Zapekanka, quark bake with candied citrus and chocolate

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• ½ cup of sugar
• 2 ½ cups of drained cottage cheese (such as lor, ricotta, or tvorog)
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ cup of cream, mixed with ½ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of lemon juice
• The zest of one large orange or one lemon, grated
• 1 packet of vanilla sugar
• 2 tablespoons of semolina
• About a quarter of a cup of each: chopped candied citrus peel, mini chocolate chips, and chopped dried fruit.

Preheat the oven to 160 °C and line the bottom of the pan with baking paper.

Whisk the eggs and sugar for 8 to 10 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and a pale yellow color.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, salt, bicarbonate of soda, zest, and vanilla until you have a very smooth mixture.

Gradually incorporate the egg and sugar mixture, followed by the semolina.

In a bowl, combine the candied citrus peel, chocolate chips, and dried fruits, which have been soaked and drained.

Let the dough rest for 20 to 30 minutes: the semolina absorbs excess moisture and allows the dough to rise.

Pour, pour into the mold and bake at half-height for 40 to 50 minutes, until the cake is golden brown and no longer jiggles in the center.

Let the cake cool for about 20 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to a wire rack. Use a knife to carefully loosen the edges and gently remove it from the pan onto a serving plate.