Description
There are recipes that simply taste good — and then there are those that leave you a little speechless. This one? It falls in the latter camp. Affectionately dubbed “Not a Pie But Gold Dessert,” this sweet, creamy treat is unlike anything you’ve had before.
Ingredients
For the Batter:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups semolina (or all-purpose flour for a softer texture)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
For the Filling:
- 1½ cups cottage cheese (well-drained or slightly mashed)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Optional: ½ tsp orange blossom water or rose water for Middle Eastern flair
For Garnish (optional):
- Powdered sugar
- Crushed pistachios
- Honey drizzle
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add yogurt, oil, and vanilla, and mix well. Stir in semolina and baking powder until you have a smooth batter.
In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, and optional orange blossom water. Mix until creamy.
Pour half the batter into the baking dish and smooth the surface. Spoon the cottage cheese filling evenly over it. Top with the remaining batter, gently spreading it out to cover the filling.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with honey, or sprinkle with pistachios if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Serve warm with Arabic coffee or mint tea
- Pair with Greek yogurt and honey for breakfast
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for dessert flair
- Slice into squares and serve on a mezze platter alongside dried fruit
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 9g
Keywords: Not A Pie, But Gold