Homemade cheese spiral pie in puff pastry

Spiral Cheese Pie with Homemade Puff Pastry – a delicacy that will delight any dessert lover! This recipe not only brings a touch of tradition into your kitchen, but it's also an excellent choice for those moments when you want to impress family or friends. With a light texture and a rich cheese flavor, this pie is sure to become everyone's favorite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

*For the homemade puff pastry:*
- 250 g cold butter (preferably high quality)
- 250 g flour
- 100 ml cold water
- A pinch of salt

*For the filling:*
- 1 kg sweet cheese (preferably telemea)
- 2 eggs
- 100 g raisins
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla pudding
- Lemon essence (a few drops)
- Grated zest of one lemon

The story of the spiral cheese pie

This pie has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a popular choice in many cultures. Its inviting spirals are not only a visual delight but also a way to combine textures and flavors that perfectly complement each other. The sweet cheese adds a creamy note, while the raisins provide a surprising sweetness. Additionally, the crispy pastry offers a pleasant contrast, making each bite an unforgettable experience.

Step by step for a perfect result

1. Preparing the puff pastry:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt and make a well in the center.
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the bowl, mixing with your fingers until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand.
- Gradually add the cold water, kneading gently until the dough becomes smooth. Do not over-knead to keep the pastry flaky.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the filling:
- In another bowl, add the drained sweet cheese and mash it slightly with a fork.
- Add the eggs, sugar, salt, lemon essence, lemon zest, and vanilla pudding. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
- Soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and incorporate them into the cheese mixture.

3. Assembling the pie:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface into a thin sheet.
- Evenly spread the cheese mixture over the dough, leaving a margin of about 1 cm.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log.
- Cut the log into slices about 3-4 cm thick.

4. Baking the pie:
- Grease a baking tray with a little butter or oil and place the dough slices on it, leaving some space between them to expand during baking.
- Bake in the oven for about 45 minutes or until the pie is golden and crispy.

5. Serving:
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before cutting. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. It is delicious alongside a scoop of Greek yogurt or a spoonful of sour cream for a creamy contrast.

Useful tips:
- You can replace the sweet cheese with a combination of cottage cheese and mascarpone for a creamier texture.
- If you enjoy bolder flavors, add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.
- Instead of raisins, you can use dried cranberries or chopped nuts to add another level of texture and taste.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can the pie be frozen?
- Yes, you can freeze the spiral pie before baking. After assembling it, wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. When you're ready to prepare it, let it thaw in the refrigerator and bake according to the instructions.

2. What are the nutritional benefits of this pie?
- Sweet cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while raisins add fiber and antioxidants. Additionally, a homemade dessert with fresh ingredients is always a healthier choice than store-bought pastries.

3. What other recipes or drinks can it be paired with?
- This pie pairs wonderfully with a fragrant herbal tea or a sweet wine that will highlight the cheese flavors. You can also try a pumpkin soup as an appetizer for a complete lunch or dinner.

In conclusion, the spiral cheese pie with homemade puff pastry is a simple dessert to prepare but makes a big impact when it comes to taste. It can be customized according to your preferences and is perfect for serving on special occasions or simply as a treat in the middle of the week. Don't hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and bring a touch of your creativity into every bite!