Quesada Pasiega Recipe Easy Traditional Spanish Dessert Guide

Quesada Pasiega is a traditional Spanish dessert hailing from the Cantabria region, famous for its creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor. Often described as a cross between cheesecake and flan, this delightful treat uses simple ingredients like fresh cheese, eggs, and sugar, resulting in a rich yet light custard-like cake.

The name “quesada” comes from “queso,” meaning cheese, but this is no ordinary cheesecake — it’s a rustic, comforting dessert that carries the essence of Northern Spain’s dairy tradition.

If you’ve ever wanted to bring a slice of authentic Spanish cuisine into your kitchen, this recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s straightforward to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers impressive results that are sure to wow family and friends.

Whether served warm or cold, quesada pasiega offers a unique taste experience that’s creamy, fragrant, and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quesada Pasiega is loved for its simplicity and deep-rooted cultural significance. Unlike many desserts that rely heavily on butter or flour, this recipe shines because of its fresh cheese base, giving it a moist texture and subtle tang.

It’s naturally gluten-free if you use cornstarch instead of flour, making it accessible for many dietary preferences.

The ingredients are pantry staples, so you can whip it up on a whim. Plus, it’s a versatile dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of sweet wine.

The golden crust and creamy interior make it a comforting treat that’s perfect for any season.

Whether you’re a dessert aficionado or just looking to try something new, this recipe offers an authentic taste of Spanish heritage with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• 500g fresh cow’s milk cheese (such as ricotta or fresh farmer’s cheese)
• 4 large eggs
• 200g granulated sugar
• 125g all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free option)
• 500ml whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional but recommended for freshness)
• Butter (for greasing the baking pan)
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Medium saucepan
• Baking pan (8-inch round or similar size)
• Oven
• Spatula
• Zester or grater (for lemon zest)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your baking pan thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Heat the milk gently in a saucepan until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and slightly fluffy.
4. Add the fresh cheese to the egg mixture and stir well until fully combined. The texture might be slightly lumpy; this is normal.
5. Sift the flour (or cornstarch) and salt into the mixture and fold gently to avoid lumps.
6. Slowly pour the warm milk into the bowl while stirring continuously. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest, mixing until smooth.
7. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The quesada should have a slight jiggle in the middle but not be liquid.
9. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve warm or chilled as desired. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for an extra touch.

Tips & Variations

For the creamiest quesada, use the freshest cheese you can find, ideally locally made or artisanal. If you can’t get fresh cow’s milk cheese, ricotta is a great substitute.

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for a safe alternative.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note. Orange zest works beautifully in place of lemon zest.
• Serving Style: Top with fresh berries or a fruit compote to add a burst of color and flavor.
• Storage: Keep the quesada refrigerated and consume within 3 days for best freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Quesada Pasiega is versatile and can be served in multiple ways. For a traditional approach, serve it plain or lightly dusted with powdered sugar.

A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey complements its creamy texture beautifully.

Pair it with a cup of strong coffee or a soothing herbal tea to balance the sweetness. For a more indulgent option, serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit compote, such as raspberry or blueberry, to add a refreshing contrast.

During festive occasions, quesada can be accompanied by a glass of sweet sherry or dessert wine, enhancing the experience of this classic Spanish treat.

Conclusion

Quesada Pasiega is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of Cantabrian cuisine with its simple ingredients and smooth, creamy texture. This recipe is approachable for bakers of all levels and offers a wonderful way to explore traditional Spanish flavors right in your home kitchen.

Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, plain or with a fruity twist, this custard-like cake never fails to impress. Its subtle sweetness and comforting texture make it an excellent choice for both everyday treats and special occasions.

Give this recipe a try and savor a delicious piece of Spanish heritage with every bite!

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