Polish Easter Cake

Polish Easter Cake: A Holiday Delight

Spring holidays are the perfect time to bring traditional dishes to the family table, and Polish Easter cake stands out with its rich aromas and textures. This cheese cake recipe is a perfect combination of a soft base and a delicious cheese cream, enveloped in a shiny glaze. I invite you to discover this captivating recipe, which will bring a touch of joy and flavor to festive days.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 1 cup (150 ml) of flour
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 10 g baking powder (or baking soda)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 100 g butter, at room temperature
- 1 vanilla essence
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 egg

For the cream:
- 1/2 kg of cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 100 g melted butter
- 100 g raisins (optional, but recommended)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- a pinch of salt

For the glaze:
- 1 packet of egg liqueur glaze from Dr. Oetker

Preparing the Pastry

1. The base – Start by preparing the base. In a large bowl, cream the soft butter with sugar and the egg until you achieve a creamy and fluffy mixture. This step is essential to incorporate air into the dough, making the base fluffy and light.

2. Dry ingredients – Alternate adding flour and milk, mixing gently to avoid lumps. Then, add cocoa, vanilla essence, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes homogeneous. The texture should be similar to that of a pound cake, slightly denser.

3. The cream – In another bowl, prepare the cheese cream. Beat the cottage cheese with the egg yolks and sugar until it becomes a smooth paste. Add flour, melted butter, flavors, and a pinch of salt. Finally, gently fold in the whipped egg whites to keep the air in the mixture. This step will make the cream light and fluffy.

Assembling the Pastry

4. Preparing the pan – Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180-190°C. Line a round cake pan (preferably with high sides) with baking paper. This will help in easily removing the cake after baking.

5. Pouring the mixture – Pour 3/4 of the base mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 5-7 minutes. This short time in the oven helps stabilize the base, providing a firm foundation to support the cream.

6. Adding the cream – Remove the pan from the oven and carefully pour the cheese cream mixture over the partially baked base. Cover the cream with the remaining base mixture. This arrangement will create a wonderful contrast between the soft base and the rich cream.

7. Final baking – Put the pan back in the oven and bake the cake for about 45 minutes, until it becomes golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes to avoid affecting the rise of the cake.

Glaze and Serving

8. The glaze – After the cake has cooled, prepare the glaze according to the instructions on the packet: soak the packet in hot water for 5 minutes. Then, carefully pour the glaze over the cake, allowing it to drip evenly. This will give a shiny appearance and a delicious taste.

9. Cooling – Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it. This will ensure that each slice remains intact and retains its shape.

Serving Suggestions

Polish Easter cake is perfectly served alongside a cup of aromatic tea or coffee. It can be decorated with a little whipped cream or fresh fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, for an extra touch of freshness. Don't forget to share with loved ones, as the joy of cooking is even greater when shared!

Nutritional Benefits

This cheese cake is rich in protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs, providing a good dose of calcium. The added raisins bring extra vitamins and minerals, while cocoa offers antioxidants. It is a perfect choice for a festive dessert that satisfies not only the taste buds but also nutritional needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can replace cottage cheese with ricotta or mascarpone for a creamier texture.

2. Can I add other ingredients?
Sure! You can experiment with nuts, chocolate, or even dried fruits to customize the cake to your taste.

3. How do I store the cake?
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator in a closed container for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it, but make sure it is well covered.

4. What drinks pair well with the cake?
A sweet white wine or apple cider can perfectly complement the taste of the cake, bringing an interesting contrast.

Unique Recipe

For a unique twist, you can replace some of the sugar with honey or add a little rum or almond essence to the cream mixture. These variations will add extra flavor and help you enjoy a truly memorable cake.

I wish you much success in preparing this delicious Polish Easter cake. I hope it becomes a holiday favorite in your family, just as it is in mine! Enjoy!