Sernik (Polish Cheesecake)

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 kg Twaróg (Polish farmer's cheese)(Crucial for authentic Sernik. Ensure it's well-drained. If unavailable, a mix of ricotta and quark can be a substitute, but the texture will differ.)
• 200 g Granulated Sugar
• 5 Large Eggs(Room temperature is best for emulsification.)
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 100 g Raisins(Optional, but traditional. Can be plumped in warm water or rum for 10 minutes before draining.)
• 2 tbsp Butter(Melted, for greasing the pan.)
• 2 tbsp All-purpose flour or Cornstarch(To help bind the filling. Optional, but recommended for stability.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Twaróg: For the smoothest texture, pass the twaróg through a fine-mesh sieve at least twice. This removes lumps and ensures a creamy consistency. If your twaróg is very wet, gently press out excess moisture between layers of cheesecloth before sieving. This step is critical for a dense cheesecake.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
2. 2

   Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sieved twaróg and granulated sugar until well combined and the sugar begins to dissolve. Add the room temperature eggs one at a time, whisking until each is incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and homogenous.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
3. 3

   Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Add-ins: If using, gently fold in the flour or cornstarch until just combined. Then, fold in the raisins (if using). Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease a 23-24 cm (9-inch) springform pan generously with melted butter. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal. Pour the sernik batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

5. 5

   Bake the Sernik: Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-75 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and slightly puffed, but the center still has a slight wobble when gently shaken. Avoid opening the oven door too frequently during baking.

6. 6

   Cool and Chill: Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the sernik inside with the door slightly ajar for about 30 minutes. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking. Remove from the oven, let it cool completely on a wire rack, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling is essential for the texture and flavor to develop fully.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Twaróg is a key ingredient and should not be confused with cream cheese. Its lower moisture content and distinct flavor are essential for authentic Sernik.
• ✓The dense, rich texture is characteristic of Sernik. Over-beating can incorporate too much air, leading to a lighter, more cake-like texture.
• ✓Sernik is often considered even better the next day, after the flavors have melded and the texture has fully set.
• ✓To prevent cracking, ensure your oven temperature is accurate and avoid sudden temperature changes during cooling.

🔄 Variations

• Chocolate Sernik: Add melted dark chocolate or cocoa powder to the batter.
• Crusted Sernik: Press a mixture of crushed cookies (like digestive biscuits) and butter into the bottom of the springform pan before adding the filling.
• Fruit Sernik: Incorporate fresh or preserved fruits like cherries, blueberries, or apricots into the batter.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving