Easter bread just like at home with mom

Cheese and Raisin Easter Bread: A Traditional Easter Recipe

When it comes to Easter celebrations, cheese and raisin bread holds a special place in culinary traditions. It is a dessert that brings back childhood memories, the scent of warm bread, and moments spent around the table with loved ones. In this recipe, I will share with you the necessary steps to prepare a delicious Easter bread, inspired by my mother's recipes, but with a few suggestions to make it unique.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 2 medium eggs
- 250 g yogurt (or warm sweet milk)
- 200 g sugar
- 3 teaspoons dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 150 g melted butter
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- Approximately 800 g flour (depending on humidity)

For the filling:
- 1 kg cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 100 g sour cream
- 5 eggs
- 1 vanilla essence
- 300 g raisins (soaked in water or rum)

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough
- In a large bowl, sift the flour to aerate it. Add the sugar, vanilla sugar, and dry yeast (if using fresh yeast, mix it with a teaspoon of sugar and let it activate until it becomes liquid, then add it).
- Make a well in the center of the flour and add the beaten eggs, melted butter, and yogurt (or warm milk).
- Knead the dough by hand or use a mixer with dough hooks until it becomes elastic and smooth.
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for one hour or until it doubles in volume.

2. Preparing the filling
- In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese with sour cream, eggs, and vanilla essence. Use a mixer to achieve a smooth mixture. Add the raisins and gently fold in with a spatula.
- A delicious variation is to add grated lemon zest or 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice for a fresher taste.

3. Assembling the bread
- After the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1 cm.
- Place the rolled dough in a springform cake pan or a tart pan with a diameter of 28 cm, ensuring the edges overhang the pan.
- Pour the cheese filling into the pan and trim the excess dough.

4. Decorating the bread
- Use the remaining dough to create decorations. Roll out a piece of dough and cut out leaves or cross shapes to place on top of the filling. You can also create roses from the dough for an elegant look.
- Cover the bread again with a towel and let it rise for 30 minutes.

5. Baking
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Bake the bread for about 45 minutes or until golden brown and the filling is set (check with a toothpick).
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Practical tips

- Types of flour: You can use whole wheat flour for a richer taste and denser texture. Be sure to adjust the liquid amount based on the type of flour used.
- Choosing the cheese: It is essential to use well-drained cottage cheese to avoid a watery filling. A high-quality cheese will make a significant difference in taste.
- Customization: Add chocolate or nuts for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of milk instead of yogurt?
Certainly! Warm sweet milk can be a good alternative.

- How can I tell when the bread is done?
Check if the filling is firm and if the bread has a golden color. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

- How do I store the bread?
Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week. You can also freeze it for later use.

Serving suggestions

- Serve the bread with a berry sauce or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of coffee or aromatic tea will perfectly complement the dessert, providing a balance between warm and cold.

Calories and nutritional benefits

A serving of bread contains approximately 350 calories, providing you with protein from cheese and eggs, as well as carbohydrates from sugar and flour. It is a nutrient-rich dessert but should be consumed in moderation due to its caloric content.

Making the bread is not just a culinary activity but also an emotional experience that connects us to traditions and cherished memories. So, gather your family around the table and let yourselves be inspired by the aromas and flavors of a bread made with love. Bon appétit!