Easter bread

Sweet cheese pasca is a traditional delight, adored by all who love a fluffy, aromatic dessert with a creamy texture. This recipe is not just a simple dish, but a culinary experience that brings family and friends together during festive moments. In this guide, I will teach you step by step how to prepare a perfect pasca, full of flavors and tradition. Whether you serve it at Easter or on any other special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250 kcal

Ingredients for the dough:
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 100 ml warm milk
- A pinch of salt
- Warm water (enough to make the starter)
- Flour as needed (approximately 500 g)
- 100 ml oil (sunflower or olive, as preferred)

Ingredients for the cheese cream:
- 500 g sweet cheese (cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- Orange zest (jarred or fresh) and raisins (optional)
- 1 egg yolk for brushing

Step 1: Preparing the starter
Start by preparing the starter, an essential step for achieving a fluffy and airy dough. In a small bowl, crumble the yeast and add a little warm water (about 50 ml), 1 teaspoon of sugar, and a tablespoon of flour. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste. Cover the bowl with a towel and let it rise for 15-20 minutes, until bubbles form and the starter becomes frothy.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
Once the starter has risen, incorporate the remaining sugar, eggs, a pinch of salt, warm milk, and flour gradually until you obtain an elastic dough. Add the oil, kneading well. This process will take about 10-15 minutes. The dough should be soft but not sticky to the hands. Once you achieve the desired consistency, cover it with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume, about 1 hour.

Step 3: Preparing the cheese cream
While the dough is rising, you can prepare the cheese cream. In a large bowl, combine the sweet cheese with the sugar, eggs, and sour cream. Mix well until you obtain a smooth mixture. If you choose to add raisins, this is the time to incorporate them along with the orange zest. These will add a sweet flavor and pleasant texture.

Step 4: Assembling the pasca
After the dough has risen, sprinkle flour on the work surface and roll it out into a square sheet about 1 cm thick. Transfer the dough to a baking dish lined with parchment paper, being careful to gently lift the edges with your fingers to form a small border. This will help keep the cheese cream inside.

Pour the cheese cream evenly over the dough, and if desired, sprinkle raisins and more orange zest for extra flavor. Fold the edges of the dough over the cream, like a kind of 'lid'. Brush the edges with the beaten egg yolk to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat). Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the pasca for about 40 minutes or until it becomes golden and fluffy. Check with a toothpick, and if it comes out clean, the pasca is ready. Let it cool in the dish for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions and variations
This pasca is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a spoonful of sour cream and a bit of berry jam. You can also experiment with different flavors, adding cocoa to the cheese cream for a chocolate pasca variant or replacing the raisins with candied fruits.

Nutritional benefits
Sweet cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein, while eggs contribute to the intake of B vitamins. This pasca, although delicious, should be consumed in moderation due to its sugar and fat content.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use about 10 g of dry yeast. Add it directly to the flour.
- How can I make the pasca less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cheese cream or omit the raisins.
- Is it possible to prepare the pasca in advance?
Yes, you can make the pasca a day ahead and keep it in the refrigerator. Reheat it before serving.

Now that you know all the secrets of this sweet cheese pasca recipe, all that’s left is to get cooking. With a little patience and attention to detail, you will create a spectacular dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 25 g yeast; 3 eggs; 3 tablespoons sugar; 100 ml warm milk; a pinch of salt; a little warm water for the starter; flour as needed; 100 ml oil; for the cheese cream: 500 g sweet cheese; 5 tablespoons sugar; 4 tablespoons sour cream; 3 eggs; Orange peel in a jar and raisins; 1 egg yolk for brushing. Enough for a cake of 25x25cm.