Latvian Apple and Cottage Cheese Sheet Cake
Plātsmaize
A delightful sheet cake featuring a yeast dough base, a creamy cottage cheese layer, and a topping of thinly sliced apples, finished with a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar. A beloved classic for special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 quantity Yeast dough(prepared according to a standard recipe for Latvian piragi or similar yeast dough)
- 450-500 g Cottage cheese (dry)(European style, can be blended or sieved if moist)
- 1 tablespoon Flour(for cottage cheese layer)
- 1 large Egg(for cottage cheese layer)
- 70 g Sugar(for cottage cheese layer)
- 50 g Sour cream(for cottage cheese layer)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract(for cottage cheese layer)
- optional g Raisins
- 3 medium Apples(peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 100 g Sugar(for apple layer)
- 2 large Eggs(for apple layer)
- 150 g Sour cream(for apple layer)
- 1 tablespoon Flour(for apple layer)
- 2 teaspoons Cinnamon(for topping)
- 2 teaspoons Sugar(for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the yeast dough according to your preferred recipe. Let it rise until doubled in bulk.
💡 Tip: Ensure the dough is at room temperature for optimal rising. - 2
Grease a baking tray (approx. 40x30 cm) and line with parchment paper. Roll out the yeast dough to fit the tray, ensuring there are no gaps. Place the tray in a warm place to let the dough rest and rise again.
💡 Tip: The dough should not be too thick, about 0.5 cm. - 3
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
💡 Tip: Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking. - 4
For the cottage cheese layer: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 egg, 70g sugar, 50g sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth. If using raisins, stir them in.
💡 Tip: If your cottage cheese is very moist, drain it well or blend it to a smoother consistency. - 5
Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the rested yeast dough.
💡 Tip: Ensure an even layer for consistent baking. - 6
For the apple layer: In a separate bowl, mix the thinly sliced apples with 100g sugar. In another bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 150g sour cream, and 1 tablespoon flour until smooth.
💡 Tip: Slice the apples thinly for even cooking. - 7
Arrange the sugared apple slices in rows over the cottage cheese layer, covering the entire surface.
💡 Tip: Overlap the apple slices slightly. - 8
Pour the egg and sour cream mixture evenly over the apples.
💡 Tip: This mixture will bind the apples and create a moist topping. - 9
In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons cinnamon with 2 teaspoons sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cake.
💡 Tip: Adjust cinnamon and sugar to your preference. - 10
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and the filling is set.
- 11
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the baking tray for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into desired portions.
💡 Tip: Cooling in the tray prevents the cake from breaking.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The quality of the cottage cheese is important; a drier, European-style cottage cheese is preferred.
- ✓Ensure the yeast dough is well-risen for a light and airy base.
- ✓This cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a sprinkle of cardamom to the apple layer for extra spice.
- Use a mix of apples for a more complex flavor profile.
- Omit raisins if preferred.