This creamy and delicious cheesecake is a traditional Ukrainian dessert made with “Tvarog”, or Farmer’s cheese. Made with only a few ingredients, this recipe can easily be adjusted to taste. Additionally, the protein and fat levels can be adjusted depending on the type of cheese (I like using cottage cheese, as this is most available), making it a perfect “protein” dessert.

Here’s a fun fact: My boyfriend and I connected over a love for cottage cheese, and ever since he baked this on one of our first dates, I’ve been bewitched ever since (with both him and the cake).

INGREDIENTS

Tvarog (Farmer’s Cheese)
This recipe is best with firm farmer’s cheese, but can be substituted with regular cottage cheese. Full-fat is recommended, but we tried low-fat and lactose-free and it tasted just as delicious.

Sugar/Sugar Substitute
You can substitute this for a sugar substitute. I reccomend SukrinMelis or another Confectioner’s sugar substitute for the best taste and texture!

Eggs and semolina
These ingredients hold the cake!
Semolina is a type of wheat flour with a coarser texture than normal fine flour.

Sour Cream
Full fat sour cream is best for richness. However, low fat sour cream and Greek yoghurt work.

Melted butter and vanilla extract
Adds flavour & aroma that makes a simple curd base taste richer.

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 200°C/392°F
Whisk eggs and farmer’s cheese*
Add sour cream, semolina and butter
Pour batter onto greased/lined pan and bake for around 30-40 minutes.
Cool or enjoy straight from the pan. Serve with jam or honey and enjoy!

NOTES

*You can blend the farmer’s cheese for a more “cheesecake-like” texture, but I personally like the clumps.

*Type of cheese:
This recipe is best with firm farmer’s cheese, but can be substituted with regular cottage cheese. Full-fat is recommended, but we tried low-fat and lactose-free and it tasted just as delicious.

*Sour cream can be substituted for low-fat or Greek yoghurt.

RECIPE