Traditional Easter bread with sweet cheese and raisins

Name: Traditional Easter bread with sweet cheese and raisins - Aurora E.
Ingredients: For the dough: 250 ml warm water; 250 ml warm milk; 4 egg yolks; 300 g sugar; 150 g melted butter; 25 g fresh yeast; 1100 g flour; a pinch of salt; grated zest of one lemon. For the filling: 800 g sweet cow cheese; 2 packets of vanilla sugar; grated zest of one lemon; 2 tablespoons of semolina; 4 eggs; 150 g raisins soaked in warm water with 2 teaspoons of rum essence; granulated sugar to taste; I used 5 tablespoons of sugar. For brushing the pasca: one egg yolk; 30 ml milk.

Dessert - Traditional Easter bread with sweet cheese and raisins by Aurora E. - Recipia

Sweet cheese and raisin Easter bread - Traditional Easter recipe Easter is a holiday full of traditions, and the Easter bread holds a special place in the hearts of many of us. This delicacy, with a fluffy texture and delicious cheese filling, is prepared with love and is often associated with moments spent with family and friends. I invite you to discover with me how to make a perfect Easter bread that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Preparation time: 30 minutes Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes Baking time: 50-55 minutes Total time: 2 hours and 15 minutes Number of servings: 12-16 servings Necessary ingredients For the dough: - 250 ml warm water - 250 ml warm milk - 4 egg yolks - 300 g sugar - 150 g melted butter - 25 g fresh yeast - 1100 g flour - a pinch of salt - Grated zest of one lemon For the filling: - 800 g sweet cow cheese - 2 packets of vanilla sugar - Grated zest of one lemon - 2 tablespoons semolina - 4 eggs - 150 g raisins (soaked in warm water with 2 tablespoons of rum essence) - sugar to taste (about 5 tablespoons) For brushing the Easter bread: - 1 egg yolk - 30 ml milk Making the Easter bread 1. Preparing the dough In a large bowl, sift the flour to improve its texture and remove any impurities. Make a well in the center of the flour (like a volcano) and add the yeast, sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, egg yolks, warm water, warm milk, and a pinch of salt. 2. Mixing the ingredients Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful to combine the ingredients well. Then, start kneading the dough, dedicating about 30 minutes to it. The dough should become non-sticky and elastic. 3. Adding the butter During kneading, gradually add the melted butter, continuing to knead until it is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. 4. Preparing the filling Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Place the sweet cow cheese in a bowl. Add sugar, vanilla sugar, lemon zest, eggs, and drained raisins. Mix everything with a whisk until you obtain a homogeneous composition. Finally, add the semolina, which will help achieve a finer texture. 5. Forming the Easter bread After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly oiled work surface. Divide it into two equal parts. From the first half, roll out a sheet that fits the dimensions of the baking tray (I used a rectangular tray of 25/35 cm). Line the tray with baking paper and grease it with a little oil. 6. Making the braids From the other half of the dough, form 9 larger parts and 9 smaller parts. Roll each part into a log. From every three logs, create a braid, resulting in 3 larger braids and 3 smaller ones. Place two of the larger braids along the longer sides of the tray and two of the smaller ones along the shorter sides. 7. Letting the Easter bread rise Allow the Easter bread to rise for 45 minutes. It will become fluffier and rise beautifully. 8. Filling and baking After it has risen, pour the sweet cheese filling into the center of the Easter bread. Make a cross with the two remaining braids and brush the entire surface with the egg yolk and milk mixture. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature and place the Easter bread inside. Bake for 50-55 minutes, until it becomes golden and well-baked. 9. Cooling and serving After the Easter bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool before slicing. A delicious idea is to brush it with honey for added sweetness. Serving suggestions Serve the Easter bread alongside a cup of warm milk or a fragrant tea. It is perfect for enjoying at the holiday table, but also for a special breakfast. Useful tips - Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better rising of the dough. - You can also add some chocolate chunks or slices of candied fruit to the cheese filling for a richer version. - If you want to reduce the amount of sugar, try using less sweet cheese. Frequently asked questions 1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Of course! Replace fresh yeast with about 8 g of dry yeast, making sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package. 2. How can I keep the Easter bread fresh for longer? Store the Easter bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It can be easily consumed in the following days or frozen for later enjoyment. 3. What other recipes can I try for Easter? If you enjoy experimenting, also try the traditional sweet bread or stuffed eggs with cheese and dill. These pair perfectly with the Easter bread and are ideal for the holiday table. This sweet cheese and raisin Easter bread recipe is not just a delicious dish, but also a way to bring traditions closer to our hearts. Try it and enjoy beautiful moments with your loved ones!