Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) dry cottage cheese
2 tablespoons cornstarch
140 grams (5 ounces) sour cream
2 tablespoons sugar
5 eggs
Apricots or any other juicy fruit/berries

Instructions

Step 1

Preparation

Blend the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy.
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and set aside the yolks.

Step 2

Mixing

Combine the cottage cheese, sour cream, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture until just combined.

Step 3

Baking

Pour the cheese mixture into a baking dish.
Arrange apricot slices on top of the mixture.
Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 1 hour.

Step 4

Finishing

Cool the casserole in the oven and, for better stability, chill in the refrigerator overnight.
Serve the casserole with sour cream.

Servings

Once your delightful cottage cheese pastry is cooled and set, it's time for the fun part—serving! 😋

Classic Style: Serve with a generous dollop of sour cream on the side. It beautifully complements the fruity topping and creamy texture of the cheese mixture.

Fancy Afternoon Tea: Cut the pastry into small, elegant slices and arrange them on a pretty platter. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar for that *extra* touch. 🫖🍰

Breakfast Bliss: Pair a slice with a side of fresh berries and a drizzle of honey for a luxurious start to your morning. Perfect with a hot cup of coffee or tea. ☕🍓

Decadent Dessert: Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce. 🍨🍮

Equipment

Mixing Bowls

You'll need separate bowls for beating egg whites and combining other ingredients. Pro tip: Use stainless steel bowls for easier cleaning.

We recommend:

Variations

Want to enjoy this pastry while accommodating dietary preferences? Here are some easy variations:

Gluten-Free 🌾: Simply ensure that your cornstarch and sour cream are gluten-free. All other ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adjustment.

Vegan 🌱: Replace the cottage cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use a vegan sour cream. Substitute flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) or commercially available egg replacers for the eggs.

Fruit Options 🍑🍓: Feel free to switch out the apricots for any berry or juicy fruit you prefer. Blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches work fantastically.

Faq

  • Do I need to chill the pastry overnight?

    For best results, yes. Chilling helps set the structure and enhances the flavor, making your pastry more delicious and stable.

  • Can I use a hand mixer instead of an electric mixer?

    Absolutely! A hand mixer works just fine for beating the egg whites to stiff peaks, although it may take a bit longer.

  • Can I make this pastry ahead of time?

    Yes, this pastry can be made a day ahead. Just ensure it's stored in the fridge to keep it fresh and stable.

  • How do I know when the pastry is done baking?

    The pastry is done when it is set in the middle and slightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

  • Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?

    Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or even a thick, unsweetened plain yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.

  • How do I prevent the fruit from sinking to the bottom?

    Lay the fruit gently on top of the cheese mixture; if you’re using smaller berries, you might lightly toss them in flour to help them stay afloat.

Nutrition facts

Fluffy Apricot Casserole
Recipe Yield:8 servings
Calories:Approximately 270 calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):260 - 280
Total Fat:15g
Saturated Fat:8g
Protein:16g
Total Carbohydrate:14g
Total Sugars:8g