Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Unique and authentic, inspired by traditional Arab cooking
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Creamy, rich cottage cheese filling with a light, fluffy crust
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Simple ingredients you likely already have at home
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Perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or a cozy evening
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Easy to prepare and bake
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Balanced between sweet and savory
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Great make-ahead dessert that stores well
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Stunning golden color with a glossy finish
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A wonderful alternative to standard pies or cakes
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Sure to impress both kids and adults alike
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Batter:
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3 eggs + 1 egg (for brushing)
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150 grams sugar
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A pinch of salt
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100 ml vegetable oil
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70 ml milk
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200 grams flour
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1 tablespoon baking powder
For the Filling:
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250 grams cottage cheese
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3 tablespoons sugar
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1 tablespoon starch
For Dusting:
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Powdered sugar
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the 3 eggs with 150 grams of sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add a pinch of salt, vegetable oil, and milk to the mixture and mix well.
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Gradually sift in the flour and baking powder, mixing until smooth and lump-free.
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In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of starch. Mix until smooth.
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Grease your baking dish with oil. Pour half of the batter into the dish and spread evenly.
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Spoon the cottage cheese mixture over the batter and spread it evenly.
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Pour the remaining batter over the cottage cheese layer to cover completely.
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Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top for a glossy finish.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the dessert to cool in the baking dish, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy note.
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Substitute ricotta cheese for a different texture and flavor.
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Mix a handful of raisins into the cottage cheese filling for added sweetness.
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Replace some of the flour with almond flour for a nutty twist.
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Top with slivered almonds before baking for a crunchy finish.
Storage/Reheating
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
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Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 150°C (300°F) until heated through, or enjoy at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta works well and provides a slightly creamier texture.
Can I add fruit to the filling?
Absolutely! Raisins, dried apricots, or even fresh berries can be folded into the cottage cheese filling.
How do I know when the dessert is fully baked?
The top should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Can I use a different oil instead of vegetable oil?
Yes, light oils like canola or sunflower oil are great substitutes.
Is it necessary to brush the top with egg?
Brushing with egg gives it a beautiful glossy finish but can be skipped if desired.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour.
What type of starch should I use?
Cornstarch is the best choice, but potato starch also works well.
How thick should the batter be?
The batter should be smooth and pourable but not too runny.
Can I bake this in a round pan instead of a rectangular one?
Yes, you can use any baking dish; just adjust the baking time slightly if needed.
Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Definitely! It actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have set.
Conclusion
“Not A Pie, But Gold!” truly lives up to its name, offering a rich, creamy, and beautifully golden dessert that’s destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this delightful treat brings a taste of tradition with a modern twist. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dessert that will wow your family and friends with every bite!
Not A Pie, But Gold! The Best Dessert
Discover “Not A Pie, But Gold!”, a stunning golden dessert taught by an Arab cook. This easy, rich recipe combines a fluffy batter with a creamy cottage cheese filling for a unique, crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Batter:
3 eggs + 1 egg (for brushing)
150 grams sugar
A pinch of salt
100 ml vegetable oil
70 ml milk
200 grams flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
For the Filling:
250 grams cottage cheese
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon starch (cornstarch preferred)
For Dusting:
Powdered sugar
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
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In a large bowl, beat 3 eggs with 150 grams of sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add salt, vegetable oil, and milk to the egg mixture and mix well.
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Sift in the flour and baking powder gradually, mixing until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, mix cottage cheese, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and starch until combined.
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Grease your baking dish with oil.
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Pour half the batter into the baking dish and spread evenly.
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Add the cottage cheese mixture as a middle layer.
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Cover with the remaining batter.
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Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the top.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Add citrus zest (lemon or orange) for extra flavor.
Substitute ricotta cheese for a creamier filling.
Mix raisins or dried fruits into the filling for added sweetness.
Use almond flour for a nutty variation.
Garnish with slivered almonds before baking for a crunchy topping.
