Ukrainian Easter Cheese (Paska)

This Ukrainian cheese paska is smooth and velvety — a rich, no-bake treat made with cream cheese and farmer's cheese that's traditionally served at Easter.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 294 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 cup superfine white sugar
• 16 ounces farmer cheese
• 12 ounces cream cheese (such as Philadelphia®), softened
• 4 hard-boiled egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest, or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest, or more to taste
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine farmer's cheese, cream cheese, butter, and egg yolks in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment; mix on low speed to combine. Add sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and orange zest; mix until smooth.

Step 2

Line a sieve with dampened cheesecloth, leaving an overhang on all sides. Place over a plate that will catch any additional liquid that drains out. Spoon paska mixture into the cheesecloth. Fold the ends of the cheesecloth over the mixture. Cover with a plate and set a heavy weight on top. Chill until firm, 8 to 24 hours.

Step 3

Remove the weighted plate and unfold the cheesecloth ends. Use the cheesecloth ends to lift the paska out. Invert onto a plate and peel away the cheesecloth.