Sweet cheese and raisin Easter bread

Sweet cheese and raisin Easter bread – A traditional holiday delight

Total preparation time: 3 hours
Preparation time: 1 hour
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Introduction

Sweet cheese and raisin Easter bread is a traditional dessert that evokes memories of Easter celebrations and moments spent with loved ones. Its tempting aroma of fresh cheese, enriched with raisins, and the fluffy dough prepared with love, transforms this recipe into an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether enjoyed in the morning with a cup of coffee or as dessert, it quickly becomes a favorite at the table.

Necessary ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 500 g white flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 220 ml lukewarm milk (not hot)
- 2 large eggs
- 120 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1 essence of rum
- 80 g melted butter (plus extra for greasing)

*For the filling:*
- 500 g fresh cow cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 4 large eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon of grated lemon zest
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon of semolina
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 100 g raisins (washed and soaked in warm water or rum)
- 3-4 tablespoons of rum (optional)

Preparing the dough

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This will help aerate the flour and make the dough fluffier.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk (make sure it is not hot, as it will kill the yeast) by adding a tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In the bowl with flour, add the activated yeast mixture. In another bowl, beat the eggs with sugar and salt, then pour this mixture over the flour.

4. Flavoring the dough: Add the grated lemon zest, vanilla sugar, and rum essence. Mix everything until combined. If the dough is too stiff, do not hesitate to add a little lukewarm milk.

5. Kneading: Begin kneading the dough with your hands. Continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and easily separates from your hands and the sides of the bowl. Patience is important at this stage to achieve the perfect dough.

6. Adding the butter: Gradually incorporate the melted butter into the dough, kneading continuously until smooth.

7. Rising: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about an hour, or until it doubles in size.

Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the cheese: In a separate bowl, drain the cow cheese of excess water, then mix it with the egg yolks, melted butter, sour cream, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and vanilla sugar. Use a fork or mixer to achieve a smooth mixture.

2. Adding dry ingredients: Incorporate the semolina, flour, and baking powder into the cheese mixture. Mix well until uniform.

3. Raisins: Add the soaked and drained raisins, and if you desire a more intense flavor, you can also add rum. Mix everything carefully.

Assembling the Easter bread

1. Preparing the pan: Grease a baking tray with butter and sprinkle a little flour to prevent sticking.

2. Forming the Easter bread: Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first part on a floured surface to form a sheet that covers the bottom and sides of the pan.

3. Adding the filling: Pour the cheese filling into the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

4. Decorating: You can use the remaining dough to form a lattice over the filling by cutting thin strips and placing them in a cross pattern. This step not only adds an attractive appearance but also a crunchy texture.

5. Brushing with egg: Beat an egg and brush it over the Easter bread for a golden, shiny crust.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat).

2. Baking the Easter bread: Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 40-60 minutes, or until the bread turns golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Cooling: After baking, let the Easter bread cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely.

Serving suggestions and variations

Sweet cheese and raisin Easter bread can be served warm or at room temperature, but it is also delicious after being refrigerated for a day. You can serve it with a spoonful of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Tips and useful advice

- Flour: It is recommended to use high-quality flour with a high protein content for a more elastic dough.
- Cheese: Choose well-drained cow cheese with a moderate fat content for optimal taste.
- Raisins: You can replace raisins with other dried fruits, such as apricots or cranberries, for a special touch.
- Rising: Make sure the dough rises in a warm place away from drafts for maximum volume.
- Time-saving: If you are in a hurry, you can use pre-made cow cheese and store-bought raisins to shorten preparation time.

Nutritional information

One serving of Easter bread (approximately 100 g) has about 320-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, as well as carbohydrates from flour and sugar. Additionally, raisins provide fiber and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to respect the proper ratio (approximately 7-10 g of dry yeast for 25 g of fresh yeast).

- How do I know when the Easter bread is ready?
An Easter bread is ready when it turns golden on top and a knife or tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

- Can I freeze the Easter bread?
Yes, you can freeze the sliced Easter bread, but it is recommended to let it thaw at room temperature to maintain its texture.

Sweet cheese and raisin Easter bread is a dish that combines tradition with exquisite taste. Enjoy every step of preparing this delight and savor the moments spent with loved ones, enveloped in the perfect aroma of a traditional Easter bread!