Traditional Polish Cheesecake (Sernik)
Experience the rich and creamy texture of this Traditional Polish Cheesecake, also known as Sernik. This delightful dessert combines dry curd cottage cheese with a hint of vanilla, creating a luscious filling that's perfectly balanced with a crumbly shortbread crust. Topped with a sweet crumb mixture that adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast, this cheesecake is a beloved classic in Polish cuisine. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat at home, serve chilled for a refreshing finish. Gather your family and friends to enjoy this delicious slice of Polish tradition.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shortbread crust
1 (Prepared from another recipe)
Dry curd cottage cheese
4 cups (2 lbs) (Drained)
Unbleached flour
1 tablespoon (For the filling)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups (For the filling)
Large eggs
4 (Lightly beaten)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted for the filling)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (For flavor)
Unbleached flour
1 cup (For the topping)
Confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup (For the topping)
Ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (For flavor)
Brown sugar
1/4 cup (Packed for topping)
Butter
1/4 cup (Melted for the topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Place the dry curd cottage cheese in a fine sieve set over a bowl to drain for about 15 minutes, ensuring excess moisture is removed.
3
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of flour, salt, and granulated sugar until well combined, and then set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, lightly beaten eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
5
Gradually add the reserved dry mixture to the large bowl and blend thoroughly until completely smooth.
6
Pour the cheesecake filling into your prepared shortbread crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7
To prepare the crumb topping, sift together 1 cup of unbleached flour, confectioners' sugar, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl.
8
Stir in the packed brown sugar until combined, then pour the melted butter over the mixture and quickly stir with a fork to create small crumb-sized clusters.
9
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cheesecake filling.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11
Once baked, allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Polish Cheesecake called?
Traditional Polish Cheesecake is also known as Sernik.
What are the main characteristics of Sernik?
It is known for its rich and creamy texture, combining dry curd cottage cheese with a hint of vanilla and a crumbly shortbread crust.
How many servings does this Sernik recipe produce?
This recipe makes 10 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before beginning the preparation.
What type of cheese is required for this cheesecake?
The recipe calls for 4 cups (2 lbs) of dry curd cottage cheese.
How should I prepare the cottage cheese?
Place the dry curd cottage cheese in a fine sieve set over a bowl to drain for about 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
What ingredients are in the dry mixture for the filling?
The dry mixture for the filling includes 1 tablespoon of flour, salt, and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar.
How many eggs are needed for the filling?
You will need 4 large eggs that have been lightly beaten.
Is the butter melted for the filling?
Yes, use 1/2 cup of melted butter for the cheesecake filling.
What provides the primary flavor extract for the cheesecake?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor.
How do I ensure the cheesecake filling is smooth?
Gradually add the reserved dry mixture to the wet ingredients and blend thoroughly until completely smooth.
What type of crust is used in this recipe?
A prepared shortbread crust is used as the base for the Sernik.
What ingredients are used for the crumb topping?
The crumb topping includes unbleached flour, confectioners' sugar, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter.
How do you make the crumb topping clusters?
Pour melted butter over the dry topping mixture and quickly stir with a fork to create small crumb-sized clusters.
Does the recipe contain cinnamon?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is included in the crumb topping.
How long does the Sernik bake?
Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes.
How can I tell if the cheesecake is finished baking?
The filling should be set and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
How should the cheesecake be cooled?
Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature before moving it to the refrigerator.
How long must the cheesecake be chilled?
It should be chilled thoroughly for at least 4 hours or overnight.
What type of flour is recommended?
The recipe specifies using unbleached flour for both the filling and the topping.
What kind of sugar is used for the topping?
The topping uses 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar and 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
Should Sernik be served chilled or warm?
It is best served chilled for a refreshing finish.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt to taste.
What is the role of the crumb topping?
The sweet crumb mixture adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the creamy filling.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 13 ingredients listed in this recipe.
What should I do with the shortbread crust first?
The shortbread crust should be prepared from another recipe and ready before you pour in the cheesecake filling.
Is granulated sugar used in the topping?
No, granulated sugar is used for the filling, while confectioners' and brown sugar are used for the topping.
What tags are associated with this Polish dessert?
Relevant tags include cheesecake, polish dessert, sernik, cottage cheese, and traditional recipe.
Can I use regular cottage cheese?
The recipe specifically recommends dry curd cottage cheese for the best traditional texture.
How much butter is needed in total?
You will need 1/2 cup of melted butter for the filling and 1/4 cup of melted butter for the topping.