Baked Cottage Cheese Kulich with Zephir Cream

This delightful baked treat, featuring a soft dough infused with cottage cheese and a hint of ginger, is topped with a luscious zephir cream. The kulich, a rich and moist bread, is elevated with the addition of raisins, nuts, and dried fruits, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. The zephir cream, made with whipped egg whites and a sweet syrup, adds a fluffy and elegant finish to this dessert. Perfect for special occasions or a weekend indulgence, this dish is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. The dough is carefully prepared to ensure it rises beautifully, while the cream is whipped to perfection for a stunning topping. Whether you choose to serve it with a freshly brewed coffee or as part of a festive table, this kulich will surely win hearts with its tender texture and delightful flavors. With a preparation time that allows the yeast dough to rise adequately, each bite is infused with satisfying depth. This recipe combines traditional baking techniques with modern flavors, providing a comforting and nostalgic experience. Enjoy the splendid taste and unique texture of this homemade baked cottage cheese kulich with zephir cream.

Ingredients

Dough:

250 g cottage cheese
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
15 g fresh yeast
60 ml milk
50 g butter or margarine
3 cups flour
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
1/2 tsp salt
Raisins, nuts, dried fruits as desired (if using, add cognac or lemon juice for refreshing)

Cream:

1 egg white
100 ml water (or 50 ml water and 50 ml syrup)
2 tsp gelatin (without heaps)
8 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp citric acid or few drops of lemon juice
1 tbsp vanilla sugar
Pinch of salt

Preparation Time

Total: 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Activate the Yeast: In a bowl, crumble the yeast and mix it with a tablespoon of sugar and slightly warmed milk. Stir well, cover, and allow to stand for 10 minutes.
Mix Eggs: Beat the eggs and egg yolk with sugar and salt until combined. Add the cottage cheese and melted butter, mixing all together thoroughly.
Prepare Fruits: Soak dried fruits in cognac or lemon juice to let them absorb the flavors.
Combine Ingredients: Add the risen yeast mixture to the egg concoction. Stir in the nuts, soaked dried fruits, and freshly grated ginger.
Incorporate Flour: Gradually fold in the flour, making sure to integrate it smoothly to form a consistent dough.
Allow to Rise: Transfer the dough into a greased bowl, filling it halfway to allow room for rising.
Rest the Dough: Cover the dough and let it proof in a warm place for about 40 minutes until it rises.
Preheat and Bake: After proofing, place the dough in a preheated oven at 200°C for 10 minutes, then continue to bake at 180°C for another 40 minutes.
Cool in Molds: Once baked, let the kulich cool in their molds to prevent them from collapsing.
Prepare Cream: For the cream, beat the egg white with salt until creamy. Add 1 tbsp sugar and vanilla sugar, continuing to beat until you achieve a firm consistency. Refrigerate.
Dissolve Gelatin: Meanwhile, dissolve gelatin in 50 ml of water or syrup.
Make Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the remaining 50 ml water with 7 tbsp sugar and citric acid. Boil while stirring continuously. Once boiling, cook for about 7 minutes.
Test Syrup: To check if the syrup is ready, drop a little into cold water; if it forms a soft clump, it’s perfect.
Mix Gelatin: Remove the syrup from heat, carefully stir in the gelatin mixture.
Combine with Egg White: Slowly pour the syrup into the whipped egg white, beating continuously for about 20 minutes until the cream thickens.
Decorate Kulich: Once the cream reaches desired thickness, decorate the cooled kuliches.
Let Set: Allow the decorated kulich to sit at room temperature before serving.
Finish: Enjoy your delightful kulich with friends or family for a festive treat.
Serving: Pair with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
Enjoy: Bon Appétit!

Tips

Refreshing Fruits: Use lemon juice or cognac for refreshing dried fruits and enhancing their flavor.
Safe Cooling: Let the kulich cool in their molds to avoid collapsing, ensuring they maintain their shape.
Cream Consistency: Ensure the zephir cream is whipped to a firm consistency for the best decorative effect.
Storage: Store leftover kulich in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: 10g
Fats: 12g
Carbs: 50g

Variations

Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and butter with coconut oil for a vegan variation.
Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour mix.
Low Sugar: Use a sugar substitute to reduce sugar content without compromising flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crafted cup of cappuccino or flat white.
Serve alongside fresh fruit for added freshness.
Add a garnish of mint leaves or edible flowers for a vibrant touch.

Best Places

The Cheesecake Factory - Known for a vast selection of cheesecakes and savory dishes. Location: 364 Delaware Ave, Philadelphia, USA.
Tartine Bakery - Famous for artisanal bread and delightful pastries. Location: 600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, USA.
The English Tea Room - Offers a classic British tea experience with a variety of breads and sweets. Location: 734 E Rutland St, Covington, USA.
Paul Bakery - Traditional French bakery offering exquisite pastries. Location: 92 Notting Hill Gate, London, UK.
Heytea - Innovative in offering baked goods with unique flavors alongside teas. Location: 228 Tianhe Rd, Guangzhou, China.
Bakery Nouveau - Renowned for its classic European-style breads and pastries. Location: 4737 California Ave SW, Seattle, USA.
Conditorei Schober - Swiss bakery specializing in luxurious cakes and desserts. Location: Napfgasse 4, Zurich, Switzerland.
Gail's Bakery - Beloved for its quality baked treats and coffee. Location: 250 Tottenham Court Rd, London, UK.
Cafe Central - Historic venue offering sumptuous pastries in a literary setting. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
Eric Kayser - Delivers artisan breads using natural sourdough starter. Location: 8 rue Monge, Paris, France.