Cranberry Casserole Without Dough

Crustless Cheesecake with Cranberries - A Holiday Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Every year, as the holidays approach, we want to bring tradition into our homes, and Crustless Cheesecake with Cranberries is a perfect choice to celebrate special moments with loved ones. This delicious, easy-to-make recipe combines the flavors of cheese with the sweetness of cranberries, offering a fluffy texture and an unforgettable taste.

The history of this recipe is an old one, closely linked to holiday traditions, when cheesecake was a staple on Easter tables. Although the crustless version is less known, it retains the essence of this delicacy, being easier to prepare and consume. Let's begin the journey!

Ingredients

- 6 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar (about 30g)
- 1 package (approx. 250g) of soft butter (at room temperature)
- 400g sour cream
- 800g cottage cheese or well-mashed ricotta
- 5 tablespoons of semolina
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- 200g raisins (or less, to taste)
- 100g cranberries (soaked)
- Zest of one lemon (optional)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Necessary utensils

- A large mixing bowl
- A mixer or whisk
- A spatula
- A baking dish (preferably with high sides)
- Baking paper (optional)

Step by step: How to prepare Crustless Cheesecake

1. Preparing the egg mixture
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar. Use an electric mixer or whisk to achieve a homogeneous mixture, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely. It is essential to achieve an airy mix, so take your time!

2. Incorporating wet ingredients
Add the cottage cheese or ricotta (if you choose ricotta, make sure it's well mashed to avoid lumps), sour cream, and soft butter. Mix well until everything is integrated and creamy.

3. Adding dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the semolina and flour. Then, gradually add the flour mixture to the egg and cheese mixture, stirring constantly with a spatula to prevent lumps from forming.

4. Including dried fruits
The raisins and cranberries (soaked in water or compote for 30 minutes) will add a touch of sweetness. Add them to the mixture along with the lemon zest if you want a fresh aroma. Gently mix to distribute them evenly.

5. Preparing the baking dish
Grease the baking dish with butter and flour (or you can use baking paper) to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the dish, filling it about three-quarters full, as the cheesecake will rise during baking.

6. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and bake the cheesecake for 40-50 minutes, until it is nicely browned and no longer moist in the center. You can check the consistency with a finger: if it is firm and compact, it is ready!

7. Cooling and serving
Once baked, let it cool in the dish for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a platter. Dust powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance and a sweet taste.

Serving suggestions

Crustless Cheesecake with Cranberries is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or alongside a scoop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or fragrant coffee, turning every bite into a true celebration of flavors.

Possible variations

If you want to personalize this recipe, you can try replacing cranberries with other dried fruits, such as apricots or prunes. Additionally, adding chopped nuts or almonds can provide a crunchy texture and a distinct flavor.

Nutritional benefits

This cheesecake recipe is rich in protein due to the eggs and cheese, while cranberries contribute antioxidants and vitamins. Moreover, sour cream and butter provide healthy fats, making this dessert a more nutritious choice than other holiday options.

Calories

Each serving has approximately 280-350 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and butter used. It can be a good choice to celebrate without feeling guilty!

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use goat cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, goat cheese will add a distinct flavor, but make sure it's well crumbled.

2. How can I store the cheesecake?
The cheesecake stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can warm it at room temperature or slightly in the oven to regain its fluffy texture.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Although the original recipe uses dairy and eggs, you can experiment with vegan alternatives, such as vegan cheese and egg substitutes.

I invite you to try this recipe for Crustless Cheesecake with Cranberries and share with your loved ones the joy of enjoying a traditional yet easy-to-make dessert! Don't forget to share your impressions and any variations you have tried. Enjoy your meal!