Cozonac with cheese

Cheese Babka – A Holiday Delight

Cheese babka is a traditional delicacy that brings joy and warmth to our homes, especially during the holidays. With a fluffy dough and a creamy cheese filling, this dessert is perfect for enjoying alongside loved ones. Throughout history, babka has been associated with special moments, bringing family and friends together around the table. Let's discover step by step how to prepare a delicious cheese babka that will enrich any festive meal!

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

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg of flour
- 300 g sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm milk
- 3 tablespoons lard
- 6 eggs + 1 egg for brushing
- 50 g fresh yeast
- 200 g butter (or Delma margarine)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Butter for greasing the pan
- 200 g raisins

For the cheese filling:
- 400 g well-drained cheese (can be cottage cheese or telemea)
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 200 g raisins (optional, depending on preferences)
- 1-2 tablespoons rum essence (for a special flavor)

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Yeast: Start by dissolving the yeast in 2-3 tablespoons of warm milk. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy dough.

2. Mixing the Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with a pinch of salt and the remaining sugar. Add the rest of the warm milk and mix well. Then combine the lard and melted butter (or margarine), ensuring they are cool enough not to cook the eggs.

3. Preparing the Dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and make a well in the center. Pour in the activated yeast, the milk and egg mixture, the lemon and orange zest, vanilla sugar, salt, and raisins. Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands, then knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes. The dough should become elastic and easily detach from your hands.

4. Rising the Dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

5. Preparing the Cheese Filling: In another bowl, mix the well-drained cheese with the 6 eggs, sugar, and rum essence. You can also add raisins if you want a sweeter taste and interesting texture. Ensure you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

6. Shaping the Babkas: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 4 equal parts. On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a rectangular shape. Spread a layer of cheese filling on each piece of dough, leaving the edges free. Carefully roll the dough, forming logs, and place them in greased pans.

7. Final Rising: Cover the babkas with a towel and let them rise again for about 30 minutes.

8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Before placing them in the oven, brush each babka with beaten egg for a golden crust. Bake for 50 minutes or until golden and pass the toothpick test.

9. Cooling and Serving: After removing them from the oven, let the babkas cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Finally, dust them generously with powdered sugar for a festive look.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese babka can be enjoyed plain, but it is also delicious alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can serve it with a fruit sauce or even vanilla ice cream for a more sophisticated dessert.

Tips and Variations

- For an even more intense flavor: Replace sugar with honey or add a few tablespoons of apricot jam to the cheese filling.
- Raisins: You can soak them in rum or warm water before adding them to the filling to make them softer and more aromatic.
- Fresh fruits: Adding dried fruits, such as cherries or apricots, can transform the babka into a surprising experience.

Nutritional Benefits

Cheese babka provides a good source of protein due to the eggs and cheese, while the sugar and fats make it a rich delicacy in calories. It is ideal for special occasions, but consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use cottage cheese?
Yes, cottage cheese is perfect for the filling, ensuring a smooth texture.

2. How long can the babka be stored?
The babka can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.

3. Is it possible to make the babka without yeast?
Although yeast is essential for achieving the fluffy dough, you can experiment with baking powder, but the recipe will require adjustments.

Enjoy the magic of the holidays with this cheese babka. Every bite will be an explosion of flavors and beautiful memories, making this dessert an ideal choice for any occasion!