Description
Syrniki are traditional Ukrainian cheese pancakes made from farmer’s cheese, eggs, and flour, gently fried to golden perfection. These soft and slightly sweet pancakes can be enjoyed plain or with dried cherries or raisins, served with powdered sugar, maple syrup, honey, sour cream, or berries for a delicious breakfast or dessert treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Pancakes Batter
- 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)
For Frying
- 8 tbsp avocado oil (or vegetable oil or any light oil)
Instructions
- Soften the dried fruit: In a small bowl, soak the dried cherries or raisins in hot water to soften while preparing the dough. This step is optional and can be skipped if not using dried fruit.
- Make the syrniki batter: In a large bowl, whisk 2 eggs, then add the farmer’s cheese and vanilla extract. Sift in ½ cup flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix everything together with a fork until combined; the mixture should be thick like dough, not a liquid pancake batter. If using dried fruit, divide the dough in half and mix the softened fruit into one half or add it to the full batter according to preference.
- Form the syrniki: Prepare a plate with ½ cup of flour for dredging. Using a cookie scoop or hands, take portions of batter, roll them gently in the flour, then shape into thick, round patties by gently pressing with your hands. Shake off excess flour; only a light coating is needed.
- Heat the oil: In a large nonstick skillet, heat 3-4 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, sprinkle a bit of flour into the pan — if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough.
- Cook the syrniki: Gently place the flour-dredged cheese pancakes into the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until both sides turn golden brown. Avoid crowding the pan; cook in 2-3 batches if necessary. Once cooked, transfer the syrniki to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and cool slightly.
- Serve: Syrniki can be enjoyed sprinkled with powdered sugar, drizzled with maple syrup or honey, or topped traditionally with sour cream and fresh berries or preserves to add brightness and flavor.
Notes
- Use well-drained cheese to avoid watery batter; if using ricotta or cottage cheese, press out excess moisture.
- Adjust sugar amount based on sweetness preference and whether dried fruit is used.
- Maintain medium heat while frying to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
- Syrniki can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Ukrainian
Keywords: Syrniki, Ukrainian cheese pancakes, farmer's cheese pancakes, cheese fritters, breakfast pancakes, Eastern European dessert
