Moldovan Easter bread

Moldovan Easter cake is a traditional dessert that combines the fine flavors of cheese with the tender texture of dough. This dish should not be missing from the Easter table, as it is a symbol of the holiday. I will present you with a detailed and easy-to-follow recipe that will ensure a perfect result every time. The total preparation time is approximately 2 hours, and this recipe yields 8 delicious servings.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 100g butter (ideally at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 100g sugar
- 100g sour cream (opt for fatty sour cream for a richer taste)
- 2 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt
- 25g fresh yeast (a quarter of a 25g packet)
- 250-300g flour (type 000 flour is best for a tender dough)

For the filling:
- 200g butter (at room temperature)
- 200g powdered sugar
- 9 egg yolks
- 1kg cottage cheese (preferably well-drained)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon and one orange
- 9 egg whites
- 100g powdered sugar (for the meringue)
- 2 tablespoons of flour (to stabilize the meringue)

Detailed instructions:

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the soft butter with the sugar until it becomes a creamy mixture. Add the sour cream and the 2 egg yolks, continuing to mix. In a small cup, dissolve the yeast in a few tablespoons of warm water and let it rest for 5 minutes. Add the yeast to the butter mixture and gradually incorporate the flour and a pinch of salt. Knead until you obtain a homogeneous and elastic dough.

2. Letting the dough rise: Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

3. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, cream the butter with the powdered sugar until it becomes creamy. Then add the 9 egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each. The cottage cheese should be well drained; you can mash it using a blender or pass it through a sieve to avoid lumps. Incorporate the cheese into the butter and egg yolk mixture. Add the grated lemon and orange zest and the vanilla sugar.

4. Preparing the meringue: Beat the egg whites with 100g powdered sugar until you obtain a firm meringue. Add the 2 tablespoons of flour and mix gently so that the meringue does not deflate. This technique will add an airy texture to the filling.

5. Assembling the Easter cake: Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Choose a round baking pan with a diameter of 30 cm, greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour. Divide the dough into two equal parts, keeping a small amount to make the braid on top. Roll out the remaining dough into a sheet and place it in the pan, covering the sides as well. Pour the cheese mixture into the pan, then braid the remaining dough and arrange it in a cross shape on top of the filling. Brush the braid with an egg yolk for a beautiful color when baked.

6. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about an hour, or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch.

7. Cooling and serving: Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. You can serve it plain or with a drizzle of honey and some fresh fruits for a touch of freshness.

Variation suggestions: You can experiment with the filling by adding chocolate or nuts for a new flavor. Additionally, you can use goat cheese for a more intense taste.

This Moldovan Easter cake is not just a dessert, but a delicacy that will bring joy to the festive table. Each bite captures the tradition and love hidden in every ingredient. Enjoy your meal!