Recipe

Pennsylvania Dutch Smearcase Delight

Creamy Delight: Pennsylvania Dutch Smearcase with a Twist

4.4 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine with this delightful twist on the classic Smearcase. This recipe combines creamy textures, subtle sweetness, and a touch of tanginess to create a truly satisfying dish.

Dessert› Cake› Cheesecake› Smearcase

Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine› Northeastern American cuisines› Cuisine of the Mid-Atlantic United States› Cuisine of the Pennsylvania Dutch

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

40-45 minutes

Total time

1 hour and 5 minutes

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Peanut-free, Kosher

Allergens

Dairy (butter, milk, cottage cheese), Eggs, Wheat (flour)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
2 cups (450g) cottage cheese 2 cups (450g) cottage cheese
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs 2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 34g, 16g
Protein: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold cubed butter, sugar, and salt. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2.
Gradually add the milk to the mixture, stirring until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
4.
In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
5.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough into the dish, trimming any excess.
6.
Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the prepared pie crust.
7.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
8.
Allow the Smearcase to cool before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Butter — Make sure the butter is cold and cubed to achieve a flaky crust.
Cottage cheese — Use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamy and rich filling.
Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

For a sweeter version, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving.
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Experiment with different flavored extracts such as almond or coconut for a unique twist.
Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Make the pie crust in advance and refrigerate it overnight for easier handling.

Serving advice

Serve the Pennsylvania Dutch Smearcase chilled or at room temperature. Cut it into slices and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, serve the Smearcase on a decorative pie dish or cake stand. Dust the edges of the pie crust with a touch of cinnamon for an extra pop of color.