Belarusian Glazed Cottage Cheese Bars are a charming dessert that combines the tangy richness of cottage cheese with a sweet, creamy glaze. Originating from Belarus, these bars are renowned for their moist, cake-like texture and delightful flavor. Easy to prepare, they make a wonderful addition to any dessert table, whether for family gatherings or special occasions.
Cottage cheese has been a staple in Eastern European cuisine for centuries, valued for its versatility and mild flavor. In Belarus, it’s often used in traditional sweets and baked goods. This recipe for Glazed Cottage Cheese Bars is a modern twist on classic Belarusian flavors, offering a simple yet elegant way to enjoy the creamy texture of cottage cheese.
Ingredients:
- For the Bars:
- 1 lb (450 g) cottage cheese
- 1 cup (200 g) sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
- For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the cottage cheese and sugar until smooth.
3. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the flour and vanilla extract until just combined.
5. Add the melted butter and milk, mixing until well combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
8. Allow the bars to cool for 5-10 minutes before applying the glaze.
9. For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled bars and spread evenly.
11. Let the bars cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Experiment with different extracts or mix-ins like berries, nuts, or chocolate chips for a personalized twist.
Nutrition Value:
1. Cottage Cheese (1 lb or 450 g)
- Calories: 2060
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 68 g
- Fat: 92 g
- Sodium: 1540 mg
- Cholesterol: 290 mg
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin B12, riboflavin, and folate
- Minerals: High in calcium, phosphorus, and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Cottage cheese provides a high amount of protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle repair. It is also a good source of B vitamins, which are important for energy metabolism.
2. Sugar (1 cup or 200 g)
- Calories: 774
- Carbohydrates: 200 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: No significant vitamins
- Minerals: No significant minerals
- Nutritional Benefit: Sugar provides quick energy but lacks essential nutrients. It should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
3. Eggs (4 large)
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Cholesterol: 880 mg
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and choline
- Minerals: Contains iron, calcium, and selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals, including choline for brain health and Vitamin D for bone health.
4. All-Purpose Flour (1 cup or 120 g)
- Calories: 455
- Carbohydrates: 95 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Includes iron and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Flour provides carbohydrates for energy and some protein. It also contributes to daily iron intake, which is important for oxygen transport in the blood.
5. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Minimal
- Nutritional Benefit: Vanilla extract adds flavor with negligible calories or nutrients. It also contains antioxidants that may have health benefits.
6. Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup or 60 g, melted)
- Calories: 428
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 48 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin A
- Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Butter provides healthy fats, which are essential for hormone production and energy. It also supplies Vitamin A for vision and immune function.
7. Milk (1/4 cup or 60 ml)
- Calories: 30
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and riboflavin
- Minerals: Rich in calcium and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Milk provides protein, calcium, and Vitamin D, supporting bone health, muscle function, and overall nutrition.
8. Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup or 60 g)
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: No significant vitamins
- Minerals: No significant minerals
- Nutritional Benefit: Like regular sugar, powdered sugar provides energy but lacks essential nutrients. It should be used sparingly.
9. Milk (2 tbsp or 30 ml, for glaze)
- Calories: 15
- Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0.75 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Cholesterol: 2.5 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12
- Minerals: Includes calcium and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides additional nutrients and flavor to the glaze, while contributing minimally to overall calorie and nutrient intake.
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