Easter cake with flaky pastry and creamy filling

Easter Pastry with Shortcrust and Creamy Filling

The Easter pastry is a symbol of the Easter holidays, bringing gratitude and joy to our tables. Although traditionally made with sweet bread dough, today I propose a less common but absolutely delicious version: Easter pastry with shortcrust and creamy filling. This recipe is not only simple but also brings a unique flavor, quickly enjoyed by all who taste it. Let's begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50-60 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

Dough:
- 250 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 pinch baking powder
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar with vanilla bean
- Flour (approximately 300-350 g, as needed)

Filling:
- 650 g cottage cheese (preferably creamier)
- 2 tablespoons mascarpone
- 3 eggs + 1 egg for brushing
- 2 egg whites
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 cup sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon rum essence
- 50 g raisins (set aside a few for decoration)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar with vanilla bean
- 1-2 tablespoons semolina (or white flour)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the dough: Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, add the softened butter, sour cream, sugar, and egg yolk. Mix well with a spatula or mixer until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Add the baking powder and powdered sugar with vanilla bean, then gradually incorporate the flour until the dough becomes non-sticky and easy to handle. Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.

2. Preparing the filling: While the dough is cooling, prepare the filling. Break the cottage cheese into smaller pieces and add it to the food processor. Mix the eggs together with the egg whites, a pinch of salt, then pour them over the cheese. Add the sugar and mix again until the mixture becomes creamy. Transfer the filling to a bowl and, using a spoon, incorporate the mascarpone, powdered sugar with vanilla bean, lemon zest, rum essence, and raisins (keep a few for decoration). Finally, add the semolina or white flour, mixing gently.

3. Assembling the pastry: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a floured work surface, roll out the dough into a medium-thick sheet. Grease a tart pan with butter, line it with baking paper, and place the dough sheet, covering the edges of the pan. Using a fork, prick the base of the dough to prevent air bubbles from forming. Pour the cheese filling and level it evenly.

4. Baking the pastry: Beat an egg until frothy and, using a brush, glaze the pastry with it. Place a few raisins from those set aside in a cross shape on top. Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the pan inside. Bake the pastry for 50-60 minutes, until it becomes golden and well-baked. Once the pastry is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool.

5. Serving: You can serve the pastry plain, alongside a berry sauce or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This combination will highlight the delicate flavors of the cheese and add a pleasant contrast of temperatures.

Practical tips:
- Use fresh cottage cheese for a creamy filling. If the cheese is too wet, you can add a little more semolina.
- You can experiment with different flavors by adding 1-2 tablespoons of orange essence or cinnamon to the filling.
- Make sure the dough is well chilled before rolling it out to prevent sticking.
- If you like a crunchier crust, you can bake the pastry longer, but be careful not to burn it.

Nutritional information:
A serving of pastry contains approximately 320 calories, being rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs. It also provides a significant amount of calcium, essential for bone health.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or goat cheese for a more intense flavor.
- How can I store the pastry?
The pastry keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for later use, but it is recommended to let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator.

This Easter pastry with shortcrust and creamy filling will surely become a favorite on the holiday table. Once you try it, you won't want to go back to traditional recipes! So, get ready to enjoy every slice and share this delicacy with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!