Sweet cheese and chocolate Easter cake

Sweet cheese and chocolate pasca: a double-layered holiday recipe

Easter holidays are a time of joy, and the sweet cheese and chocolate pasca will surely become the star of your table! This delicacy not only looks wonderful, but its rich taste and creamy texture will make you come back to it every time. Pasca is a traditional dessert, often associated with religious holidays, but its reinterpretation with chocolate brings a fresh and modern twist. So, let’s get to work!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

Ingredients for the base:
- 300 g flour
- 180 g sugar
- 40 g cocoa
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet baking powder

Ingredients for the filling:
- 50 g butter
- 40 g cornstarch
- 100 g white chocolate
- 550 g cottage cheese
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 100 g sour cream
- 4 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 1 packet bourbon vanilla sugar
- 50 g raisins (optional, soaked in rum)

Preparing the sweet cheese and chocolate pasca:

1. Preparing the base:
Start by preheating the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. Choose a springform pan (approximately 24 cm in diameter) and grease it with a bit of oil, then dust it with flour, ensuring it is evenly coated. This step is essential to prevent the pasca from sticking to the pan.

2. Mixing the ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until you achieve a frothy and homogeneous mixture. Then, add the softened butter and continue mixing until it is perfectly incorporated. It is important for the butter to be at room temperature to blend easily.

3. Adding dry ingredients:
Start adding the flour mixed with baking powder, and then the cocoa. It is important to add them gradually while constantly mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid lumps. You will get a thicker dough, but it will be easy to handle.

4. Baking the base:
Pour the dough into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 10-15 minutes. The base should be slightly firm to the touch but not completely baked, as it will continue to bake with the filling on top.

5. Preparing the filling:
In the meantime, prepare the filling. In another bowl, add all the filling ingredients: cottage cheese, lightly beaten eggs, sour cream, liquid cream, cornstarch, melted white chocolate with butter, and sugar. Add the bourbon vanilla sugar for extra flavor. If desired, don’t forget about the rum-soaked raisins, as they will add a touch of flavor.

6. Assembling and baking:
After the base has cooled slightly, carefully pour the cheese filling over it and level the surface. Increase the oven temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the pasca for about 45-50 minutes, until the filling is slightly golden and firm to the touch.

7. Cooling:
Once the pasca is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. It is essential not to try to remove it from the pan while it is warm, as it may crack or crumble. Cover it with a clean cloth to prevent a crust from forming on the surface.

8. Decorating:
When the pasca is completely cool, you can dust it with powdered sugar or decorate it with melted chocolate, nuts, or candied fruits, according to your preferences.

Practical tips:
- If you want a lower-calorie version, you can replace the butter with Greek yogurt in the base recipe.
- The pasca can be prepared a few days before serving; it keeps very well in the refrigerator, where the flavors will intensify.

Nutritional benefits:
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while white chocolate adds a boost of energy and delicious taste. In moderation, pasca can be a good choice for celebrating in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but the texture will be different. Full-fat cheese provides a creamier filling.

2. How can I avoid cracks on the surface of the pasca?
Make sure to let it cool completely before removing it from the pan and bake at the correct temperature.

3. Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, dark chocolate, or even fresh fruits for a different flavor.

Sweet cheese and chocolate pasca is a dessert that will delight your guests and bring a touch of magic to your Easter table. Dare to experiment with ingredients and create unique variations that reflect your culinary style. Enjoy!