Lviv Cheesecake with Chocolate Glaze

Name: Lviv Cheesecake with Chocolate Glaze
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 70 min
Total time: 340 min
Yield: 10 to 12 slices
Cuisine: Ukrainian
Ingredients: 1 kg farmer’s cheese, quark or well-drained cottage cheese; 150 g unsalted butter, softened; 200 g sugar; 5 whole large eggs, separated; 100 g fine semolina; 10 g vanilla sugar or 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 whole lemon, finely zested; 1 pinch salt; 100 g raisins, optional; 200 g dark chocolate, chopped; 100 ml heavy cream

Farmer’s cheese, lemon and vanilla form the base of a chilled glazed cheesecake.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 5 hr 40 minMakes 10 to 12 slices

Jump to Recipe

Lviv cheesecake is a rich baked cheese dessert with lemon, vanilla, optional raisins and a dark chocolate glaze. A smooth, fairly dry farmer’s cheese or quark gives the best texture; drain cottage cheese well if that is what you have. Fold in whipped egg whites gently, bake until the center is just set, then cool and chill before glazing. Press cheese through a sieve or pulse briefly until smooth; drain excess whey if wet. Heat oven to 170°C (340°F); beat butter, sugar and vanilla, then beat in egg yolks one at a time. Stir in cheese, semolina, lemon zest, salt and raisins if using; beat egg whites to stiff peaks and fold in gently.

How to tell when it is ready

Cool completely in the pan, chill at least 4 hours; melt chocolate with cream, spread over the top and chill until set.

Tips

Press cheese through a sieve or pulse briefly until smooth.
Heat oven to 170°C (340°F).
Stir in cheese, semolina, lemon zest, salt and raisins if using.
Pour into a lined 23-cm (9-inch) loaf or springform pan.

Troubleshooting

If cheese is wet, drain it before mixing.
If the top cracks, cool gradually and cover with glaze.

Substitutions

Use quark or dry-curd cheese for farmer’s cheese.
Use cornstarch instead of semolina for a gluten-free version.

Variations

Add 100 g ground poppy seeds.
Fold in chopped dried apricots.

Serving suggestions

Serve chilled with coffee.
Add fresh berries on the side.
Cut with a warm clean knife.
Offer small slices after a meal.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days; serve chilled or let stand 15 minutes before slicing.

Storage

Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days; serve chilled or let stand 15 minutes before slicing.

Food safety

Keep the cheese dessert refrigerated; do not leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know lviv cheesecake with chocolate glaze is ready?

Cool completely in the pan, chill at least 4 hours; melt chocolate with cream, spread over the top and chill until set.

How should I store lviv cheesecake with chocolate glaze?

Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days; serve chilled or let stand 15 minutes before slicing.

Serve chilled with coffee. Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days; serve chilled or let stand 15 minutes before slicing.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Lviv Cheesecake with Chocolate Glaze