Chocolate Easter Cake

Cocoa Easter Cake with Chocolate Cheese Filling

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Easter cake is a traditional dessert that often combines flavors and textures, becoming an essential part of celebrations. From the classic version with sweet cheese, I decided to try a reinterpretation with cocoa and a chocolate cheese filling, and the result was simply divine! The rich color and intense aroma of cocoa blend perfectly with the sweetness of cheese and chocolate, offering an unforgettable experience.

Ingredients for the dough:
- 300 g flour (sifted)
- 7 g dry yeast
- 80 g butter (at room temperature)
- 150 ml milk
- 50 g cocoa
- 250 ml warm milk (not hot)
- 100 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- A pinch of salt

Ingredients for the cheese filling:
- 500 g fatty cottage cheese
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 eggs
- Zest of one orange (optional)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Raisins (soaked in water and rum essence)
- Small pieces of white and dark chocolate

Dough preparation:
1. In a large bowl, mix the sifted flour, cocoa, yeast, and salt. This mixture will create the perfect base for a flavorful and soft dough.
2. In another container, combine the sugar and vanilla sugar with the milk. Heat the mixture in the microwave for 50 seconds - it should be warm, not hot!
3. Add the milk mixture to the bowl with flour, along with the egg yolks. Use a spatula or spoon to mix the ingredients well.
4. Add the butter at room temperature and knead the dough until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. If necessary, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of extra flour.
5. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place away from drafts.

Filling preparation:
1. To obtain a well-bound filling, it is essential to use fatty cottage cheese. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar, eggs, sour cream, vanilla sugar, and, if desired, the orange zest. Add the flour and mix until you get a homogeneous composition.
2. Add the well-drained raisins (previously soaked in water and rum essence) and the dark chocolate pieces. Gently mix to incorporate them.

Assembling and baking:
1. Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out the first part of the dough and place it in the baking pan lined with parchment paper greased with a little butter.
2. From the second part of the dough, form two long strands that you braid together. Place them around the edge of the mold, creating a decorative effect.
3. Pour the cheese filling in the center of the dough in the pan.
4. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the Easter cake for 50 minutes, until golden and well-baked.
5. After removing the cake from the oven, sprinkle a few small pieces of white chocolate on top for an attractive appearance and extra aroma.

Serving suggestions:
This Easter cake pairs perfectly with a fragrant tea or a glass of fresh milk. You can serve it warm or cold, and for an extra touch of flavor, add a spoonful of sour cream on top.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of cocoa Easter cake with cheese filling contains approximately 350 calories. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while cocoa contains antioxidants that can contribute to heart health. Additionally, raisins provide fiber and essential vitamins.

Variations and useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of chocolate (e.g., milk chocolate or white chocolate) to customize the cake to your preferences.
- If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- Instead of raisins, you can add chopped nuts or dried fruits for a different texture.
- Make sure to knead the dough well to achieve a fluffy texture.

This cocoa Easter cake with chocolate cheese filling is not just a delicious dessert but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of creativity into the kitchen. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its enticing aromas!