Zapekanka (Ukrainian Cheesecake)

Zapekanka (Ukrainian Cheesecake)

Zapekanka is a traditional Ukrainian cheesecake made primarily with cottage cheese or farmer's cheese, giving it a creamy texture and rich flavor. This dessert is often enjoyed as a sweet treat for breakfast or dessert and can be topped with various fruits or drizzled with honey.
Zapekanka (Ukrainian Cheesecake) Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (500 g) cottage cheese or farmer's cheese (drained if wet)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (75 g) raisins (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the pan)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
Blend Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream (or yogurt), vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt.
Use a hand mixer or food processor to blend the mixture until smooth. The mixture should be creamy but still have some texture from the cottage cheese.
Add Optional Ingredients:
If using raisins or lemon zest, fold them into the mixture gently.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease the Pan:
Grease a round or square baking dish (about 8x8 inches or similar) with butter to prevent sticking.
Pour the Mixture:
Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Bake
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Cool:
Remove the zapekanka from the oven and let it cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve:
Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Cut into slices and serve warm or at room temperature.
Optional Toppings:
Fresh berries or fruit preserves
Honey or maple syrup
A dollop of sour cream or whipped cream
Enjoy your delicious Zapekanka as a delightful dessert or a sweet breakfast treat!