Sweet cheese pie Sunflower

The sweet cheese pie "Sunflower" is a recipe that brings joy to every home. This delicious combination of fluffy dough and sweet cheese filling, flavored with lemon, is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it for breakfast, as a dessert, or as a sweet snack between meals, this pie will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Let’s discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Preparation time:
- Total time: 2 hours (including rising)
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 30-40 minutes
- Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 4 tablespoons yogurt
- 2 egg yolks
- 170-200 ml milk (warm)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 80 g butter (soft, at room temperature)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 800 g sweet cottage cheese
- 3 eggs + 2 egg whites
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons semolina
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons raisins (optional)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 egg for brushing
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Recipe history
Sweet cheese pies have a rich tradition in various cultures throughout history. These dishes have traditionally been associated with holidays and special occasions, often made within families, wrapped in stories and memories. This recipe is a modern adaptation, but it retains the essence and classic flavors that remind us of childhood tastes.

Preparing the dough

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This will help achieve a fine and fluffy dough.

2. Activate the yeast: Rub the fresh yeast with a tablespoon of sugar until it completely dissolves. This process will help activate the yeast, ensuring even rising.

3. Heat the milk: Pour the milk into a small pot and gently heat it until it is warm (not hot!). Adding warm milk helps the yeast activate effectively.

4. Mix the ingredients: In the bowl with flour, add the egg yolks, yogurt, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix a little by hand to combine the ingredients.

5. Add the yeast: Add the activated yeast, soft butter, and warm milk. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding milk until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough.

6. Flavor: Finally, incorporate the lemon zest, which will give a delicious aroma to the dough.

7. Rising: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the filling

1. Mix the ingredients: In a bowl, add the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, semolina, lemon zest, raisins, and vanilla sugar. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

Assembling the pie

1. Divide the dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal parts.

2. Roll out the sheets: Take two pieces of dough and roll them out into thin sheets. These will be the base sheets of the pie.

3. Prepare the tray: Grease a tart pan with butter and line it with baking paper. Place the first sheet of dough in the pan.

4. Add the filling: Put half of the cheese filling in the center, leaving a free space between the filling and the edge of the sheet. This will allow the dough to rise and bake evenly.

5. Place the second sheet: Cover the filling with the second sheet of dough. Use a small bowl to create a circle in the center, and cut strips of dough around the bowl, which you can twist to create a decorative effect.

6. Repeat the process: Do the same with the other 2 pieces of dough and the remaining filling.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven: Meanwhile, turn on the oven and set it to a moderate temperature (180-190°C).

2. Let it rise: Allow the pies to rise on the stovetop for 10 minutes.

3. Brush with egg: Beat an egg and brush the surface of the pies with a pastry brush for a golden and appetizing crust.

4. Bake: Place the pies in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until they turn golden and are baked through.

Serving

1. Cooling: After removing them from the oven, cover the pies with baking paper and a towel to prevent hardening.

2. Dusting: Once cooled, dust them with powdered sugar and get ready to serve.

3. Serving suggestion: This pie pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. It can also be enjoyed with vanilla sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Practical tips
- Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best results. Type 550 flour is ideal for cakes and pies.
- Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh for optimal rising. If using dry yeast, the required amount is about 7 g.
- Dough: If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour. If it is too dry, gradually add milk.
- Filling: You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as chocolate or dried fruits, for a personalized touch.

Nutritional information
This pie is an excellent source of protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs, but it also contains carbohydrates from flour and sugar. One serving provides approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good choice for an energizing breakfast or a sweet dessert, but should be consumed in moderation due to its sugar content.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but it is advisable to adjust the amount of sugar, as these cheeses can be sweeter.
2. How do I store the pies? They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
3. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before using it.

The sweet cheese pie "Sunflower" is not just a dessert, but a true culinary experience. Thank you for choosing to cook with us, and we hope you enjoy every delicious slice!

 Ingredients: For the dough: 500 g flour, 4 tablespoons yogurt, 2 egg yolks, 170-200 ml milk, 4 tablespoons sugar, 25 g yeast, 80 g butter, grated lemon zest, a pinch of salt. For the filling: 800 g sweet cottage cheese, 3 eggs + 2 egg whites, 10 tablespoons sugar, 1-2 tablespoons semolina, grated lemon zest, 2 tablespoons raisins, 2 packets vanilla sugar, 1 egg for glazing, powdered sugar.

 Tags:  sweet cheese pie