Syrniki (Ukrainian Sweet Ricotta Pancakes)
These golden, pan-fried syrniki are classic Ukrainian cheese pancakes made with creamy ricotta, a handful of pantry staples, and ready in 25 minutes. Soft in the middle, lightly crisp at the edges, and topped with sour cream, fresh berries, and a honey drizzle — this is the cozy European breakfast your whole family will ask for on repeat.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Non-stick skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients
For the pancakes
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For serving
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
- Sour cream
- Fresh berries or fruit of choice
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, ricotta cheese, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled, which is expected.
- Add the flour, sugar, and salt. Gently fold until a thick, soft dough forms. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to firm up slightly.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly brush with vegetable oil.
- Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a small round pancake using your hands.
- Place the pancakes in the skillet in batches. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and serve warm with sour cream, fresh berries, and a drizzle of honey.
Notes
- Full-fat whole-milk ricotta gives the best creamy texture. Part-skim will work but yields a slightly less rich pancake.
- The batter is meant to be soft and sticky. Flour your hands before shaping rather than adding more flour to the dough.
- Do not skip the 5-minute rest; it makes the dough noticeably easier to shape.
- Watch your stove heat. If the outsides are browning quickly before the centers look set, reduce to medium heat.
- Cooked syrniki freeze well. Cool completely, freeze in a single layer, and reheat in a skillet over low heat.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, or use any fresh seasonal fruit in place of strawberries.
