Sweet cheese and raisin cake (whipped cake in Banat dialect)

Sweet cheese and raisin cake – a delicacy with deep roots in Banat culinary tradition, reminding us of moments spent around the table with loved ones. This recipe is not just a simple cake; it is a story about authentic flavors, simple ingredients, and the joy of sharing a special treat with those dear to us.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 180 g lard (or 250 g margarine)
- 6 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 400 g sugar
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 lemon (zest)
- a pinch of salt
- milk (as needed)

For the filling:
- 1 kg cottage cheese (preferably fresh)
- 1 large packet of raisins (about 150 g)
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- cinnamon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. This will ensure a fine and even texture for the dough. Add the softened lard (or margarine), cut into cubes, and rub well with the flour until you obtain a crumbly mixture.

2. Adding wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the 6 eggs with regular sugar and vanilla sugar until you achieve a frothy composition. Add the grated lemon zest, then incorporate the egg mixture into the flour mixture. Gradually add milk until you obtain a consistent and easy-to-roll dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator, ideally overnight.

3. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese with sugar, raisins (which have been soaked in water and rum essence for 30 minutes), vanilla sugar, cinnamon (if desired), semolina, and the 4 egg yolks. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Finally, add the beaten egg whites, carefully folding them in with a wooden spatula to avoid losing the air from the foam.

4. Assembling the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and grease it with butter or oil. Roll out half of the dough in the tray, forming an even base. Pour the cheese filling over the dough, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

5. Topping decoration: Grate the remaining dough over the filling, as if placing a layer of dough. This will create a crispy and delicious crust in the end.

6. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top becomes golden and crispy. Check the cake with a toothpick; it should come out clean.

7. Cooling and serving: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray. Once completely cooled, dust it with powdered sugar. This will not only add an attractive appearance but will also enhance the sweetness.

Chef's Tip

To achieve a richer taste and texture, use fresh, quality cottage cheese. If you want a more exotic touch, you can add a few thin slices of caramelized apple or pear on top of the filling. The raisin mixture can be enriched with some chopped nuts or almonds for an added crunch.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake contains nutritious ingredients, such as cottage cheese, which is a good source of protein and calcium. Raisins provide a natural source of sugars, vitamins, and minerals. If you are looking for a healthier option, you can substitute some of the sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought cottage cheese?
Yes, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid a too-wet filling.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and dough. You can adjust the sugar to taste.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with various flavors, such as vanilla essence, or you can replace some of the raisins with dried blueberries or candied cherries.

Serving and Pairings

This cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which will perfectly complement the flavors. Additionally, a cup of fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee will make every meal a special moment.

Sweet cheese and raisin cake is not just a recipe, but a way to bring a touch of tradition into your kitchen. Try this recipe, and you will fall in love with its authentic taste! Enjoy!