Lithuanian-style Creamy Cheese Bars

Ingredients

In the Lithuanian adaptation of Túró rudi, Lithuanian curd cheese, known as "varškė," is used instead of túró. The bars are also coated in dark chocolate, which adds a slightly bitter flavor compared to the original Hungarian version. We alse have the original recipe for Túró rudi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) Lithuanian curd cheese (varškė) 500g (1.1 lb) Lithuanian curd cheese (varškė)
• 100g (3.5 oz) honey or sugar 100g (3.5 oz) honey or sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, melted 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, melted

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 22g, 18g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the Lithuanian curd cheese, honey or sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
2. 2.
   Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the cheese mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
3. 3.
   Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours, or until the cheese mixture is firm.
4. 4.
   Once the cheese mixture is firm, remove it from the refrigerator and cut it into rectangular bars.
5. 5.
   Dip each bar into the melted dark chocolate, ensuring that it is fully coated.
6. 6.
   Place the coated bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and let them set in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens.
7. 7.
   Once the chocolate has hardened, the Lithuanian-style Creamy Cheese Bars are ready to be enjoyed!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lithuanian curd cheese (varškė) — Make sure to use a high-quality Lithuanian curd cheese for the best results. If varškė is not available, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or ricotta cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add crushed nuts or dried fruits to the cheese filling for added texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of honey or sugar in the cheese filling.
• Make sure the melted chocolate is not too hot when coating the bars to prevent the cheese filling from melting.

Serving advice

Serve the Lithuanian-style Creamy Cheese Bars chilled for the best taste and texture. They can be enjoyed as a dessert or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the bars on a serving platter and drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an elegant touch. Garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a pop of color.