Cozonac with Dried Apricots, Flavored with Citrus Juice

Name: Cozonac with Dried Apricots, Flavored with Citrus Juice - Codruta G.
Ingredients: 400 g dried apricots; 150 g sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 100 ml fresh orange juice; 600 g flour; 1 packet baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 eggs; 250 g cottage cheese; 250 g soft butter; 100 g roasted almonds without added fat and ground; 30 g powdered sugar

Desert - Cozonac with Dried Apricots, Flavored with Citrus Juice by Codruta G. - Recipia

To prepare a delicious cake with dried apricot puree, start by cutting the apricots into small cubes. These will add an intense flavor and a sweet-sour taste to the dish. Place the apricot cubes in a bowl, adding 50 g of sugar, lemon juice, and orange juice. It is important for this mixture to boil for about 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid sticking. Once the apricots have softened and started to break down, let the mixture cool, then mash them using a blender or a fork, achieving a smooth puree. In a separate bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder to ensure a fluffy texture for the dough. Add the remaining sugar, a pinch of salt, the eggs, cottage cheese, and 200 g of butter cut into pieces. It is essential to knead the ingredients just enough to bind them, so that the dough does not become too elastic. Once you have obtained a homogeneous mixture, roll out the dough into a sheet about 40 x 40 cm on a well-floured surface. Spread the apricot puree evenly over the rolled-out dough, ensuring that each corner is covered. Then sprinkle ground almonds for added texture and flavor. The next step is to roll the dough into a log, being careful that the filling does not spill out. Transfer the obtained log into a greased baking tray with the seam side up. Then, turn the log into another rectangular tray that has been lined with parchment paper. Cover the cake tray with another greased tray to help form a soft crust. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for about 50 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius. After this interval, check the cake; if it is well browned and baked, remove the top tray and let it bake for another 10 minutes until it becomes golden and appetizing. While the cake is in the oven, melt the remaining butter and, as soon as you take the hot cake out of the oven, generously brush it with melted butter. This step will give the cake an irresistible shine and a rich taste. Then dust with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance and extra sweetness. Let the cake cool on a rack, after which you can slice it and serve. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of joy to any meal.