removing it. It is ideal to let it sit in the refrigerator overnight, as the flavor intensifies and the texture improves.

Helpful Tips
- Use well-drained cottage cheese to avoid a too-wet filling.
- Adding citrus zest (orange or lemon) to the filling brings a fresh and vibrant flavor.
- If you prefer a richer bread, you can also add some ground nuts to the filling.
- Serve the bread with a berry sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an even more delicious dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but make sure to adjust the amounts of sugar and liquids to achieve the desired consistency.

2. What if I don’t have raisins?
You can replace raisins with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, or omit them entirely.

3. How do I store the bread?
The bread can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Delicious Pairings
Raisin Easter Bread pairs perfectly with fruit tea or sweet white wine. You can also serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Enjoy this Raisin Easter Bread recipe, which will not only impress your guests but also bring back fond memories with every bite. Preparing this delicacy is not just a culinary art, but also a family tradition worth keeping alive!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 3 eggs, 200 ml milk, 500 g flour, 1 packet dry yeast, 100 ml oil, 100 g sugar, grated zest of 1 lemon. For the filling: 750 g cottage cheese, 5 eggs, 100 g butter, 150 g sour cream, 60 g semolina, 90 g flour, 200 g sugar, 5 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla essence, 150 g raisins, 2 tablespoons rum, 3 tablespoons milk, grated zest of 1 orange or lemon.

 Tags:  easter recipes cheese pie easter cakes easter bread with raisins