If you’re craving a light, moist, and incredibly easy homemade treat, this Soft and Fluffy Cottage Cheese Raisin Cake is about to become your new favorite. Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, this cake combines the gentle tang of cottage cheese (or ricotta) with bursts of sweetness from juicy raisins. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a comforting dessert. The texture is soft and cloud-like, and the preparation couldn’t be easier — no need for fancy equipment or complex steps. It’s no wonder this cake is taking the internet by storm!
Cooking Time
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Baking Time: 35–40 minutes
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Cooling Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Yield: 1 loaf cake (8–10 slices)
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Pan Size: 9×4 inches (23×11 cm)
Ingredients
Cake Batter:
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2 eggs
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¼ tsp salt
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½ cup sugar (100 g)
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4.5 oz (130 g) cottage cheese or ricotta
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⅓ cup (80 g) unsalted butter, softened
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½ tsp vanilla paste or extract
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1¼ cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
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1 tsp baking powder
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2.8 oz (80 g) raisins
For Baking & Serving:
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Butter for greasing the pan
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Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 180°C (356°F). Lightly grease a 9×4 inch loaf pan with butter and optionally line it with parchment paper.
2. Beat Eggs and Sugar
In a large bowl, crack in the eggs. Add salt and sugar. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk for 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and fluffy.
3. Add Cottage Cheese and Butter
Add cottage cheese and softened butter to the egg mixture. Pour in the vanilla paste. Beat again until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour and baking powder. Mix gently using a spatula or on low speed just until combined — avoid overmixing.
5. Fold in the Raisins
Add the raisins and fold them evenly into the batter.
6. Transfer to the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The cake is ready when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before removing. Let it cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
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Calories: 200
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Carbohydrates: 22g
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Sugars: 10g
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 10g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 80mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This cake draws inspiration from traditional Eastern European and Mediterranean cottage cheese bakes. Cottage cheese, known as “tvorog” in many Slavic countries, is a staple ingredient used in both sweet and savory recipes. As global interest in protein-rich and easy-to-make home baking has grown, this simple yet delicious cake has gained massive popularity online, especially on social media. Its minimal ingredients and wholesome appeal make it a viral hit.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No-fuss ingredients: Everything is pantry-friendly.
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Quick to make: From bowl to oven in under 15 minutes.
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Soft and fluffy texture: Perfect crumb, moist, and light.
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Kid-friendly: Mild flavor and soft texture make it a family favorite.
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Customizable: Easy to add nuts, fruits, or spices.
Health Benefits
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Cottage cheese: High in protein, low in fat, and rich in calcium.
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Eggs: A complete protein source and rich in B vitamins.
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Raisins: Provide natural sweetness, iron, and antioxidants.
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Butter (in moderation): Adds healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
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Lower sugar content: Less sweet than typical cakes.
Serving Suggestions
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With a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing afternoon treat.
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Warmed slightly and topped with yogurt or whipped cream.
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Drizzled with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
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Served with fresh berries or sliced fruit for a breakfast twist.
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Pack in lunchboxes for an energizing snack.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overbaking: This can make the cake dry. Check at the 35-minute mark.
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Skipping the butter: It helps with richness and moisture — don’t skip it.
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Using cold ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature for better mixing.
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Overmixing: Leads to a dense cake; mix until just combined.
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Not greasing the pan: Essential to prevent sticking.
Pairing Recommendations
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Beverages: Herbal tea, black coffee, or a glass of milk.
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Fruits: Sliced pears, apples, or berries.
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Spreads: Try with apple butter, cream cheese, or lemon curd.
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Desserts: Pair with panna cotta or Greek yogurt.
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Wines: A light Moscato or Riesling for a dinner-party finish.
Cooking Tips
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Soak raisins (optional): Soaking in warm water or juice for 10 minutes will plump them.
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Use ricotta for a smoother texture: If you want a creamier finish, ricotta works perfectly.
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Add zest: A bit of lemon or orange zest gives a bright lift.
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Double the batch: It freezes well and stays soft for days.
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Try mini loaves or muffin tins: For individual servings.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Lemon Ricotta Loaf
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Baked Cottage Cheese Pancakes
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Raisin Muffins
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Yogurt Breakfast Cake
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Cheesecake-Stuffed Banana Bread
Variations to Try
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Nutty: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.
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Fruity: Mix in chopped apples, pears, or dried cranberries.
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Spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
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Chocolate twist: Toss in mini chocolate chips.
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Zesty: Add lemon zest and a lemon glaze for brightness.
Ingredient Spotlight: Cottage Cheese (or Ricotta)
Cottage cheese is an underrated baking ingredient. It adds moisture, protein, and a subtle tang that balances sweetness. Low-fat or full-fat versions can be used depending on dietary preference. Ricotta is a perfect alternative for a creamier texture and richer flavor. In this recipe, it transforms a simple batter into a luscious, soft cake with extra nutritional value.
Conclusion
This Soft and Fluffy Cottage Cheese Raisin Cake is a deliciously simple recipe that brings together comfort and nourishment in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this cake offers a foolproof, family-friendly treat that’s ready in under an hour. It’s versatile, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. With its growing popularity across home kitchens and social media, it’s clear that this humble cottage cheese loaf has earned a well-deserved spot in our baking repertoires.
10 Comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta gives a smoother texture and richer flavor. Use the same amount as cottage cheese.
2. Do I need to soak the raisins first?
Not required, but soaking them in warm water or juice for 10 minutes can make them plumper and juicier.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Consider using half all-purpose and half whole wheat for balance.
4. Can I make this cake without butter?
You can substitute with neutral oil, but butter gives a richer flavor and better texture.
5. Is this cake freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
6. How long does this cake stay fresh?
It stays fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger loaf pan or two standard ones. Adjust baking time as needed.
8. Can I add other mix-ins like chocolate or fruit?
Definitely! Chocolate chips, berries, or dried fruit like cranberries work great.
9. Is this cake very sweet?
No, it’s lightly sweetened. You can adjust the sugar depending on your preference.
10. What if I don’t have vanilla paste?
You can use vanilla extract or vanilla sugar. Adjust to taste — 1 tsp of extract works well.