Syrniki (сирники), also known as tvorozhniki or simply sweet cheese pancakes, are a beloved Ukrainian breakfast and dessert. These small, pan-fried cakes are a sweet, tender, and satisfying treat. This recipe provides a classic version that's easy to make at home.
What is sweet cheese?
Syrnyk is a Ukrainian cheese. They are small, pan-fried cakes made with tvorog (a type of fresh cheese similar to farmer's cheese or quark), flour, eggs, and sugar. Cottage cheese often gives the same taste and texture. It's usually served at Easter time in Ukraine as a side dish with ham or as a dessert.
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Ingredients
You will need just a few ingredients to make this recipe:
- Cottage Cheese or Farmer's Cheese
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla
- Lemon Zest or Juice (optional)
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. You'll know the sweet cheese is done when the edges are lightly browned and the center is still jiggly.
Serving
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
Store the sweet cheese wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for several days. Store in the refrigerator. Unfortunately, freezing the cheese is not recommended. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
Substitutions
Everyone can enjoy this recipe no matter your dietary restrictions or preferences:
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use full fat, low fat or nonfat cottage cheese. Regular or small curd cheese is most recommended. Dry curd cottage cheese is the best option for this recipe.
Tvorog is a type of fresh cheese with a slightly tangy flavor and crumbly texture. It's similar to farmer's cheese, quark, or dry curd cottage cheese.
You can prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shape and fry the syrniki just before serving.
Sweet Cheese Recipe
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.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Inspired by Cupcakes and Kale Chips
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