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A traditional Romanian dessert made with sweet cottage cheese, rum-soaked raisins, and a soft homemade dough. Passed down through generations, this pie brings the taste of Romanian heritage right to your table. It's perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or simply a cozy sweet treat at home.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 250 g margarine or butter
- 350 g all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp cold water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 pinch salt
For the Filling:
- 600 g Romanian cottage cheese (or ricotta as substitute)
- 75 g sugar
- 100 g raisins
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 small bottle rum essence (or vanilla essence)
- 40 g semolina (optional)
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Make the Dough:In a mixing bowl, combine all wet ingredients. Gradually add flour and salt until you form a smooth dough. Wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Soak the Raisins:In a small bowl, add rum or vanilla essence over the raisins. Let them soak while the dough rests.
- Prepare the Cheese Filling:Drain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese. In a large bowl, mix cheese with sugar, vanilla sugar, and eggs. Add semolina and mix well. Finally, fold in the soaked raisins.
- Roll and Assemble:Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).Divide the dough in half and roll into two equal sheets. Place one sheet at the bottom of a lined baking tray. Add the cheese filling, and cover with the second dough layer. Seal the edges.
- Bake:Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Use a toothpick or kitchen thermometer to check if the center is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve:Let the pie cool completely before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
Romanian Sweet Cheese Pie (Plăcintă cu Brânză Dulce)
Romanian Sweet Cheese Pie, or Plăcintă cu Brânză Dulce, is a traditional dessert with deep cultural roots and timeless flavor. Loved for its creamy filling and comforting texture, it has long been a favorite at family gatherings, festive meals, and cozy afternoons with tea. Simple to prepare yet full of character, this pie captures the warmth of Romanian home baking. 🍰🇷🇴💭 A Taste of Tradition
Across Romania, cheese pies vary by region. In Transylvania, the filling tends to be sweet, light, and aromatic, while in the southern regions, bakers often prepare a denser, rolled version with a slightly savory touch. These delicious variations highlight the diversity of Romanian cuisine, proving that one dessert can be both familiar and unique depending on where it’s enjoyed. Wherever it’s served, sweet cheese pie reflects the essence of Romanian hospitality and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. 💛 🧀 Ingredients That Make This Pie Special-
The Star: Romanian Cottage Cheese (brânză de vaci) – Firmer and drier than English cottage cheese, it forms a perfect paste for baking.
Tip: If unavailable, ricotta can be used as a substitute, though it lends a slightly sweeter taste. - Rum essence – Adds a distinctive aromatic twist. Vanilla essence works as an alternative.
- Vanilla sugar – A classic ingredient in Eastern European baking, not to be missed!
- Eastern European specialty shops often carry authentic ingredients like brânză de vaci, rum essence, and vanilla sugar. Polish or Turkish stores may also stock them.
- Store-bought shortcrust pastry works well if you prefer not to make your own dough.
- Add extra raisins for a juicier filling.
- Allow the pie to cool fully before slicing – the flavor improves by the next day!
❓ FAQ – Romanian Sweet Cheese Pie
Can you make this pie in advance?Absolutely! It sets beautifully overnight, making it a great make-ahead dessert. How should it be stored?
Keep the pie in an airtight container or covered tray at room temperature. Some Romanians even keep it right in the oven — just don’t forget it’s there! 😉 How long does it stay fresh?
The pie will keep for 3–4 days, though it usually disappears much sooner. ✨ Final Thoughts
Romanian Sweet Cheese Pie is more than just a dessert — it’s a cultural symbol of comfort, tradition, and togetherness. With its delicate, aromatic filling and buttery crust, it’s sure to win over anyone who tries it. Serve with coffee or tea, and enjoy a true taste of Romania at home. 💕
