Description
This Farmer’s Cheese Cake with Raisins (Zapekanka) recipe is a traditional Eastern European baked cheese dish made with farmer’s cheese, eggs, and lightly sweet raisins. With its soft, custardy texture and comforting flavor, Zapekanka is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a satisfying snack served with sour cream, honey, or fruit preserves.
Ingredients
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2 cups farmer’s cheese
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3 large eggs
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup raisins
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½ cup sour cream
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3 tablespoons butter, melted
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3 tablespoons semolina or all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
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In a large bowl, combine the farmer’s cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth.
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Add the semolina or flour and stir until fully incorporated.
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Fold in the raisins, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set.
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Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing.
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Serve warm or chilled, optionally dusted with powdered sugar
Notes
If the farmer’s cheese is very crumbly, blend it briefly for a smoother texture.Soaking the raisins in warm water for 5–10 minutes can make them softer and juicier.Semolina gives Zapekanka a traditional slightly firm texture, but flour works well as a substitute.This dish can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
