Braided sweet cheese pasca is more than just a dessert; it is a tradition that brings family and friends together, evoking pleasant memories and moments of joy. This recipe, which I prepared with love this year, exceeded all my expectations. Its rich taste and fluffy texture captivated me, and my godmother's reaction when I gifted it to her filled my heart with happiness. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy!
Preparation time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 180 ml lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 600 g flour
- Approximately 100 ml oil for kneading
For the cheese cream:
- 500 g sweet cheese
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 eggs + 1 egg white
- Raisins (optional)
- 1 egg yolk for brushing
- A little milk and sugar for brushing
Baking pan dimensions
- Round pan: 25 cm diameter
The history of Pasca
Pasca is more than just a dessert; it is a symbol of spring and rebirth, often associated with Easter celebrations. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, with each family having its own version. Whether it is made with sweet cheese, sour cream, or raisins, braided pasca always brings a touch of magic to the festive table.
Preparation method
1. Preparing the dough:
- Start by crumbling the yeast and dissolving it in 200 ml of lukewarm milk. This will activate the yeast, helping the dough rise beautifully.
- Add the eggs, sugar, the remaining milk, lukewarm water, and a little salt. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough becomes consistent. Personally, I prefer to use a tall plastic bowl, as it is easier to knead.
- Begin kneading the dough, gradually adding the oil. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and elastic dough. Continue kneading for 10-15 minutes.
2. Letting it rise:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume. This step can take between 30-60 minutes, depending on the room temperature.
3. Preparing the cheese cream:
- In a bowl, mix the sweet cheese with sugar, vanilla sugar, and egg yolks. Make sure the cheese is well homogenized.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy, then gradually fold them into the cheese mixture. This will bring an airy texture to your cream.
4. Shaping the pasca:
- After the dough has risen, divide it into three parts: two larger and one smaller.
- On a floured work surface or a silicone mat, roll out the small dough, which will become the base of the pasca. Place it in a round pan lined with baking paper or greased with oil and sprinkled with flour.
- From the larger dough, roll out a sheet that you divide into 6 strips. Brush each strip with a little cheese filling and form two braids. Arrange them in a circle over the base of the pasca.
- From the remaining dough, roll out a sheet that you divide into 4 strips. Twist them two by two to form a cross. This detail will add a special touch to your pasca.
5. Final rising and baking:
- You can let the pasca rise in the pan for another 15-20 minutes. It will become even fluffier.
- Brush the pasca with the egg yolk and a little milk mixture, sprinkle sugar on top for a glossy appearance and a crunchy texture.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (low heat) for about 40 minutes or until golden and evenly baked. A useful trick is to check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean, the pasca is ready.
Serving and combinations
Braided sweet cheese pasca is served warm or at room temperature and is perfect alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. You can also add a berry sauce or a spoonful of sour cream for an extra flavor. It is also delicious alongside a glass of sweet wine.
Useful tips
- Use quality sweet cheese for a delicious cream. You can add raisins or candied fruit for extra flavor.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing.
- Don’t rush during the kneading; this step is crucial for achieving a fluffy dough.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast?
- Yes, you can use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast, just make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.
2. How can I store the pasca?
- The pasca can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can freeze it for a longer period.
3. What variations can I try?
- You can experiment with different flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the cheese cream. You can also use cottage cheese or ricotta for a different taste.
This braided sweet cheese pasca recipe is not just a delicious dessert but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories with loved ones. I hope you try it and enjoy every moment! Enjoy your meal!
Preparation time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Servings: 12
Ingredients
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 180 ml lukewarm water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 600 g flour
- Approximately 100 ml oil for kneading
For the cheese cream:
- 500 g sweet cheese
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 2 eggs + 1 egg white
- Raisins (optional)
- 1 egg yolk for brushing
- A little milk and sugar for brushing
Baking pan dimensions
- Round pan: 25 cm diameter
The history of Pasca
Pasca is more than just a dessert; it is a symbol of spring and rebirth, often associated with Easter celebrations. This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, with each family having its own version. Whether it is made with sweet cheese, sour cream, or raisins, braided pasca always brings a touch of magic to the festive table.
Preparation method
1. Preparing the dough:
- Start by crumbling the yeast and dissolving it in 200 ml of lukewarm milk. This will activate the yeast, helping the dough rise beautifully.
- Add the eggs, sugar, the remaining milk, lukewarm water, and a little salt. Mix well to combine the ingredients.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough becomes consistent. Personally, I prefer to use a tall plastic bowl, as it is easier to knead.
- Begin kneading the dough, gradually adding the oil. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy and elastic dough. Continue kneading for 10-15 minutes.
2. Letting it rise:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in volume. This step can take between 30-60 minutes, depending on the room temperature.
3. Preparing the cheese cream:
- In a bowl, mix the sweet cheese with sugar, vanilla sugar, and egg yolks. Make sure the cheese is well homogenized.
- In another bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy, then gradually fold them into the cheese mixture. This will bring an airy texture to your cream.
4. Shaping the pasca:
- After the dough has risen, divide it into three parts: two larger and one smaller.
- On a floured work surface or a silicone mat, roll out the small dough, which will become the base of the pasca. Place it in a round pan lined with baking paper or greased with oil and sprinkled with flour.
- From the larger dough, roll out a sheet that you divide into 6 strips. Brush each strip with a little cheese filling and form two braids. Arrange them in a circle over the base of the pasca.
- From the remaining dough, roll out a sheet that you divide into 4 strips. Twist them two by two to form a cross. This detail will add a special touch to your pasca.
5. Final rising and baking:
- You can let the pasca rise in the pan for another 15-20 minutes. It will become even fluffier.
- Brush the pasca with the egg yolk and a little milk mixture, sprinkle sugar on top for a glossy appearance and a crunchy texture.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (low heat) for about 40 minutes or until golden and evenly baked. A useful trick is to check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean, the pasca is ready.
Serving and combinations
Braided sweet cheese pasca is served warm or at room temperature and is perfect alongside a cup of tea or aromatic coffee. You can also add a berry sauce or a spoonful of sour cream for an extra flavor. It is also delicious alongside a glass of sweet wine.
Useful tips
- Use quality sweet cheese for a delicious cream. You can add raisins or candied fruit for extra flavor.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing.
- Don’t rush during the kneading; this step is crucial for achieving a fluffy dough.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use dry yeast?
- Yes, you can use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast, just make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.
2. How can I store the pasca?
- The pasca can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. You can freeze it for a longer period.
3. What variations can I try?
- You can experiment with different flavors by adding lemon or orange zest to the cheese cream. You can also use cottage cheese or ricotta for a different taste.
This braided sweet cheese pasca recipe is not just a delicious dessert but also an opportunity to create beautiful memories with loved ones. I hope you try it and enjoy every moment! Enjoy your meal!