Pascha is a traditional, luxurious cheese dessert often served during Easter celebrations. This dense, creamy confection is made by blending cream cheese and butter until silky smooth, then folding in whipped egg whites for a light yet substantial texture. The mixture is sweetened with vanilla sugar and studded with plump raisins, sultanas, and cherries, creating a complex flavor profile that balances richness with fruitiness. After molding and draining in a cloth-lined basket for 24 hours, it firms up into a sliceable treat. It is best served chilled, garnished with blanched almonds or candied angelica. This dish is perfect for festive gatherings or as an elegant end to a hearty meal, offering a unique, old-world comfort food experience.
Pascha
Description
Pascha is a traditional, luxurious cheese dessert often served during Easter celebrations. This dense, creamy confection is made by blending cream cheese and butter until silky smooth, then folding in whipped egg whites for a light yet substantial texture. The mixture is sweetened with vanilla sugar and studded with plump raisins, sultanas, and cherries, creating a complex flavor profile that balances richness with fruitiness. After molding and draining in a cloth-lined basket for 24 hours, it firms up into a sliceable treat. It is best served chilled, garnished with blanched almonds or candied angelica. This dish is perfect for festive gatherings or as an elegant end to a hearty meal, offering a unique, old-world comfort food experience.Ingredients
Directions
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Pass the cream cheese and softened butter together through a sieve to ensure the mixture is absolutely smooth and well blended.
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Put the vanilla sugar into a mixing bowl.
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Separate the eggs and add the egg yolks to the sugar, beating until the mixture is pale and white.
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Stir the raisins, sultanas, and chopped cherries into the sugar and yolk mixture.
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Add the fruit and sugar mixture to the sieved cheese and butter, mixing all ingredients thoroughly together.
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Beat the egg whites until they form a stiff snow (stiff peaks) and gently fold them into the cheese mixture.
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Place the mixture into a muslin bag or a wicker cheese basket lined with butter muslin to allow surplus moisture to drain off.
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Put the molded pascha in a cold place to drain and set for 24 hours.
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Unmould the pascha and decorate with blanched almonds or candied angelica before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1033.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 97.8g151%
- Saturated Fat 60.8g304%
- Cholesterol 253.7mg85%
- Sodium 853.7mg36%
- Total Carbohydrate 28.6g10%
- Dietary Fiber 12.5g50%
- Sugars 7.3g
- Protein 14.0g29%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
