Description
Zapekanka is a traditional Ukrainian baked cheesecake made with farmer’s cheese or ricotta, combined with eggs, sour cream, and a hint of vanilla. This creamy and mildly sweet dessert is tender with a gently golden crust, often enhanced with raisins and lemon zest for extra flavor. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting treat perfect served warm or chilled, dusted with powdered sugar or alongside fresh fruit preserves.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups farmer’s cheese (or well-drained ricotta)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup semolina or all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1/3 cup raisins (optional)
- Butter for greasing the pan
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish generously with butter to prevent sticking and impart flavor.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the farmer’s cheese, eggs, sour cream, sugar, semolina or flour, salt, vanilla extract, and lemon zest if using. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Raisins: Carefully fold in the raisins if you choose to include them. This adds bursts of sweetness to the cheesecake.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for even cooking. Place in the preheated oven, baking for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the custard is set in the center and the top has a light golden color.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before slicing. Serve warm for a gooey texture or chilled for a firmer slice.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta cheese for farmer’s cheese depending on availability or preference.
- For a gluten-free version, replace semolina with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to maintain texture without gluten.
- This dessert is versatile and delicious plain or served with fruit preserves or fresh berries for added flavor.
