Russian Cheese Babka
Russian Cheese Babka is a rich, creamy treat combining tangy cheese, sweet candied fruits, and fragrant citrus, perfect for special occasions or as a decadent dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 cup large curd cream-style cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons diced candied pineapple ⓘ
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds (optional) ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fine shredded lemon peel ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/3 cup chopped red candied cherries
- 1/4 cup golden raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon fine shredded orange peel ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese, vanilla, butter, candied cherries, cottage cheese, raisins, and pineapple; beat until smooth.
- Line a clean flowerpot with a moistened piece of cheesecloth.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared flowerpot and place on a rack to drain in the refrigerator overnight or longer.
- Unmold the cheese babka and garnish with candied cherries before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is well softened before mixing. You can substitute the golden raisins with sultanas for a different flavor, or omit the nuts if desired. If you don’t have a flowerpot, a bowl lined with cheesecloth works just as well. Adding a touch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Russian Cheese Babka chilled, garnished with additional candied cherries or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for crunch. It pairs beautifully with Cream Cheese Sandwiches for a delightful tea-time treat or as part of a brunch spread. Consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let it sit at room temperature for a while before serving. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Russian Cheese Babka contains roughly 406 calories, with 8g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly different. It may not be as creamy, so be sure to mix well to achieve a smooth consistency. Additionally, consider adjusting the sugar if you prefer a less sweet flavor.
What can I do if I don't have candied pineapple?
If you don't have candied pineapple, you can replace it with finely chopped fresh pineapple or omit it entirely. Diced dried apricots or peaches can also work well as a substitute, adding sweetness and a different texture to the babka.
How long should I let the cheese babka drain?
Ideally, let the cheese babka drain in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up. If you're short on time, aim for at least 4-6 hours, but overnight is recommended for the best texture and taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).