Sweet cheese pie
Sweet cheese pasca is a traditional dessert that masterfully combines the delicate flavors of cheese with the sweetness of sugar and raisins. This recipe, passed down through generations, finds its place in the heart of any Easter meal, bringing a touch of joy and nostalgia. I invite you to discover how to prepare a delicious pasca, just as mom used to make it, with a little help from you!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 16
Ingredients
*For the dough:*
- 800 grams of flour
- 250 grams of sugar
- 4 eggs
- 100 grams of butter
- 50 ml of oil
- 35 grams of fresh yeast
- A pinch of salt
- Warm milk (approximately 300 ml)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
*For the filling:*
- 800 grams of sweet cow cheese
- 2 eggs
- 150 grams of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 200 grams of raisins (soaked in rum)
- 2 tablespoons of semolina
- 1 tablespoon of sweet cream
*For brushing:*
- 2 egg yolks mixed with a little milk
Preparation
1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with a teaspoon of sugar, a little warm milk (approximately 50 ml), and a tablespoon of flour. Let the mixture rise for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is the crucial first step to achieving a fluffy dough.
2. Mixing the dough ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the eggs with the sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix well until the mixture becomes creamy. Add the vanilla and melted (but cooled) butter and continue mixing. Gradually incorporate the flour and yeast, alternating with the warm milk.
3. Kneading the dough: Once the ingredients are well combined, start kneading the dough. Add oil to your hands to facilitate the process. The dough is ready when it easily separates from the bowl and becomes elastic. This process may take between 10 and 15 minutes.
4. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.
5. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the sweet cheese with the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, raisins (drained and splashed with rum), semolina, and cream. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.
6. Assembling the pasca: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Take a round shape and line it with baking paper or grease it with butter. Roll out a thin sheet of dough on the bottom of the shape. Add the cheese filling over the dough, then roll out another sheet of dough and cover the filling.
7. Decorating: From the remaining dough, you can make a braid that you place around the edge of the shape. This will not only give an elegant look but will also help keep the filling inside. With a brush, glaze the top of the pasca with the egg yolk and milk mixture for a golden and appetizing crust.
8. Baking: Place the shape in the preheated oven and bake the pasca for about 45 minutes, or until it becomes richly golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
9. Cooling the pasca: Once baked, let the pasca cool in the shape it was baked in to avoid cracking. After it has completely cooled, you can transfer it to a platter.
Serving and serving suggestions
Sweet cheese pasca can be served plain, sprinkled with a little powdered sugar, or alongside a scoop of sweet cream. You can pair it with a fragrant tea or a sweet wine to highlight the delicate flavors. It is a perfect dessert for festive meals, but also for family indulgences.
Useful tips
- About ingredients: Use quality sweet cheese, as this will significantly influence the final taste of the pasca. You can also add a little cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- Variations: You can experiment with various flavors by adding cinnamon, ground nuts, or chocolate to the filling. A delicious variation is to replace the raisins with candied cherries or pieces of pineapple.
- Frequently asked questions:
- How can I keep the pasca fresh for longer? You can store the pasca in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Is it possible to freeze it? Yes, the pasca can be frozen, but it is recommended to cut it into portions before freezing, to make it easier to thaw.
Nutritional benefits
Sweet cheese pasca is rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, providing a good source of calcium. However, considering the sugar and fat content, it is best to consume moderate portions. It is a dessert that can add an extra boost of energy during festive days.
Sweet cheese pasca is more than just a simple dessert; it is a part of our traditions and memories. So gather your family, grab the ingredients, and enjoy the magic of cooking together!
Ingredients: 800 g flour 250 g sugar 4 eggs 100 g butter 50 ml oil 35 g yeast Salt Milk Vanilla For the filling: 800 g sweet cow cheese 2 eggs 150 g sugar Vanilla Lemon zest Raisins Rum 2 tablespoons semolina 1 tablespoon sweet cream For the finish, two egg yolks mixed with a little milk. The quantity is sufficient for two pieces of pasca, quite large.
