German Easter Bread

German Easter Cake: a traditional dessert with a story-like taste

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

German Easter Cake is a rich and aromatic dessert, perfect for holidays or any special occasion. With a fluffy texture and a sweet-sour taste, this simple recipe is ideal for impressing family and friends. Here’s how to prepare German Easter Cake step by step, with useful tips and delicious variations.

Ingredients:
- 500 g flour
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 100 g sugar
- 80 g butter (plus 10 g for greasing)
- 3 eggs
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 packet of vanilla or the grated zest of 1 lemon
- 1 pinch of salt
- 250 g cottage cheese (well drained)
- 100 g raisins (optional)
- 1 egg for glazing

Instructions:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast, sugar, and 100 ml of lukewarm milk. Mix gently and let it ferment for 10 minutes, until a foam forms on the surface. This is the key to getting a fluffy cake.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, lemon zest or packet of vanilla. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, beaten eggs, and the rest of the lukewarm milk. Start mixing with a spatula, gradually adding the melted butter. Knead the dough with your hands for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but don't overdo it to avoid a dense cake.

3. First rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the filling: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with 50 g of sugar, one egg, raisins (if using), and the vanilla or lemon mixture. Make sure the cheese is well drained to achieve a fine and creamy filling.

5. Forming the cake: After the dough has risen, divide it into two parts: one larger for the bottom of the pan and a smaller one for the top. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a springform pan with butter and dust it with flour. Roll out the larger dough into a sheet and place it in the pan, leaving the edges slightly overhanging. Pour in the cheese filling, and over it, spread the remaining dough, covering the filling.

6. Second rising: Cover the pan with a towel and let it rise for another 30 minutes. During this time, beat the remaining egg and glaze the cake for a golden and appetizing crust.

7. Baking: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden. Check with a toothpick: if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

8. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack. You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant look.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the German Easter Cake as a dessert or snack, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cream. Give it an even more special touch by adding a berry or caramel sauce for a delicious contrast.

Variations:
You can experiment with different flavors by adding orange zest or chopped nuts to the filling. You can also substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a different texture.

This German Easter Cake recipe is not only simple but also full of tradition. It meets all the criteria for a quick and delicious dessert, perfect for celebrating important moments in your life. Enjoy every bite and savor a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones!