Traditional Easter cake with cheese and raisins

Traditional Easter bread with cheese and raisins is a dessert that brings joy and warmth to festive tables. This recipe combines delicious flavors, fluffy textures, and a rich history, being a symbol of culinary traditions passed down through generations. Those who venture into making this delicacy will discover not just a dessert but also an unforgettable experience.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 2 hours
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total: approximately 3 hours
Number of servings: 16

Required ingredients:

*For the dough (for two breads):*
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 120 g sugar
- 400 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 kg flour
- 5 eggs
- a pinch of salt
- vanilla essence
- 100 g melted butter
- 50 - 100 ml oil for kneading

*For the filling (for two breads):*
- 630 g cottage cheese
- 1120 g fluffy cheese with sour cream
- 300 g sugar
- 6 eggs
- rum essence
- 4 tablespoons semolina
- 2 tablespoons starch
- 200 g raisins (washed and some reserved for decoration)

*For brushing (for two breads):*
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons milk

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by bringing all the ingredients to room temperature. Make sure you have all the necessary utensils ready: a large bowl, a spatula, a rolling pin, and baking forms.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the fresh yeast with a teaspoon of sugar, 5 tablespoons of lukewarm milk, and two tablespoons of flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and then with a towel. Let it sit in a warm place for about 15-20 minutes, until the yeast rises and becomes frothy.

3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. In this well, add the beaten eggs, sugar, a pinch of salt, and the yeast mixture. Start kneading, gradually adding the lukewarm milk and melted butter (also lukewarm).

4. Kneading: Knead the dough until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. You can oil your hands to facilitate the process. A useful technique is to toss the dough a few times in the bowl to aerate it, which will help achieve a fluffier texture.

5. First rising: Once the dough is well kneaded, place it in an oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap and a towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until it doubles in volume.

6. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, you can prepare the filling. In another bowl, grate the cottage cheese and add the fluffy cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs, rum essence, semolina, and starch. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition, then add the washed raisins (and reserve some for decoration).

7. Assembling the bread: When the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 180°C. Oil the work surface and prepare the bread forms by greasing them and lining them with parchment paper.

8. Shaping the bread: Divide the dough into two. From one half, roll out a sheet on the work surface and place it in the form, letting the edges hang over. Add the cheese filling, then cut off the excess dough from the edges. From the other half of the dough, create 3 long strips that you will braid and place around the edge of the form.

9. Second rising: Let the bread rise for another 10-15 minutes, then brush it with the egg yolk and milk mixture. Sprinkle some raisins on top of the filling for an attractive appearance.

10. Baking: Place the form in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bread is golden and well browned. You can check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it is ready.

11. Cooling: After the bread is baked, let it cool in the form for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Serving and variations:

The bread can be served plain, but it is also delicious with a vanilla sauce or a drizzle of honey. You can pair it with a cup of fragrant tea or a glass of sweet wine, which will highlight the sweetness of the filling.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, as this helps activate the yeast better.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- You can experiment with different types of raisins or add some chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Store the bread in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

Nutritional benefits:
The bread contains protein from the cheese and eggs, while the raisins provide fiber and energy. It is an excellent choice for a hearty breakfast or a dessert that combines taste pleasure with essential nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use 15 g of dry yeast, but you need to activate it according to the instructions on the package.
- Can I prepare the bread in advance? Yes, the bread can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving to restore its fluffy texture.

This traditional Easter bread with cheese and raisins is not just a dessert but an opportunity to gather family and friends around the table. Enjoy each slice and let yourself be carried away by the aromas and traditions that surround it!

 Ingredients: Dough (for two Easter cakes): 50 g fresh yeast; 120 g sugar; 400 ml warm milk; 1 kg flour; 5 eggs; a pinch of salt; vanilla essence; 100 g melted butter; 50 - 100 ml oil for kneading. Filling (for two Easter cakes): 630 g cow cheese; 1120 g fluffy cheese with sour cream; 300 g sugar; 6 eggs; rum essence; 4 tablespoons semolina; two tablespoons starch; 200 g raisins. For brushing (for two Easter cakes): two egg yolks; two tablespoons milk.