Sweet cheese and raisin pie

Sweet cheese and raisin pie – a masterpiece of flavor

Who doesn't love a warm pie with a creamy filling of sweet cheese and raisins? This sweet cheese and raisin pie recipe is not just a delicious dessert, but also a pleasant childhood memory for many of us. Cooking the cheese pie is an old tradition that brings together the simple and natural flavors of basic ingredients, transforming them into a memorable culinary experience.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients

- 1 package of store-bought pastry sheets (or homemade sheets if you want a more authentic taste)
- 1 kg sweet cheese (ideally cottage cheese or ricotta)
- 8 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- Grated zest of 1 orange
- 100 g raisins (preferably soaked in warm water or rum for extra flavor)
- Butter for greasing (about 100 g)

Preparing the filling

1. Beat the eggs: In a large bowl, crack the 8 eggs and add the 200 g of sugar. Use a whisk or mixer to mix well until the mixture becomes frothy and a deep yellow. This is the moment when the sugar will dissolve perfectly, giving a fine texture to the filling.

2. Add the cheese: Gradually incorporate the sweet cheese into the egg mixture. Make sure the cheese is well crumbled to avoid lumps.

3. Incorporate the flavors: Add the vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, and orange zest. These ingredients not only enrich the taste but also bring a fresh, citrus aroma that will perfectly complement the sweetness of the cheese and raisins.

4. Add the raisins: Finally, fold in the raisins. If they have been soaked beforehand, they will add a soft texture and pleasant taste, contributing to the richness of the filling.

Assembling the pie

1. Prepare the baking tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking tray with butter to prevent the pie from sticking. The ideal tray should measure about 30 x 40 cm.

2. Arrange the sheets: Place 3 pastry sheets in the prepared tray, greasing them with butter in between. Cover each sheet with a thin layer of melted butter to ensure a crispy and delicious crust.

3. Add the filling: Pour half of the cheese mixture over the 3 sheets. Spread the filling evenly to ensure even baking.

4. Continue with more sheets: Place another 3 butter-greased sheets on top of the filling. Then, pour the rest of the cheese mixture. Now, it's time to finish the pie with 3-4 more pastry sheets, also greased with butter, including the top sheet, to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

Baking the pie

1. Bake the pie: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the surface is golden and crispy, and the filling is well set.

2. Cooling: Once the pie is ready, let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This step is essential to avoid a filling that is too soft.

Serving and suggestions

Serve the sweet cheese and raisin pie warm or at room temperature, alongside a scoop of sour cream or vanilla ice cream. This combination will further enhance the delicious flavors of the pie.

Customized option: If you want to experiment, you can replace the raisins with cranberries or dates for a different taste. Additionally, adding some chopped nuts can provide an extra texture and flavor.

Nutritional benefits

This pie is rich in protein due to the eggs and cheese, while the raisins provide a significant amount of fiber. It is a dessert that can be enjoyed in moderation, considering the sugar and fat content. Each serving offers about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of butter used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese or mascarpone for a different taste, but adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the cheese.

- How can I make the pie less sweet?
Reduce the sugar amount by 50 g or add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.

- Can the pie be frozen?
Absolutely! Let the pie cool completely, then slice it and freeze it in an airtight container. You can bake it again directly from the freezer.

This sweet cheese and raisin pie is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings joy and comfort in every bite. Experiment, adapt, and most importantly, savor every moment spent in the kitchen. Enjoy!