Pasca

Pasca is a traditional Romanian Easter bread that is typically made during Holy Week and served on Easter Sunday. It is a rich, sweet bread that is filled with a mixture of cheese, eggs, and raisins. The bread is usually round in shape and is often decorated with a cross.

Pasca is a beloved Easter tradition in Romania, and it is often shared with family and friends during Easter celebrations. It is a symbol of the resurrection of Christ and the joy of new beginnings.

Ingredients

Makes 14 servings

For the dough

• 1 ¼ tsp (5g) active dry yeast (or 15g fresh yeast)
• 1 tsp (5g) sugar , for activating yeast
• 1/3 cup (80ml) lukewarm milk , for dissolving yeast
• 2 ¾ cups (340g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (70g) sugar
• 1/2 tsp (3g) salt
• Lemon zest of a lemon
• 1/2 cup (120ml) lukewarm milk
• 1 egg , beaten
• 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (56g) butter , melted

For the cheese filling

• 12 oz (350g) farmer’s cheese, ricotta cheese or cream cheese
• 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 tsp (1g) salt
• 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
• Lemon zest of a lemon
• 2 oz (60g) raisins or cranberries
• 2 tbsp (20g) semolina or flour

For brushing

• 1 egg , beaten