If you have a soft spot for comfort food that feels like a warm hug, you are absolutely going to adore this Ukrainian Syrniki (Cheese Pancakes) Recipe. These delightful little pancakes made from farmers cheese are both fluffy and tender, offering a perfect balance of tangy and sweet with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, syrniki bring a cozy, homemade charm that’s irresistibly inviting. This recipe is straightforward, relying on a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the perfect Ukrainian Syrniki, you’ll want to gather just a few essential ingredients. Each plays a crucial role, from the creamy farmers cheese that gives syrniki their unique texture, to the touch of baking soda and vinegar that lightens the batter beautifully.
- Farmers cheese (15 oz, about 2 cups): The star ingredient providing the rich, creamy base that makes these pancakes tender and cheesy.
- Eggs (4 large): Bind everything together and add fluffiness to the mix.
- All-purpose flour (3/4 cup plus 1/2 cup for dredging): Helps create structure and ensures the perfect golden crust.
- Sugar (3 Tbsp): Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the slight tang of the cheese.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Combined with vinegar, it helps give the syrniki a light, airy texture.
- White vinegar (1 tsp): Reacts with baking soda to tenderize and lighten the cheese pancake.
- Raisins (1 cup): Infuse every bite with little bursts of natural sweetness and chewiness.
- Extra light olive oil (2-3 Tbsp per batch): For frying; it keeps the pancakes crisp and golden without too much heaviness.
- Fresh fruit, jam, sour cream, powdered sugar: Perfect toppings to customize each serving your way.
How to Make Ukrainian Syrniki (Cheese Pancakes) Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Core Ingredients
Start by placing the farmers cheese, eggs, 3/4 cup of flour, sugar, and salt into a large bowl. This mixture forms the heart of your syrniki, and blending them well ensures every pancake is rich and flavorful. The tang of the cheese marries beautifully with the subtle sweetness and salt, promising a mouthwatering result.
Step 2: Activate the Leavening
Pour the baking soda into a small bowl and stir in the white vinegar. Watch it fizz as it activates, then add this lively mixture to your cheese batter. This step is magical because the fizz helps aerate the mixture, ensuring your pancakes come out delightfully fluffy and light.
Step 3: Mix and Add Raisins
Using a hand-held electric mixer, blend everything until smooth and uniform. Don’t worry if a few little cheese clumps remain; they add to the fluffy texture. Gently fold in the raisins with a spoon, sprinkling in those chewy bursts that add wonderful texture and natural sweetness.
Step 4: Prepare the Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of extra light olive oil. This oil choice ensures your pancakes will fry evenly with a crisp outer layer while staying tender inside. The medium heat will help achieve that picture-perfect golden crust we all love.
Step 5: Shape and Flour the Pancakes
Place 1/2 cup of flour in a small bowl for dredging. Using a heaping tablespoon or a flat ice cream scoop, portion out the cheese mixture. Dip each patty into the flour, sprinkling more flour on top and gently tossing it with well-floured hands to avoid stickiness. This technique creates a light, non-sticky coating that crisps up beautifully when fried.
Step 6: Cook Until Golden
Once the skillet and oil are hot, carefully place the patties into the pan as you shape them. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and irresistibly fragrant. Flip gently just once to ensure a uniform crust while keeping the inside wonderfully soft and cheesy.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your syrniki to a plate and get ready to serve them with your favorite toppings. Whether it’s sour cream, powdered sugar, fresh fruits, or a vibrant jam, the versatility of these Ukrainian pancakes means you can tailor the flavor to whatever mood you’re in.
How to Serve Ukrainian Syrniki (Cheese Pancakes) Recipe
Garnishes
Syrniki are truly a canvas for toppings. Sour cream is the traditional choice and adds a creamy tang that matches the cheese perfectly. Powdered sugar dusted on top adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch. Fresh berries or seasonal fruits bring bright flavors and extra freshness that brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
Consider pairing your syrniki with a dollop of homemade jam or honey to amplify sweetness without overpowering the dish. A side of brewed tea or strong coffee can balance the richness, making it an ideal morning or afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack these cheese pancakes and drizzle them with warm fruit compote or melted chocolate. You can also layer them with yogurt and fresh fruit in a parfait style — perfect for impressing guests or turning this humble dish into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any syrniki left over, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They maintain their flavor beautifully and can be enjoyed as a quick snack or breakfast.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. This way, they’ll keep well for up to one month, making it super convenient to enjoy Ukrainian Syrniki whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the syrniki in a warm skillet on low heat or microwave them for 30-45 seconds. If warming from frozen, allow a few extra minutes. Reheating in a pan helps regain that lovely crispy exterior that microwaving alone can’t replicate perfectly.
FAQs
Can I substitute the farmers cheese with something else?
Yes, you can use ricotta or quark if farmers cheese is unavailable. Just aim for a similar texture and moisture level to keep the syrniki tender without being too wet or dense.
Are raisins necessary in the Ukrainian Syrniki (Cheese Pancakes) Recipe?
Raisins add a delightful sweetness and texture, but they are optional. You can leave them out or swap them for chopped dried apricots, cranberries, or skip dried fruit altogether for a more traditional plain version.
What is the best way to shape the syrniki?
A heaping tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop works perfectly to ensure even-sized pancakes. Flouring your hands and gently patting the mixture helps you mold them without sticking.
Can I bake syrniki instead of frying?
While frying gives the best crispiness, baking is possible. Place formed patties on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep in mind the texture will differ slightly without that crispy crust.
Are Ukrainian Syrniki suitable for breakfast and dessert?
Absolutely! These versatile cheese pancakes are beloved for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The choice of toppings and sides can easily shift the flavor profile to suit any occasion.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet made this Ukrainian Syrniki (Cheese Pancakes) Recipe, I genuinely encourage you to give it a try. It’s a beautiful balance of simple ingredients transforming into something wonderfully comforting and delicious. Whether you enjoy them with traditional sour cream or your favorite jam, syrniki are sure to become a treasured addition to your recipe collection — perfect for sharing with loved ones over a cozy meal.
