Cheesecake or poppy seed cake for Christmas? This year, choose the 2 in 1 option

Many people have heard of cheese makowiec, i.e. a cake that combines both cheese and poppy seeds. This time we present a recipe for baking enriched with a nut insert. We are talking about the Rzeszowiak Pie, which was included in the list of traditional products in the category “Bakery and confectionery products in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship”. It will be perfect for the upcoming Christmas holidays.

As mentioned, Rzeszowiak Cake combines three fillings: cheese, poppy seeds and nuts. We make it in a traditional way. Not only does it taste great, but it also looks beautiful on the table, so it’s worth spending some time preparing it, because it is perfect for holidays and special occasions.

What ingredients do we need to make Rzeszowiak Pie?

Shortcrust pastry:

• 2 cups of wheat flour;
• 1/2 cup of sugar;
• 2 eggs;
• 100 g of butter;
• 1 tablespoon of sour cream;
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder.

Cheese mass:

• 500 g of cottage cheese;
• 50 g raisins;
• 40 g of cream pudding;
• 3 eggs;
• 3/4 cup of sugar;
• 1 tablespoon of wheat flour.

Poppy seed mass:

• 200 g ground poppy seeds;
• 100 g of butter;
• 2 eggs;
• 1 cup of boiling water;
• 1/2 cup of sugar;
• 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.

Nut mass:

• 300 g ground walnuts;
• 3 eggs;
• 1/2 cup of sugar;
• 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs;
• 1 tablespoon of wheat flour;
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon.

1. Shortcrust pastry

Pour wheat flour, sugar and baking powder into a large bowl. Add diced butter to them. Rub everything together with your fingers until fine crumbs form. Then add the eggs, add the cream and knead the mixture until the ingredients are combined. Wrap it in cling film and put it in the fridge for 60 minutes. After this time, roll out the dough, place it on a baking tray lined with baking paper and prick it with a fork.

2. Cheese mass

Separate the yolks from the whites and place them in a bowl with the cottage cheese, sugar and custard powder – mix briefly at low speed until the ingredients are combined. Beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until stiff and add them gradually to the rest of the ingredients, stirring constantly. Finally, add the flour-covered raisins and gently stir the mixture.

3. Poppy seed mass

Pour the poppy seeds into a bowl, pour boiling water over them and set aside for 30 minutes. Then add the remaining ingredients and mix until smooth.

4. Peanut paste

Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix until smooth.

5. Baking

Spread the poppy seed mixture onto the shortcrust pastry, then the cheese mixture, alternating with the nut mixture. Bake the Rzeszowiak cake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for 50 minutes.