My heart is pouring out as much love as it can to those affected at this time. To show our love this weekend we are sharing a very special recipe for Syrnyk, a Ukrianian sweet cheese typically served at Easter! (GF, DF option, vegetarian, soy free, nut free)

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ukrainian syrnyk sweet cheese easter cheese farmers cottage sugar eggs vanilla lemon fruit

What is Syrnyk?

Syrnyk is a Ukrainian sweet and creamy cheese. It is typically made of four main ingredients including:

Cottage Cheese or Farmer's Cheese
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla
Lemon Zest or Juice (optional)

Serving Syrnyk

Syrnyk is served at Easter time in Ukraine as a side dish with ham or as a dessert (pictured).

Preparing

Once you have gathered all of your ingredients you will place them in a mixer and mix until light and fluffy on medium high speed. A hand mixer is most recommended. I've made it in our stand mixer and with our hand mixer and often it comes out a little more light and fluffy with the hand mixer.

Baking

Place your mixture into a lightly greased 8x8 inch pan. You can double the recipe and place it into a 9x13 inch pan too. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes for an 8x8 inch pan and 50-60 minutes for a 9x13 inch pan. The sweet cheese is done when the edges are lightly browned and the center is still jiggly.

Toppings

Usually Ukrainian Syrnyk or Easter Sweet Cheese is served as a side for ham, similar to serving it with rolls. But you can also serve it topped with fruit or a fruit compote.

Storing

This recipe can be stored wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for several days. Store in the refrigerator. Freezing is not recommended.

Substitutions

There are several substitutions that can be made in this recipe:

Cheese: You can use cottage cheese or farmer's cheese for this recipe. You can also substitute dairy free cottage cheese.
Sugar: Granulated white sugar is most recommended for this recipe but you can experiment using low calorie sugar as well.
Eggs: Unfortunately, this recipe does require eggs to get the texture needed.
Vanilla: You will need vanilla for this recipe. It is so good and offers a rich flavor to the recipe.

What Type of Cottage Cheese Should I Use?

Use full fat, low fat or nonfat cottage cheese. Regular or small curd cheese is most recommended. Large curd can be used, but regular or small is most recommended.

What is Farmer's Cheese?

Farmer's cheese is a pressed cottage cheese. It is more acidic and has less moisture. It is often found in European countries. You can find it by names like twaróg, tvorog, or syr.

TRY SOME OF OUR OTHER DELICIOUS EASTER DISHES!

Ukrainian Syrnyk or Easter Sweet Cheese

Ukrainian Syrnyk, also known as Easter Sweet Cheese is the perfect side dish or dessert! Cottage cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla are whipped together until light and fluffy then baked to perfection. Serve as a side for ham or topped with fruit as a dessert. (Gluten free, dairy free option, vegetarian, nut free, soy free)

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 45

Course Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine ukrainian

Servings 12 servings

Ingredients

16 oz cottage cheese or farmers cheese
½ cup granulated sugar
2 whole eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon lemon juice optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8x8 inch pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla and lemon juice (optional) with a hand mixer on medium high until mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Pour mixture into the pan and and bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and center is still slightly jiggly.
Remove from oven and cool to room temperature, then place mixture in the refrigerator to chill prior to serving.

Video

Notes