Easter bread without dough

Crustless Easter Cake - A Simple and Delicious Holiday Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50-55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Introduction: A Holiday Story

The crustless Easter cake is a traditional recipe particularly associated with the Easter holidays, cherished by many generations. This crustless version has a major advantage: it is easy to prepare and does not require advanced baking skills. While the recipe may vary from family to family, the basic ingredients remain constant. This cake stands out with its creamy texture and sweet flavor, perfectly balanced by the aroma of vanilla and raisins.

Necessary Ingredients:

- 500 g of sweet cottage cheese (ideally as fatty as possible)
- 5 large eggs
- 300 g of sour cream
- 200 g of butter (at room temperature)
- 200 g of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of semolina
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 150 g of raisins (preferably soaked in warm water or rum)
- Seeds from one vanilla pod

Preparation of the Easter Cake - Step by Step

1. Preparing the Ingredients
Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature. This will facilitate the homogenization of the mixture. If using raisins, you can soak them in a bowl with warm water or rum for 10-15 minutes, then drain them well.

2. Beat the Eggs with Sugar
In a large bowl, add the 5 eggs and 200 g of sugar. Use a whisk or mixer to beat the mixture vigorously. Continue until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color.

3. Add the Cheese
Incorporate the sweet cottage cheese into the egg mixture gradually, stirring constantly to achieve a homogeneous composition. It is essential that no lumps of cheese remain.

4. Incorporate the Butter
Add the soft butter, cut into small cubes, and mix well again. The butter will provide a special creaminess to the cake.

5. Add the Semolina and Flour
Now, incorporate the 4 tablespoons of semolina and 4 tablespoons of flour, mixing carefully, one tablespoon at a time. It is important to mix well after each addition to avoid lumps.

6. Add the Sour Cream and Raisins
Finally, add the sour cream and the soaked raisins. Stir gently, ensuring everything is well combined.

7. Prepare the Baking Pan
In a baking pan (preferably 24-26 cm), grease the interior with butter and dust with flour, so the cake does not stick.

8. Baking
Pour the mixture into the pan and place it in the preheated oven at 170 degrees Celsius. Bake the cake for 50-55 minutes. It is good to check it after 40 minutes to ensure it does not brown too much. You can do this by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

9. Cooling and Refrigerating
Once baked, let it cool at room temperature. Then, you can place it in the refrigerator for a few hours or, ideally, overnight. This waiting time will allow the flavors to blend harmoniously.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs perfectly with various jams or fruit sauces. I recommend sour cherry, raspberry jams, or even a caramel sauce for a delicious contrast. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or whipped cream.

Nutritional Benefits

- Sweet cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium.
- Eggs provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Butter, consumed in moderation, offers healthy fats that contribute to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Although sweet cottage cheese is ideal, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different texture.

2. Can the cake be frozen?
Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to let it thaw in the refrigerator to maintain its texture.

3. Can I add other ingredients?
Sure! You can add finely chopped chocolate, nuts, or candied fruits to give it a personalized touch.

Personal Variation

For a touch of originality, you can add a teaspoon of almond essence to the mixture, which will provide a subtle and unique flavor. You can also try using brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor.

In conclusion, the crustless Easter cake is not only easy to prepare but also a dessert that will impress at any holiday table. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent around the table with loved ones. Bon appétit!