Easter bread

Delicious Easter Bread Recipe with Cottage Cheese and Raisins

When it comes to culinary traditions, Easter bread represents a symbol of celebration and gathering around the table. This cottage cheese Easter bread recipe is not only a delight but also a way to bring people together. Whether it's a holiday or a simple weekend, this Easter bread will surely win everyone's hearts. Let's get started!

Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 1.5 hours
- Baking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours and 10 minutes
- Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 700 g flour
- 200 g sugar
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 1 vanilla extract
- 1 orange extract
- 1 lemon extract
- 3 eggs
- 300 ml warm milk
- Sunflower oil (for greasing)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg yolk (for brushing)

For the filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 vanilla extract
- 100 g raisins
- 100 g sugar

Making the Dough:

1. Heating the Milk: Start by warming the milk in a container, being careful not to boil it. Warm milk will activate the yeast and help achieve a fluffy dough.

2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, place the flour and make a well in the center. Add the beaten eggs, sugar, salt, vanilla, orange, and lemon extracts, then the yeast.

3. Kneading: Begin kneading the dough, gradually adding the warm milk. Continue kneading until the dough becomes soft and elastic. Finally, add the oil and knead until the dough comes away from your hands.

4. Rising: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1.5 hours until it doubles in size.

Making the Filling:

1. Mixing the Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and raisins. Mix well until you achieve a smooth mixture.

Assembling the Easter Bread:

1. Preparing the Pan: Grease a round pan with oil and dust it with flour to prevent sticking.

2. Rolling Out the Dough: On a floured surface, take half of the dough and roll it out with a rolling pin so that it has a diameter about 5 cm larger than the pan. For example, for a 25 cm pan, the dough should have a diameter of 30 cm.

3. Assembling the Bread: Place the rolled-out dough in the pan, allowing the excess dough to hang over the edges. Add half of the cheese mixture over the dough, then fold the edges of the dough over the filling.

4. Final Rising: Let the Easter bread rise in the pan for another 20 minutes, covered with a towel.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Brush the Easter bread with the beaten egg yolk for a golden color. Bake the bread for 40 minutes until it becomes golden brown and fluffy.

Finishing and Serving:

Once the Easter bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then take it out and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a more festive look.

Serving Suggestions:

- The Easter bread is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a cup of coffee or fragrant tea.
- It is also wonderful with a spoonful of sour cream or natural yogurt for a contrast of textures.

Possible Variations:

- You can add chocolate or nuts to the filling for a richer flavor.
- Instead of raisins, you can use dried fruits or even fresh blueberries.

Nutritional Benefits:

This Easter bread is a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs, as well as carbohydrates from the flour, making it a suitable choice for a hearty breakfast or a dessert. Additionally, the natural extracts of vanilla, orange, and lemon provide a boost of antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can replace cottage cheese with ricotta or goat cheese, but the taste will be different.

2. How long can I keep the Easter bread?
The Easter bread keeps well in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days.

3. Is it possible to freeze the Easter bread?
Yes, you can freeze the Easter bread after baking. Make sure to wrap it well in aluminum foil or an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

I hope this Easter bread recipe brings you joy and unforgettable moments with your loved ones! Enjoy!