Sirnaya Paskha(Cheese Cake)
Sirnaya Paskha is a creamy, sweet cheese cake with delicate vanilla and optional nuts and fruit, perfect for festive occasions and cheese lovers seeking a rich, chilled dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put cheese through a fine food chopper or sieve at least 2 times and set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until almost white. Add egg yolks and continue creaming.
- Add vanilla.
- When this mixture is thoroughly blended, add the cheese and mix well.
- Add the whipped cream.
- Additions of almonds and fruit are optional and added last.
- Put the mixture in a cheesecloth-lined clay flowerpot, colander or paskha mold.
- Put a heavy weight on the top to help press out the excess moisture.
- Place the container on a wire rack so that the cheese will not sit in the drained liquid.
- Let drain at least 24 hours.
- Chill thoroughly.
- This freezes beautifully.
- Unmold and remove cheesecloth before serving.
- Decorate with bits of candied fruit.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal texture, ensure your cottage cheese is very dry; squeezing excess moisture with cheesecloth can help. If you don't have slivered almonds, chopped walnuts or pecans can be used as substitutes. For a sweeter flavor, consider adding a dash of almond extract along with the vanilla. This dessert can also be flavored with lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled, garnished with candied fruit or additional whipped cream for an elegant touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad or a dollop of spread/" class="es-inline-link">Lemon Curd Spread for a refreshing contrast. It also makes a delightful dessert option following a savory meal, such as Sole In Parsley Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you plan to freeze it, wrap the unmolded cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, as freezing maintains its creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sirnaya Paskha(Cheese Cake) contains roughly 420 calories, with 9g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g 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 regular cream cheese instead of cottage cheese?
While cream cheese can be used, it will alter the flavor and texture of the dish. Cottage cheese provides a lighter, fluffier consistency that's traditional in this recipe. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider mixing cottage cheese with a bit of cream cheese for a balanced result.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn't contain any flour. Just be sure to check any optional ingredients, like the candied fruits, to ensure they are gluten-free. You can also omit the almonds if there's a concern about cross-contamination.
What can I substitute for whipped cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use whipped coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative. Alternatively, whipped topping can also be used, but it may contain added sugars and preservatives. For a more stable mixture, consider using mascarpone cheese mixed with a bit of heavy cream.
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).