Polish Easter cake with chocolate glaze

Polish Easter Cake with Chocolate Glaze: A Sweet Holiday Delicacy

Christ is Risen! What could be more delightful during this festive season than a delicious Polish Easter cake with a fine texture and a decadent chocolate glaze? This recipe will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also bring a touch of tradition into your life. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make and flavorful cake.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8-10

A Brief History of the Cake

Easter cake has deep roots in Easter traditions, symbolizing both resurrection and joy. Over time, it has evolved into various forms across different cultures, but today we focus on the Polish version, which stands out for its rich cheese filling and soft dough, perfect to be enjoyed with loved ones.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 150 g flour
- 75 g powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 100 g butter or margarine (at room temperature)
- 150 ml milk
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 packet of vanilla powder

For the filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 3 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 100 g raisins (washed and dried)
- Seeds from one vanilla pod

For the glaze:
- 100 g dark chocolate (preferably high cocoa content)
- 50 g butter
- 2 tablespoons of milk

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Dough
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat). In a large bowl, beat the egg with the powdered sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color. Add the softened butter and continue mixing until well combined. Now, pour in the milk, then add the flour, baking powder, vanilla powder, and cocoa. Use a spatula or mixer to mix everything well until you achieve a smooth and creamy dough.

2. Baking the First 12 Minutes
Line a round baking pan with parchment paper and grease it with a little butter. Pour 3/4 of the prepared dough into the pan, leveling it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door during this time, to allow the dough to rise properly.

3. Preparing the Cheese Cream
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the eggs, sugar, and vanilla seeds. Add the raisins and gently stir so they don't break. This filling will add a creamy and savory taste to the cake.

4. Assembling the Cake
Remove the pan from the oven and pour the cheese cream over the pre-baked base. Then, add the remaining dough on top. This will create a very pleasant layered effect when cut. Bake again at 180°C for 35-40 minutes. Check if it is baked by using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!

5. Cooling and Preparing the Glaze
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it to a cooling rack. While the cake cools, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the dark chocolate, butter, and milk, then heat over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Let it cool slightly before pouring it over the cake.

6. Decoration
After the glaze has cooled and thickened slightly, carefully pour it over the cake. You can decorate with almond flakes, green coconut, or even colorful candies for a festive look. Let the glaze set before slicing the cake.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the Cheese: It is essential to use fresh cottage cheese, as it will influence the texture and final taste of the cake. If you want a richer version, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese.
- Raisins: Make sure the raisins are well washed and dried to avoid excess moisture in the filling. You can soak them in rum or warm water for 15 minutes to make them even more flavorful.
- Variations: You can add extra flavors, such as cinnamon or lemon zest in the cheese filling, to create a personalized touch.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a glass of sweet wine or a cup of aromatic coffee. It is ideal for serving at festive Easter meals.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of this cake contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, while dark chocolate provides antioxidants and healthy fats. Consumed in moderation, this delicacy can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese, but it is important to adjust the sugar amount, as these cheeses are sweeter.

2. How can I enrich the glaze?
You can add a few drops of vanilla extract or rum essence to enhance the glaze's flavor.

3. How do I keep the cake fresh?
Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap in the fridge, and to keep it soft, let it sit at room temperature before serving.

Add this Polish Easter cake with chocolate glaze to your culinary repertoire and turn every holiday into a special moment! Enjoy!