Description
Zapekanka is a traditional Ukrainian cheesecake known for its creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Made with cottage or farmer’s cheese, eggs, and a hint of lemon zest and raisins for added flavor, this baked dessert is simple yet satisfying. It’s lightly sweetened, enriched with sour cream or yogurt, and baked to a golden perfection, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups (500g) cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese, drained if wet
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (75g) raisins (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For Baking
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the pan)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream (or yogurt), vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Blend the mixture until it is smooth but still retains some texture from the cottage cheese. If desired, gently fold in the raisins and lemon zest to add bursts of sweetness and citrus aroma.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared cheesecake batter into the dish and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Zapekanka: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before slicing, dust the top with powdered sugar if you like for an elegant finish.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt to add a slight tang to the cheesecake.
- Draining the cottage cheese well will prevent excess moisture, ensuring a firmer texture.
- Feel free to omit raisins and lemon zest for a plainer version or customize with your favorite dried fruits.
- Zapekanka can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile for different preferences.
- Use a non-stick or well-greased baking dish to easily remove the cheesecake after baking.
