Description
Syrniki are traditional Ukrainian cheese pancakes made from farmer’s cheese, eggs, and flour, lightly fried to golden perfection. These sweet, tender pancakes can be enhanced with dried cherries or raisins and are typically served with powdered sugar, honey, maple syrup, or sour cream and fresh berries for an authentic Eastern European breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb farmer’s cheese (or well drained ricotta or cottage cheese)
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (plus ½ cup for dredging)
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup dried cherries or raisins (optional)
- 8 tbsp avocado oil (or vegetable oil, for frying)
Instructions
- Soften dried fruit: In a small bowl, soak the dried cherries or raisins in hot water to soften them while preparing the batter. If not using dried fruit, skip this step. Optionally, split the batter to make half with and half without dried fruit.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk the 2 eggs, then add the farmer’s cheese and vanilla extract. Sift in the ½ cup flour along with sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly with a fork until combined. The batter will be thick and dough-like, unlike traditional pancake batter. If using dried fruit, fold it into half or the full portion of the batter as desired.
- Form the syrniki: On a plate, spread ½ cup flour for dredging. Using a cookie scoop, portion the batter and gently roll each portion in the flour. Shape each into a patty by pressing gently with your hands, removing excess flour for a light coating.
- Heat the oil: In a large nonstick skillet, heat 3-4 tablespoons of avocado or vegetable oil over medium heat. Test oil temperature by sprinkling a bit of flour into the pan; it should sizzle if the oil is hot enough.
- Cook the syrniki: Carefully place the coated cheese pancakes into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Cook in 2-3 batches if needed.
- Serve: Dust syrniki with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup or honey. For a traditional touch, serve with sour cream and fresh berries or fruit preserves.
Notes
- You can substitute farmer’s cheese with well-drained ricotta or cottage cheese for a similar texture.
- Soaking dried fruit softens them and ensures even distribution in the batter.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a light oil with a high smoke point like avocado or vegetable oil for frying.
- Screens the batter consistency carefully; it should be dough-like, not runny, for best results.
- Syrniki can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- For gluten-free variation, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Ukrainian
Keywords: Syrniki, Ukrainian cheese pancakes, farmer's cheese pancakes, breakfast pancakes, Eastern European recipe, fried cheese pancakes, sweet cheese pancakes
