Cheese and chocolate Easter cake.

Cottage cheese and chocolate pasca: a delicacy that blends tradition with a modern twist. This recipe is perfect for holidays, but also for those moments when you simply want to indulge in a delicious, quick-to-make dessert full of flavor. With a fine texture and exquisite taste, this pasca will surely become your favorite.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 35 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 300 g all-purpose flour (choose a good quality flour for a flakier dough)
- 125 g butter (make sure it is at room temperature for easier incorporation)
- 125 g sugar (you can also use brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor)
- 130 g cold butter, cut into cubes (this will help achieve a fluffy texture)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg (to bind the dough)

*For the filling:*
- 500 g sweet/creamy cottage cheese (fresh cottage cheese offers better flavor, but you can also use store-bought cottage cheese)
- 2 eggs (for a rich and creamy filling)
- 125 g sugar (adjustable according to preferences)
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or the seeds from a vanilla pod)
- 150 g chocolate broken into pieces (opt for dark or milk chocolate, depending on preferences)

Step by step - Preparing the pasca

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the sugar. Add the room temperature butter and the cold butter cut into cubes. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until you achieve a mixture that resembles breadcrumbs.

2. Adding the eggs: Add the egg yolks and the whole egg to the flour mixture. Mix well with a spatula or by hand until a homogeneous dough forms.

3. Chilling the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 35 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a flaky texture.

4. Preparing the filling: While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the eggs, sugar, and vanilla. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to achieve a smooth mixture. Finally, add the chopped chocolate, gently mixing to avoid breaking it.

5. Rolling out the dough: Once the dough has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until you achieve a thin sheet.

6. Forming the pasca: Grease a baking dish with butter and dust it with flour. Place the dough in the dish, making sure to cover the edges as well. Pour the cheese and chocolate filling into the dish, smoothing it out.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius (possibly with ventilation). Place the pasca in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until it is well browned and the filling has set.

8. Cooling: Once the pasca is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish. It is important not to cut it before it is completely cooled to avoid a runny filling.

9. Serving: Once cooled, you can sprinkle powdered sugar or chocolate flakes on top for an attractive appearance. This pasca is best enjoyed with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee.

Variations and useful tips

- If you want to add a note of freshness, you can replace the vanilla extract with grated lemon peel or rum. These flavors pair wonderfully with cottage cheese.

- For a fluffier version, you can add a few tablespoons of sour cream to the filling.

- If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, feel free to add more chocolate to the filling or use chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage.

- Instead of powdered sugar, you can decorate the pasca with fresh fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a pleasant contrast of colors and flavors.

Nutritional information

This cottage cheese and chocolate pasca offers a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for a dessert. A 100 g serving has approximately 300 calories, but you can adjust the ingredients to reduce the caloric intake by using natural sweeteners or reduced-fat cheese.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different texture.

2. How can I store the pasca?
The pasca can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it, but make sure it is well wrapped.

3. Can I add fruits to the filling?
Yes, you can add dried or fresh fruits, such as raisins or cherries, to enrich the flavor.

4. What drinks pair well with the pasca?
The pasca pairs perfectly with a sweet wine, fruit tea, or aromatic coffee.

This cottage cheese and chocolate pasca recipe will surely bring joy to your holiday table. Whether you prepare it for your loved ones or for yourself, I encourage you to enjoy every moment of the process! Enjoy and happy holidays!