Sweet Noodle Kugel with Cognac-Soaked Raisins

The kitchen buzzed with quiet anticipation, scattered across the floor were toy cars and a well-loved stuffed bunny. Evidence of the little hands that had been tugging at my apron just moments ago. On the counter, the ingredients for sweet kugel waited patiently.

This dish carries me back to my grandmother standing in our tiny kitchen, where the air was always filled with the inviting scent of butter and cinnamon. Her voice was steady and sure, explaining every step. She’d tie her apron around me, even though it trailed on the floor, and handed me the task of plucking raisins from their box. “Always taste them first,” she’d say, “you can’t trust a raisin until you’ve tried it.”

Suitcases carry clothes, photographs, or keepsakes, but recipes like this one carry something even greater. They hold memories. My grandmother’s kugel was a staple of Jewish holiday tables and is a piece of her kitchen table that traveled across borders.

The table itself couldn’t fit into her suitcase of course, but this cherished Jewish noodle kugel recipe made its way from the USSR to Israel and, eventually, into my mother’s hands, and now mine.

Now, in my Montreal kitchen, I find myself standing in that same lineage, making sweet cottage cheese kugel with my children. It’s a dish shaped by our migration, ingrained with the flavors of where we’ve been, and adapted to the ingredients we’ve discovered along the way.

What is a Kugel?

This sweet noodle kugel is our version of cottage cheese noodle kugel. Kugel is a beloved Ashkenazi Jewish dish that has evolved over centuries. It was originally a savory, baked pudding made with bread or flour, then transformed in the 16th century with the introduction of egg noodles.

In my Russian household, we often enjoyed cottage cheese kugel, or tvorog kugel, also known as zapekanka, a version made with farmer’s cheese or cottage cheese.

You can read more about our Jerusalem kugel tradition in this Jerusalem Kugel Recipe and explore a unique twist with my grandmother’s Gluten-Free Carrot Kugel. While kugel is often served on holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Easter, in my family, it was a staple of Shabbat dinners. Every Saturday, the scent of baked cheese and vanilla filled our home, a tradition that connected us to generations past.

Farmer’s Cheese Replacements

The key ingredient in tvorog kugel is farmer’s cheese, a mild, slightly tangy cheese that contributes to its creamy texture. Depending on availability, there are several excellent substitutes:

• Cottage Cheese - a widely accessible alternative that provides a similar moisture content and mild tang.

• Tvorog (Tworog) - a traditional Eastern European fresh cheese with a crumbly texture, ideal for making authentic kugel.

No matter the variation, kugel remains a comforting dish that carries history and warmth into every bite. Whenever I make this kugel, I’m reminded of how food bridges the distances between us, carrying stories across oceans and generations. Today, I tell those stories to my children, who perch on the counter, their small hands eager to stir the noodle mixture and sneak a taste. They’ve never met my grandmother, but in the sweet scent of baking kugel, we feel her presence.

This kugel is more than a casserole, it's also a bridge. It connects my childhood to theirs, my grandmother’s home to ours, and her lessons to the lives we’re building now. Food, after all, isn’t just sustenance. It’s also a love letter, a story told with every bite.

And like my grandma always said, “The best stories are shared around the table.”

Ingredients

• Fine Egg Noodles - base of the kugel, providing a tender and slightly chewy texture.

• Eggs - bind the ingredients together and add richness to the dish.

• Crème Fraîche - adds tanginess and creaminess for a balanced flavor.

• Fresh Ricotta - contributes a light, creamy texture and mild flavor.

• Cultured Butter - enhances the richness and provides a buttery undertone.

• Mascarpone - brings a smooth, creamy consistency to the kugel.

• Vanilla Extract - adds a hint of warmth and sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar - balances the richness of the dairy and complements the raisins.

• Golden Raisins - add bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture.

 See the recipe card for exact quantities.

How to Make Sweet Noodle Kugel

If you're craving a sweet and comforting dish that’s perfect for gatherings or as a treat yourself moment, this Sweet Kugel recipe is your answer. Whether served as a dessert or a holiday favorite, it’s guaranteed to impress. Here's how to make it step by step:

Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fine egg noodles and cook until al dente, you can follow the package instructions. Drain the noodles and let them cool slightly.

Prepare the Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat a 9x13-inch baking pan evenly with ½ cup of melted butter to prevent sticking and enhance the flavor.

Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone, eggs, ricotta, crème fraîche, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined.

Bake the Kugel

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes. Afterward, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes. The kugel should be golden and set.

Rest, Sprinkle, and Serve

Remove the kugel from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier. Sprinkle the granulated sugar using a shifter and add your cognac soaked raisins. Serve and enjoy.

Note! Make sure the pan size is correct to avoid overflow during baking.

Storage

Sweet Kugel is at its best fresh from the oven, but leftovers can still be just as delightful when stored properly. Let the kugel cool completely before covering the dish tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore its creamy texture and golden edges.

For longer storage,  slice it into portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe bag. When the craving strikes, you can reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave. It’s the perfect no-fuss way to enjoy this meal.

What to Serve With Sweet Kugel with Cognac Soaked Raisins

Sweet kugel has a way of making any meal feel extra special. Its creamy, slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, creating that balance that feels both cozy and satisfying. One of my favorite pairings is a Gluten-free Honey Apple Cake Drizzled with Salted Caramel Sauce. The caramel’s richness and the delicate apple notes seem to dance perfectly with the kugel’s warm flavors. I like to call it the ultimate comfort combination.

For a lighter, refreshing contrast, a Moroccan couscous salad brings bright, citrusy notes that cut through the kugel’s richness. It’s the kind of pairing that feels just right for a sunny afternoon gathering. On the savory side, a classic White Fish in a White Wine Sauce makes for an elegant and satisfying companion, with the delicate flavors of the fish balancing the kugel’s creamy sweetness.

Growing up, kugels always seemed to find its place at the table, whether next to Mushroom Leek Kugel for a fun double-kugel moment or alongside Vegetarian Kofta Kebabs for a heartier feast. No matter what you choose, serving kugel always feels like wrapping the whole meal in warmth and love.