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, known in its native language as Plăcintă cu Brânză Dulce, is a beloved dessert with deep cultural roots and nostalgic flavor. This particular recipe comes from the heart of a Romanian family kitchen, passed down through generations and cherished for its comforting taste and simple preparation.
A Taste of Romanian Childhood 🍰👵
For one Romanian woman, this pie isn’t just a dessert — it’s a cherished memory. The recipe was first introduced to her as a little girl by her grandfather, who sadly passed away early in her life. Despite knowing him briefly, his sweet cheese pie left a lasting impression that shaped her love for traditional Romanian sweets. In fact, both sides of her family made cheese pie, but with distinct regional variations. Her paternal grandparents, from Transylvania, followed the same aromatic and sweet recipe — while her maternal grandmother from southern Romania prepared a different version: rolled dough with a denser, more savory filling and a crunchier texture. These delicious contrasts are a perfect reflection of Romania’s rich and diverse culinary heritage. And now, that cherished Transylvanian-style version, passed down from her grandfather, is being shared with the world. 💛🧀 Ingredients That Make This Pie Special
The Star: Romanian Cottage Cheese
The secret to achieving that authentic flavor lies in the cheese. Traditional Romanian cottage cheese (brânză de vaci) is key to this recipe. It's firmer and drier than English cottage cheese, forming a soft paste when mashed — perfect for baking. 💡 Tip: If you can’t find Romanian cheese, ricotta is a decent substitute, though it will slightly sweeten the overall taste.Other Essentials:
- Rum essence – This gives the filling a delightful, aromatic twist. Vanilla essence can be used as an alternative.
- Vanilla sugar – Found in most Eastern European shops, it’s another flavor enhancer you don’t want to skip.
📝 Notes & Tips
- Romanian specialty shops are your best bet for authentic ingredients like brânză de vaci, rum essence, and vanilla sugar. You might also find them in Polish or Turkish grocery stores.
- If dough-making isn’t your thing, store-bought shortcrust pastry works well too!
- Love raisins? Feel free to add extra for a juicier filling.
- Patience is key — let the pie cool fully before cutting. It tastes even better the next day!
❓ FAQ – Romanian Sweet Cheese Pie
Can you make this pie in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, this dessert is perfect for prepping a day ahead. It needs time to cool and set, making it ideal for next-day serving.How should it be stored?
Keep the pie in an airtight container or covered tray at room temperature. Many Romanians store it right in the oven — just don’t forget it’s in there before baking something else! 😉How long does it stay fresh?
Romanian sweet cheese pie stays fresh for 3–4 days — though it’s so tasty, it likely won’t last that long!✨ Final Thoughts
Romanian Sweet Cheese Pie is more than just a traditional treat — it’s a heartfelt memory, a cultural symbol, and a comforting dessert that brings people together. Whether you’re from Romania or just curious about its rich cuisine, this Plăcintă cu Brânză Dulce will win you over with its delicate, aromatic filling and buttery crust. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee, and enjoy a slice of Romania at home 🇷🇴💕