Zapekanka is indeed a traditional Ukrainian cheesecake, often made with cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese, giving it a unique texture and flavor. It’s a popular dish in Eastern European cuisine and can be enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet breakfast. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own Zapekanka!
Ukrainian Zapekanka (Cheesecake) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese (or farmer’s cheese)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup semolina or all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added flavor)
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: raisins or dried fruits (for added sweetness and texture)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper.
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Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, and eggs. Use a fork or a potato masher to break up the cheese and mix until smooth. You can also use a food processor for a creamier texture.
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Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Stir in the sour cream (or yogurt), vanilla extract, semolina (or flour), baking powder, lemon zest (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined. If you’re adding raisins or dried fruits, fold them in at this stage.
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Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool:
- Once baked, remove the zapekanka from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Serve:
- Zapekanka can be served warm or chilled. It’s often enjoyed plain or with a dollop of sour cream, fruit preserves, or fresh berries on top.
Tips:
- Texture: For a smoother texture, you can blend the cottage cheese in a food processor before mixing it with the other ingredients.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar according to your taste preference. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Enjoy your Zapekanka! This delightful Ukrainian cheesecake is a comforting and delicious treat that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!