Description
A classic Eastern European–style cheesecake made with farmer’s cheese and studded with sweet, juicy raisins. Light, creamy, and delicately sweet this rustic cheesecake is perfect for tea time or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed tea biscuits)
1/3 cup melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
For the Filling:
1 lb farmer’s cheese (or ricotta, well-drained)
1 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
2 tbsp semolina or all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup raisins (soaked in warm water or rum for 10 minutes, then drained)
Zest of 1 lemon
Pinch of salt
For Topping (optional):
Powdered sugar or fruit jam for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool slightly.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine farmer’s cheese, sour cream, eggs, sugar, flour (or semolina), vanilla, lemon zest, and salt.
5. Beat until smooth and creamy. Fold in soaked raisins.
6. Pour the cheese mixture over the crust and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
8. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 15 minutes.
9. Remove and let cool completely before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
10. Serve chilled with powdered sugar or fruit jam on top.
Notes
For extra richness, replace sour cream with cream cheese.
Soak raisins in rum or brandy for a deeper flavor.
This cheesecake keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: cheesecake with raisins, baked farmer’s cheese cake, ricotta cheesecake, traditional cheesecake, Slavic dessert