Easter bread without dough

Crustless Easter Cheesecake – a traditional Easter dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Crustless Easter cheesecake is a delicious choice for the Easter table, paying homage to Romanian culinary traditions. This dessert is easy to prepare and does not require advanced pastry skills, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy a delicious sweet treat without the hassle of making a crust. Here’s how you can prepare this simple and quick recipe.

Ingredients:
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably well-drained for a fine texture)
- 200 g sour cream (use full-fat sour cream for a richer taste)
- 150 g sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 150 g raisins (you can use golden raisins for a more delicate touch)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional, for an extra flavor)
- a pinch of salt

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid a too-wet mixture. If the cheese isn’t smooth, you can mash it with a fork or blend it slightly to achieve a more uniform texture.

2. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs, vanilla essence, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients well with a whisk or a hand mixer until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

3. Incorporating the flour and raisins: In another small bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Then, add the flour mixture to the cheese composition, mixing gently to avoid lumps. Finally, add the raisins and integrate them well into the mixture.

4. Baking: Grease a baking pan (preferably round) with butter or oil and pour the mixture evenly. Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Cooling and serving: Allow the cheesecake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. You can serve it plain or with a sour cream sauce and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Practical tips:
- If you want a more aromatic version, add grated lemon or orange zest to the mixture.
- You can replace the raisins with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, for a different note.
- Serving with a glass of sweet wine or aromatic tea can enhance the tasting experience.

Crustless Easter cheesecake is not only a delicious dessert but also a symbol of Easter traditions, perfect for enjoying with loved ones. I guarantee that this quick and simple dessert will become a favorite on your Easter table, bringing joy and flavor to every slice. Enjoy!