Easy Cottage cheese Pancakes Or Syrniki
My Eastern European childhood breakfasts often featured delicious syrniki with varenie, which translates to cottage cheese pancakes served with a dollop of fresh, homemade fruit compote. These golden, slightly crispy pancakes, with their soft and creamy interior, were a staple in our home, offering a warm and nostalgic taste of tradition. Made with farmer's cheese—the main ingredient—they perfectly embodied the essence of a traditional Eastern European countries way of cooking: simple, hearty, and satisfying. We often paired syrniki with fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey, but the real magic was in the varenie—a luscious, syrupy compote made from blackberries or other seasonal fruits. The balance of sweetness and tartness complemented the pancakes beautifully, while a generous spoonful of sour cream added an extra layer of richness.
Unlike traditional American pancakes, which are made with regular pancake batter consisting of flour, eggs, milk, and baking powder, syrniki have a denser texture due to the cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese base. This gives them a delightful creaminess inside while still achieving a crispy golden crust when pan-fried. While American pancakes are typically fluffy and served with maple syrup, syrniki offer a richer, more protein-packed alternative with a subtle tang from the cheese.
Videos You May Also like
For those looking for a nutritious and unique breakfast option, syrniki is a fantastic choice. They are packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics, making them a great alternative to regular pancake batter recipes. Whether served for breakfast or as a sweet treat, these cottage cheese pancakes bring warmth, nostalgia, and wholesome flavors to the table, making them a special dish that continues to be cherished across generations.
This healthy recipe holds a special place in my heart, bringing back memories of cozy mornings and the comforting flavors of home. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or as a sweet treat, syrniki remains a timeless favorite that never fails to delight. The combination of crispy edges, a soft, creamy center, and the natural sweetness of fresh fruit makes each bite irresistible. Served warm with honey, jam, or sour cream, these pancakes offer a perfect balance of indulgence and nourishment, making them a cherished tradition in many households.
This is truly a great recipe for anyone looking to recreate a special treat at home. Whether for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, an easy syrniki recipe brings back the comforting flavors of childhood with every bite. The best thing is that the main ingredient, farmer cheese, can often be found at major grocery stores, making it easy to whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes..
5 Ingredients You Will Need
These simple cottage cheese pancakes syrniki recipe only require a few ingredients and come together in no time. Here are the key ingredients you'll need.
1lbs. cottage cheese
1 egg, whipped
¼ cup sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ cup of gluten-free all purpose flour
Extra virgin olive oil
How To Make Syrniki
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add the syrniki in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook the cheese pancakes over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, flipping gently with a spatula once the edges turn golden brown.
Transfer the cooked perfect syrniki pancakes to a tray lined with paper towel to drain excess oil. Add more oil to the pan as needed, then continue cooking the remaining batches.
Storage And Leftovers
Syrniki are at their best when served hot and fresh. Feel free to keep leftover food in the fridge for up to five days. They should be stored in an airtight container. To heat, microwave for 30 seconds or bake at 375°F for 5 minutes, ensuring they’re heated through. Top it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a delightful homemade treat.
If you're looking for a recipe card to keep on hand, be sure to save one for these healthy cottage cheese pancakes—they make a fantastic dessert dish as well as a satisfying, delicious breakfast treat. These Traditional Russian cheese pancakes pair wonderfully with honey, jam, or a dollop of sour cream, making them a versatile treat for any time of day. For an extra indulgence, try adding fresh berries, maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even melted chocolate drizzle.
If you make our Cottage Cheese Pancakes or Syrniki, please let us know by leaving a rating below!
And make sure to sign up for our Newsletter and follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest for more Victoria’s Earth Kitchen recipes! Don’t forget to tag us on our social channels when you make a recipe at #victoriasearthkitchen! We LOVE seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!
Easy Cottage Cheese Pancakes or Syrniki
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using a spatula, mix together cheese, egg, sugar, salt, and flour in a medium bowl for 2-3 minutes until all ingredients are evenly blended. The mixture will be very sticky.
- Heat olive oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add the syrniki in batches using a spoon, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook the cheese pancakes over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping gently with a spatula once the edges turn golden brown.
- Transfer the cooked syrniki to a tray lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Add more oil to the pan as needed, then continue cooking the remaining batches.
- Serve warm with fruit preserves or homemade compote, dollop of sour cream and fresh mint.
Meet Victoria
Reader Favorites
