If you’ve never tried “Placinte Poale-n Brau,” now is the perfect time! 🙂 These pastries are a cherished tradition in Romania, especially in the region of Moldova. They’re also known as “Branzoaice.” Incredibly delicious, they’re even better when baked in a countryside stone oven. And the aroma they release while baking? Simply heavenly! 🙂
For these pastries, it’s crucial to use the freshest farmer’s cheese you can find. If you have the chance to buy it from a local farm, even better. It’s true, they require a bit more effort compared to a simple dessert like semolina pudding, but the results are absolutely worth it.
Let’s make some “Branzoaice” together that will amaze everyone!
Placinte Poale-n Brau (Traditional Romanian Cheese Pastries)
Placinte Poale-n Brau is a traditional Romanian pastry, especially popular in Moldova. These soft, fluffy treats, also called "Branzoaice," are filled with a sweet cheese and raisin mixture. Known for their rich flavor and irresistible aroma, they’re even more delightful when made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Though they require a bit of effort, the result is a delicious, authentic taste of Romanian heritage. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!
Medium
Equipment
1 large bowl
1 whisk
1 rolling Pin
1 tray
Ingredients
For the Dough
600 g all-purpose flour- 250 ml milk warm, not hot
- 25 g fresh yeast or 7 g dry yeast
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp butter
- 200 g sugar
- 1/3 tsp salt
For the Filling
- 400 g cottage cheese or ricotta
- 200 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 3 tbsp raisins
- 1 tsp vanilla essence or 1 sachet of vanilla sugar
- 1/3 tsp salt
Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- n a small bowl, dissolve the yeast with 1 teaspoon of sugar and 2 tablespoons of warm water. Let it activate for about 10 minutes until bubbly.In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and activated yeast. Gradually add the warm milk while mixing.Add the eggs, sugar, softened butter, and a pinch of salt. Knead the dough until smooth and elastic. This may take 10–15 minutes.Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 2–3 hours or until it doubles in size.
Preparing the Filling
- In a bowl, mix the cheese with sugar, eggs, vanilla, raisins, and a pinch of salt until smooth.Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes while the dough continues to rise.
Shaping the Pastries
- Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.5–1 cm.Cut the dough into squares about 10 cm on each side.Place a generous tablespoon of the filling in the center of each square. Fold opposite corners together to form a pouch, pinching tightly to seal.
Baking the Pastries
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the pastries, leaving some space between them. Cover with a towel and let them rise for another hour.Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).Brush the pastries with beaten egg yolks for a golden finish.Bake for 30–45 minutes, or until the pastries are golden brown.
Finishing Touches
- Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly.Brush each pastry with honey for a beautiful glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Use the freshest cheese possible for the best flavor. Farmer’s cheese or ricotta works well.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought dough, but the homemade version is worth the effort!
- These pastries freeze well. Reheat them in the oven to restore their freshness.
We’d love to hear from you!
Did you try this recipe? Leave a comment below to let us know how your “Placinte Poale-n Brau” turned out! Your feedback helps us improve and inspires others to try this delightful Romanian treat. Enjoy your baking journey! ❤️
Nutrition
Calories: 534kcalCarbohydrates: 98gProtein: 16gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 153mgSodium: 354mgPotassium: 243mgFiber: 2gSugar: 48gVitamin A: 363IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 97mgIron: 4mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
