Pastry without dough

Crustless Pasca - A Sweet and Creamy Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Who doesn't love a dessert that evokes holidays and special moments spent with loved ones? Crustless pasca is an excellent choice that combines the fluffy texture of cheese with the sweetness of sugar and vanilla. This recipe is not only simple but also captivating, thanks to the preparation process that transforms basic ingredients into something truly special.

A bit of history: Pasca is a traditional dessert prepared in many cultures during Easter celebrations. Without specifying countries or regions, it can be said that this dessert symbolizes joy and rebirth. Today, we will explore a simpler version, without crust, that will surprise you with its rich flavor and creamy texture.

Here’s what you need to do to achieve a delicious pasca:

Ingredients:

- 8 eggs (6 for the mixture, 2 for decoration)
- 8 tablespoons sour cream
- 11 tablespoons sugar
- 11 tablespoons flour
- 11 tablespoons full-fat cottage cheese
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 packet baking powder
- Butter for greasing the pan

Ingredient tips:

1. Eggs: Use fresh eggs from a reliable source. The freshness of the eggs will influence the final texture of the dessert.
2. Cottage cheese: Choose a well-drained full-fat cheese to avoid excess moisture in the mixture. Ricotta cheese can also be an excellent alternative.
3. Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, adjust the amount of sugar to your personal taste.
4. Sour cream: Opt for full-fat sour cream for a richer and creamier texture.

Preparing the Pasca:

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Ensure that the bowls are clean and free of grease to achieve fluffy egg whites.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed, gradually adding the sugar and vanilla sugar. Continue mixing for about 10 minutes until the egg whites become firm and glossy. This step is essential to ensure an airy texture.

3. Incorporating the ingredients: In another bowl, combine the yolks, sour cream, cottage cheese, and mix well. Then, gradually add the flour mixed with the baking powder, gently stirring to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

4. Flavoring the mixture: Add the lemon zest and vanilla extract. These ingredients will bring extra flavor, making the dessert more aromatic.

5. Combining the egg whites with the mixture: Slowly fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture using a spatula, so as to retain the air in the egg whites. This will contribute to a fluffy texture.

6. Preparing the pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a round baking pan with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.

7. Pouring the mixture: Carefully pour the mixture into the pan.

8. Decorating the pasca: Beat the remaining two eggs with a pinch of flour and pour them over the mixture, creating an attractive layer.

9. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Check with a tester (a toothpick or knife) to ensure that the pasca is baked - when it comes out clean, it’s ready.

10. Cooling: Once baked, remove the pasca from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a rack to cool completely.

11. Serving: Cut the pasca into slices and enjoy it plain or alongside a scoop of sour cream or a fruit sauce. It offers a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the pasca.

Variations and serving suggestions:

- Add fruits: You can incorporate dried fruits like raisins or apricots into the mixture for a more complex flavor.
- Decoration: Sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance.
- Drinks: Pair the pasca with a fruit tea or a sweet wine for a refined dessert.

Nutritional benefits:

Crustless pasca is rich in protein due to the eggs and cheese, while the sour cream adds healthy fats. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a nutritious yet tasty dessert.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can you freeze pasca?: Yes, pasca can be frozen. Be sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn from water crystals.
- How can I avoid the pasca cracking?: Bake the pasca at a moderate temperature and do not open the oven in the first 30 minutes to avoid temperature fluctuations.

I hope this crustless pasca recipe brings you joy and delightful moments with your loved ones! Don’t forget to experiment and add your personal touch. Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to create unforgettable memories.

 Ingredients: 8 eggs, 8 tablespoons of heavy cream, 11 tablespoons of sugar, 11 tablespoons of flour, 11 tablespoons of full-fat cottage cheese, 3 packets of vanilla sugar, zest of one lemon, vanilla essence, 1 packet of baking powder, butter for greasing the mold. All spoon measurements are heaped. If you want it sweeter, you can add more sugar.