Cozonac with cheese
Cheese Babka – A fluffy delicacy with a delicate filling and crispy caramel
Cheese babka is a perfect choice for those who want to try something different from the traditional poppy seed, walnut, or Turkish delight babka. This recipe not only combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the creamy cheese filling but is also topped with a layer of caramelized sugar that adds a delicious contrast. It is an ideal dish for holidays or gatherings with family and friends, with a taste that will delight any sweet lover.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 10-20 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 slices
Ingredients:
For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 cube of yeast (25 g)
- 300 ml lukewarm milk
- 150 g sugar
- 3 tablespoons vanilla sugar
- 1 egg
- 50 g butter at room temperature
- 1 pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 230 g cottage cheese
- 200 g cream cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 essence of rum
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
For the caramel:
- 5 tablespoons sugar
Preparation:
1. Preparing the dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl, creating a well in the center. Add the salt, yeast, and a little lukewarm milk. Gently mix with a fork to activate the yeast, then let it rise for 15 minutes. The activated yeast will make the dough fluffy and airy.
2. Completing the dough: After the yeast has risen, add the remaining ingredients: sugar, egg, butter, and the rest of the milk. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If necessary, you can add a little flour to achieve the right consistency. Let the dough rise in a warm place, covered with a damp towel, for 30 minutes or until it doubles in volume.
3. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, cream cheese, beaten eggs, flour, rum essence, and vanilla sugar. Ensure the filling is well blended and has a creamy texture.
4. Shaping the babka: After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Evenly spread the cheese filling over the dough, leaving a few centimeters free at the edges. Carefully roll the dough, forming a log. Cut the log into pieces about 5-8 cm long.
5. Caramelizing the sugar: In a pan, caramelize the 5 tablespoons of sugar, allowing it to melt and turn golden. It is important to supervise the process, as the sugar can burn quickly. Once it has achieved a nice color, remove the pan from the heat.
6. Arranging the babkas: Place the pieces of babka in the pan, making sure they are well arranged. Cover again with a towel and let rise for 30 minutes.
7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. When the babkas have risen well, place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until golden and baked through.
8. Inverting: As soon as you take the babka out of the oven, invert it onto a platter (be careful, the caramel is hot!). If you wait too long, the caramel will harden and will not pour easily.
9. Serving: You can serve the babka warm or at room temperature, dusted with a little powdered sugar for an elegant look. It is delicious alongside a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for an even dough.
- You can add raisins or chocolate pieces to the cheese filling for extra flavor.
- If you don't have fresh yeast, you can use dry yeast, keeping in mind that 1 packet of dry yeast is equivalent to 7 g of fresh yeast.
Nutritional benefits:
The cheese babka is not only delicious but also a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. It also contains carbohydrates from the flour that provide energy. Depending on the ingredients used, you can adapt the recipe to create a healthier babka, with whole ingredients or reduced sugar.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use soy cheese or lactose-free cheese?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to fit your dietary preferences by using soy cheese or lactose-free alternatives.
2. What if the dough doesn’t rise?
Make sure the yeast is fresh and that you used lukewarm milk, not hot. It may help to leave the dough in a warm place, away from drafts.
3. Can I freeze the babka?
Yes, the babka can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer.
Possible variations:
- Instead of cheese filling, you can experiment with chocolate or dried fruit fillings.
- Add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to give the babka a different flavor.
The cheese babka is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience that brings back fond memories spent with loved ones. By cooking this recipe, you will bring joy and flavor into your home, and the final result will surely be impressive. So, put on your chef's outfit and start creating the magic of this fluffy and delicious babka!
Ingredients: 230g cheese, 200g cream cheese, 2 eggs, 150g sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, rum essence, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 500g flour, 1 cube yeast, 300ml milk, vanilla sugar, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 egg, 50g butter at room temperature.
