What is Kraków Cheesecake?
Kraków Cheesecake, also known as Sernik Krakowski, is a traditional Polish dessert made with a pastry base and a sweet cheese filling.
The filling is typically made from Polish-style cottage cheese (twaróg) and includes sultanas for added flavor. This cheesecake is a popular dessert in Poland and is often enjoyed during festive occasions.
Why I Love This Recipe?
This Kraków cheesecake recipe is a personal favorite because it combines the rich flavors of sweet cheese and sultanas with a beautiful pastry base. The addition of orange rind and vanilla extract enhances the overall taste, making it a truly indulgent treat.
This recipe captures the essence of traditional Polish baking, making it a must-try for anyone interested in Polish cuisine. And if You love Polish cakes, I highly recommend trying out this classic Polish Cheesecake – Sernik.
Key Ingredients
Polish-style Cottage Cheese (Twaróg): This is the main ingredient for the cheesecake filling. Twaróg is a traditional Polish cheese with a mild flavor and a crumbly texture. It provides the creamy base for the cheesecake.
Sultanas: These dried grapes add a sweet and slightly tangy flavor to the cheesecake filling, complementing the creamy cheese perfectly.
Pastry Base: Made from a mixture of flour, sugar, cold butter, and egg, this base provides a firm and flavorful foundation for the cheesecake.
Orange Rind: Adds a fresh citrus flavor that brightens up the cheesecake.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic note to the filling.
Caster Sugar: Used to sweeten both the pastry base and the cheese filling, giving the cheesecake its delightful sweetness.
How to Store?
Store the Kraków Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, it can be frozen. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable freezer bag.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to retain its creamy texture and delicious flavor.
How to Serve?
Serve this Kraków Cheesecake chilled, either plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For an extra touch, you can garnish it with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream. This cheesecake is perfect for dessert after a meal or as a sweet treat during the afternoon.
Expert Tips
Using Polish-style Cottage Cheese: Ensure the cheese is well-drained to avoid a watery filling. If twaróg is not available, ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute.
Chilling the Dough: Chill the dough for the pastry base for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to handle and helps it hold its shape during baking.
Baking Evenly: Bake the cheesecake in the center of the oven and avoid opening the door frequently to ensure it bakes evenly and doesn’t crack.
Recipe Variations
Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cheese filling for a citrusy twist. You can also include a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced version.
Toppings: Instead of the traditional lattice, you can top the cheesecake with a layer of fruit preserves or fresh berries.
Base Variations: Use a graham cracker crust instead of the pastry base for a different texture and flavor.
Lattice top: You can also create a signature lattice top with the leftover pastry base. Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into strips. Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern over the filling. Brush the lattice with a beaten egg for a shiny finish.
Print
Polish Kraków Cheesecake (Sernik Krakowski)
- Total Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
Kraków Cheesecake (Sernik Krakowski) is a traditional Polish dessert featuring a rich cheese filling with sultanas.
Ingredients
Pastry Base:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup caster sugar
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
Cheese Filling:
- 750g Polish-style farmers cheese (twaróg), well-drained
- 3/4 cup caster sugar
- 3 eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sultanas (golden raisins)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Pastry Base:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, caster sugar, and cold butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Cheese Filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the cottage cheese until smooth. Use a hand mixer or food processor for this step.
- Add the caster sugar, egg yolks, sour cream, melted butter, flour, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites and sultanas into the cheese mixture.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a springform tin and line the bottom with parchment paper. Use a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan or a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan.
- Roll out the dough and press it into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared tin.
- Pour the cheese filling into the crust.
Bake the Cheesecake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely in the tin before removing it. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Ensure your cottage cheese (twaróg) is well-drained to avoid a watery filling.
For a different flavor, try adding lemon zest or cinnamon to the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Polish
Nutrition
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Protein: 9 g
Nutrition Information
This website offers estimated nutritional details, which may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
FAQ
Can I use ricotta cheese instead of twaróg?
Yes, ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute if twaróg is not available. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Yes, you can add other dried fruits such as apricots or cranberries to the filling for a variation in flavor.
Why does my cheesecake crack on top?
Cracks can occur if the cheesecake is overbaked or if there is a sudden change in temperature. Baking the cheesecake in a water bath can help prevent cracking.
size of pan?
Thank you for asking! 😊 For this recipe, I use either a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan or a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) square baking pan, which is what you see in the photos. Both work well with this amount of batter.
Just love these recipes. I am almost 80 and still the
Recipes talk to me and bring back memories of my mum and dad, thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot to know these recipes bring back happy memories of your mum and dad. ❤️