Easter bread

Cheese pasca is a traditional dessert often associated with Easter celebrations, blending the delicate flavors of cheese with the sweetness of eggs and raisins. This recipe will not only bring joy to your Easter table but will also transform cooking into a satisfying and flavorful experience. Even if it’s your first pasca and it might not look perfect, don’t be discouraged! The taste is what truly matters, and with each attempt, you will become more skilled.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 12-14 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:

- 600 g flour (plus 200 g for kneading)
- 100 g yogurt
- 250 g sugar
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 4 eggs (size L)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- 3-4 tablespoons of oil
- Vanilla and rum essence (to taste)

For the filling:

- 1 kg fresh cow cheese (preferably high quality)
- 10 eggs
- 150 g sour cream
- Sugar (to taste, recommended between 150-200 g)
- Vanilla sugar (1 packet)
- Vanilla and rum essence (to taste)
- Grated lemon peel (from 1 lemon)
- Raisins (100 g, soaked in 100 ml water and 30 ml rum essence)

Preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast: Start by activating the yeast. Mix the cube of yeast with a teaspoon of sugar and a little warm water. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for a successful rise of the dough.

2. Sifting the flour: Sifting the flour is a step that helps aerate it. By sifting, you ensure that there are no clumps and that the dough will be fluffier.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sifted flour, beaten eggs, sugar, yogurt, and vanilla and rum essences. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

4. Incorporating the fats: Start adding the butter and oil gradually, continuing to knead. If the dough becomes sticky, don’t hesitate to add a little extra flour until it becomes elastic and easy to handle.

5. Rising the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume. Rising is an important process that will determine the final texture of the doughs.

Preparing the filling

1. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with sugar until you obtain a firm foam. This will add an airy texture to your filling.

2. Adding the yolks: Add the yolks one by one, continuing to mix.

3. Incorporating the cheese: Add the fresh cow cheese, sour cream, vanilla sugar, rum and vanilla essences, grated lemon peel, and soaked raisins. Mix well until you obtain a fluffy and creamy composition.

Assembling the pasca

1. Preparing the pan: Grease a baking tray with butter and sprinkle a little flour to prevent sticking.

2. Shaping the dough: After the dough has risen, divide it into two parts: one larger for the base and one smaller for the cross on top. Roll out the larger part into a sheet and place it in the tray, covering both the bottom and the edges.

3. Adding the filling: Pour the cheese filling over the dough in the tray.

4. Decorating with a cross: Use the smaller piece of dough to form a cross on top of the filling, symbolizing the Easter tradition.

5. Second rising: Let the pasca rise in the tray for 20-30 minutes to achieve a fluffy result.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat).

2. Baking: Bake the pasca for 45-60 minutes, or until it turns golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.

3. Cooling: Let the pasca cool completely before slicing. This step will help stabilize the filling and allow you to obtain beautiful slices.

Serving

Cheese pasca is happily served alongside a glass of sweet wine or a fragrant tea. You can add a powdered sugar glaze for a festive look and an extra touch of sweetness. It is perfect for enjoying with family, bringing a touch of magic to the holiday table.

Practical tips

- Ingredients: Make sure the ingredients are at room temperature. This will facilitate homogenization and help the dough rise better.
- Cheese: Use high-quality fresh cow cheese to obtain a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Variations: You can add chocolate or candied fruits to the filling for a personalized touch.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Why didn’t my pasca rise enough? Make sure the yeast is active and that you followed the rising time.
- How can I tell if the pasca is baked? A knife inserted in the middle of the pasca should come out clean.

Nutritional benefits

Cheese pasca is a source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, thus providing essential nutrients. It also contains carbohydrates from the flour, providing energy. When consumed in moderation, it is a delicious dessert that can be part of a balanced diet.

Christ is Risen, and may your holiday be filled with joy and delicious moments! This recipe will not only bring smiles but will quickly become a family favorite. Happy cooking!