Easter bread with sweet dough

Easter Cheesecake Recipe with Sweet Bread Dough

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Recipe Introduction

Easter cheesecake is a traditional dessert often associated with holidays, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. This recipe will guide you step by step to achieve a fluffy cheesecake with a fine dough and a delicious filling of cheese, raisins, and flavors. It's a perfect dessert to share with loved ones or to bring a touch of joy to ordinary days. Let's get started!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 375 g flour
- 3 egg yolks
- 135 ml milk (warm, under 40°C)
- 3/4 packet of granulated yeast
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- Zest of 1/2 orange
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 60 g granulated sugar
- 15 g powdered sugar with vanilla flavor
- 1 orange essence
- A little oil (for greasing)
- 1 egg yolk for brushing the cheesecake

For the filling:
- 350 g cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 vanilla essence
- 50 g raisins
- 45 g granulated sugar
- 5 g powdered sugar with vanilla flavor

Step by Step: Preparing the Cheesecake

1. Preparing the Dough

In a large bowl, add the 3 egg yolks and a pinch of salt. Whisk them well with a fork or whisk until they increase in volume. This will help aerate the dough, making it fluffier.

Add the warm milk (make sure it’s not hot, under 40°C) and mix well. Next, add the orange essence, lemon and orange zest, and the soft butter. Mix everything until smooth.

2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the flour with the yeast. It is essential to mix these dry ingredients well to ensure the yeast is evenly distributed in the dough.

Add the egg yolk mixture over the flour and knead the dough well. When the dough becomes homogeneous and elastic, add a little oil and grease it well. Now, let it rise in a warm place, covered with a towel, until it doubles in volume. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy cheesecake.

3. Preparing the Filling

While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the egg, vanilla essence, raisins, and sugar. Make sure all the ingredients are well integrated. The raisins add a touch of sweetness and texture, but you can replace them with cranberries or other dried fruits if you prefer.

4. Forming the Cheesecake

After the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. From the first part, roll out a sheet the size of your baking tray (preferably 28 cm) on a floured surface. Don’t make it too thin, as it needs to support the filling.

Line the tray with baking paper to prevent sticking. From the second part of the dough, set aside a small portion, and with the rest, braid and place it in the tray.

5. Adding the Filling and Decorating

Pour the cheese filling into the center of the cheesecake and, with the remaining dough, form a cross or other decorative patterns on top. This will not only add a pleasing aesthetic but will also allow the filling to bake evenly.

6. Baking

Preheat the oven to 170°C. With a brush, coat the cheesecake with an egg yolk to achieve a golden and glossy crust. Bake the cheesecake for about 40 minutes, then check if it’s done. You can leave it in the oven for another 5-10 minutes to brown nicely on top.

When it’s ready, let the cheesecake cool slightly before removing it from the tray.

Serving Suggestions

The cheesecake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a fruit sauce or sour cream. Drizzle it with a bit of honey to enhance its flavors and give it a sweet-sour taste.

Tips and Variations

If you want to experiment, you can add chopped dark chocolate or crushed nuts to the filling for a different taste. You can also use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.

Nutritional Information and Calories

One serving of cheesecake contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Cottage cheese provides a good source of protein, while butter and sugar add fats and carbohydrates. It’s a dessert that, when consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the dough will be denser. You can try mixing white flour with whole wheat for a compromise between texture and nutrients.

2. What can I use instead of raisins?
You can opt for cranberries, dried fruits, or even chocolate.

3. How can I store the cheesecake?
You can keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the oven to restore its fluffy texture.

4. Is it possible to freeze the cheesecake?
Yes, the cheesecake can be frozen. Make sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. You can keep it for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Now that you have gone through each step, you are ready to enjoy a delicious cheesecake made with love. Whether you prepare it for a holiday or simply to treat your family, this recipe will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!