Sweet Banitsa
8 servings
60 minutes
Sweet banitsa is an exquisite dessert that delights with its tenderness and multilayered texture. Inspired by Russian culinary traditions, it takes the best from puff pastries and transforms them into an elegant culinary masterpiece. The filling of soft cottage cheese, cream, and eggs complemented by juicy cubes of green apples, sweet dried apricots, and aromatic cinnamon creates a refined balance of flavors—creamy, sweet with light fruity notes. The thin dough soaked in melted butter gives a delicate, crispy crust that contrasts with the tender filling. This dish is perfect for cozy home evenings as well as festive treats; it can be served warm with caramel crystals and an extra portion of dried fruits. Sweet banitsa is a harmony of flavors embodied in the simplicity of preparation and elegance of presentation.
1
For the filling, mix cottage cheese, cream, eggs, and sugar well with an immersion blender.
- Soft curd cheese: 300 g
- Cream (15%): 200 ml
- Chicken egg: 3 pieces
2
Then we cut 2 large green apples into cubes.
- Green apples: 2 pieces
3
We add finely chopped dried apricots and cinnamon.
- Dried apricots: 10 pieces
- Cinnamon: pinch
4
We mix everything. It results in a not very thick mass.
5
We will prepare 10 sheets of puff pastry.
- Filo (phyllo) pastry: 10 pieces
6
We melt 100 grams of butter.
- Clarified butter (ghee): 100 g
7
Lay 2 sheets at the bottom of the form, leaving the edges over the sides. The 1st sheet - folds and creases are welcome, grease with oil. The 2nd sheet is also greased with oil.
- Filo (phyllo) pastry: 10 pieces
- Clarified butter (ghee): 100 g
8
Next, crumple 5 sheets separately to form a kind of pouch.
- Filo (phyllo) pastry: 10 pieces
9
We fill the bags with the filling using a large spoon.
10
We distribute the bags in a circle into molds, and then pour the filling evenly from the top until the end.
11
Cover with a sheet from above, forming waves, grease with oil, and unevenly place another sheet on top, greasing it with oil.
- Filo (phyllo) pastry: 10 pieces
- Clarified butter (ghee): 100 g
12
We decorate — I had caramel crystals and dried apricots.
- Dried apricots: 10 pieces
13
Bake for about 30 minutes at 180 degrees. Serve warm.
