Sweet Curd Cream Roll with Berries

This recipe for a Sweet Curd Cream Roll is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines a soft, tender cake base with a rich and tangy curd cream filling, all complemented by the bright, fresh flavor of ripe berries. The process of creating this roll, from whisking the delicate cake batter to carefully spreading the luscious cream and fruit, is a labor of love that results in a stunning dessert that is as impressive to look at as it is delicious to eat. Unlike a heavy, dense cake, this roll offers a light and airy texture, making it a perfect end to any meal or a special treat for afternoon tea. The contrast between the mild sweetness of the cake, the subtle tang of the cream, and the fruity burst of raspberries creates a symphony of flavors that will leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 180 g all-purpose flour
• 50 g butter, melted
• 360 ml milk

For the Curd Cream:

• 350 g cottage cheese (9% fat)
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 10 g vanilla sugar
• 3 tbsp sour cream

For the Filling:

• Raspberries (or any other berries/fruits), to taste
• Jam or preserves, optional

 

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, salt, and sugar until well combined and frothy.
2. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour until you have a smooth batter.
3. Add the melted butter and milk to the batter, and whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and resembles a thin pancake or crepe batter.
4. Cook the Cake: Heat a large non-stick skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with butter if it is not non-stick.
5. Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan, swirling it to create a thin, even layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
6. Carefully flip the cake and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute on the other side.
7. Transfer the cooked cake to a clean kitchen towel. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, stacking the cakes with a small piece of parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking.
8. Prepare the Curd Cream: In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla sugar, and sour cream. Using a hand mixer or a blender, blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can simply mash the ingredients together with a fork.
9. Assemble the Roll: Lay the cooked cakes side-by-side on a flat surface, overlapping them slightly to form a single large rectangle.
10. Spread an even layer of the curd cream over the entire surface of the cakes.
11. Scatter fresh raspberries (or your chosen berries/fruits) and, if using, a thin layer of jam or preserves over the cream.
12. Roll and Chill: Starting from one of the short sides, carefully and tightly roll the cakes into a log. Use the kitchen towel to help guide the roll.
13. Once rolled, wrap the roll tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld.
14. Serve: Before serving, unwrap the roll and slice it into thick pieces. Garnish with a few extra fresh berries if desired.

Nutrients

• Protein: High, primarily from the eggs and cottage cheese
• Calories: Moderate
• Fats: Saturated and unsaturated fats from butter, sour cream, and cottage cheese
• Carbohydrates: High, from flour and sugar
• Vitamins and Minerals: Good source of calcium, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s a delightful fusion of a crepe, a cake, and a rich, creamy filling, resulting in a dessert that is both familiar and excitingly new. It’s the perfect solution for a dessert that feels special without being overly complicated. The curd cream provides a lighter, more tangy alternative to traditional buttercream or whipped cream, and the fresh berries cut through the richness with a burst of natural sweetness. This roll is visually stunning, making it a showstopper for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a celebratory dinner. The fact that it needs to be chilled makes it an ideal make-ahead dessert, freeing up your time on the day you plan to serve it.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

The concept of a rolled, filled dessert is a staple in many European cuisines. This particular recipe has strong ties to Eastern European and Russian baking traditions, where dishes made with tvorog (a type of cottage cheese) and crepes (known as blini) are incredibly popular. The rolled cake, or roulade, is a classic French technique that has been adopted globally. This recipe combines these traditions: the delicate, thin cake is similar to a crepe or blini, while the rolling technique is a classic roulade. The cottage cheese filling is a beloved staple in Slavic desserts, offering a tangy, wholesome alternative to richer creams. The final product is a testament to the culinary creativity that transforms simple, everyday ingredients into an elegant and comforting dessert.

Ingredient Spotlight

Each ingredient in this roll plays a crucial role in its success. The cake base relies on a high ratio of liquid to flour, which gives it a tender, crepe-like texture that is flexible enough to roll without cracking. The use of both salt and sugar in the cake batter ensures a balanced flavor profile that doesn’t overpower the delicate filling. The cottage cheese for the cream should be full-fat (9%) to provide the necessary richness and creaminess. Blending it until smooth is key to achieving a velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake. Vanilla sugar adds a fragrant sweetness that elevates the cream’s flavor, and sour cream gives it a subtle tang and helps with the smooth consistency. The raspberries or other fresh berries are essential, as their natural tartness and juiciness provide a perfect counterpoint to the sweet and creamy roll.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This roll is best enjoyed after it has been chilled and firmed up, and it should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. It is not recommended to freeze this dessert, as the texture of the cottage cheese and the berries can change upon thawing, resulting in a watery consistency. This is a dish meant to be served cold, so no reheating is necessary. In fact, reheating would likely cause the cream to melt and the cake to become soggy. For the best flavor and texture, take the roll out of the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow it to come to a perfect chilled, but not rock-hard, temperature.

Common Variations to Try

This recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity. You can easily swap the raspberries for other fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. For a tropical twist, consider a filling of diced mango or passionfruit. You can also mix in a different jam or preserves, such as apricot or cherry. For a richer cream, you can use mascarpone cheese instead of cottage cheese, or fold in a little whipped cream for an airier texture. To add more flavor to the cake, you can include a sprinkle of lemon zest or a dash of cinnamon. For a different topping, dust the finished roll with powdered sugar, or drizzle it with melted white or dark chocolate.

Pairing Recommendations

This dessert pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages and accompaniments. For a classic pairing, serve it with a hot cup of black tea or a light-roasted coffee. The rich creaminess of the roll is a lovely complement to the bitterness of these drinks. For a more elegant pairing, consider a glass of sparkling wine or a dessert wine like a Moscato, whose sweet and bubbly notes will enhance the sweetness of the berries. It can also be served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra sour cream for added indulgence. The fresh, fruity flavors also mean it would be a perfect ending to a meal of light savory dishes, such as grilled chicken or a vegetable risotto.

Health Benefits

While this is a sweet dessert, it does offer some nutritional benefits. The cottage cheese is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle health and provides a feeling of fullness. It also provides a significant amount of calcium, which is crucial for bone health. The eggs contribute more protein and essential nutrients like Vitamin D and Vitamin B12. The raspberries are packed with fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support immune health. The natural sugars from the berries and the moderate amount of sugar in the cream make this a more wholesome option than many overly sweet store-bought desserts, offering a satisfying treat with some nutritional value.

Conclusion

This Sweet Curd Cream Roll is a perfect example of a dessert that is both comforting and sophisticated. It combines a light, delicate cake with a rich and tangy cream filling and a burst of fresh fruit, resulting in a dish that is a true delight for the senses. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a wonderful project for any home baker, and its elegant appearance makes it a perfect finale for any meal. This recipe is a testament to the timeless appeal of simple, fresh flavors and is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection.