Irresistible Zapekanka: The Sweet Ukrainian Cheesecake Recipe

Warm memories of my grandmother’s kitchen dance around this beloved zapekanka, a creamy Ukrainian cheesecake that whispers comfort with every bite.

Soft cottage cheese forms the heart of this delightful dessert, creating a silky texture that melts on your palate.

Grandmothers across Eastern Europe have perfected this recipe through generations, passing down secrets of its delicate preparation.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical – rich, smooth, and utterly irresistible.

Traditional baking techniques give this treat its distinctive golden crust and tender interior.

Each slice tells a story of Ukrainian culinary heritage, connecting you to generations of home cooks.

Savor this zapekanka and let its creamy embrace transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with love and warmth.

FAQs

• What is farmer's cheese and where can I find it?

Farmer’s cheese is a fresh, mild cheese similar to cottage cheese but firmer. You can find it in Eastern European grocery stores, specialty cheese shops, or some well-stocked supermarkets in the dairy section.

• Can I make this recipe without raisins?

Absolutely! The raisins are optional. You can skip them entirely or substitute with other dried fruits like chopped apricots or cranberries if you prefer.

• Is Zapekanka a dessert or breakfast dish?

Zapekanka is versatile and can be enjoyed as both a dessert and a breakfast item. In Ukrainian cuisine, it’s often served as a sweet breakfast or light dessert with a dollop of sour cream.

• How do I know if the Zapekanka is properly cooked?

The Zapekanka is done when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The texture should be firm but slightly soft and creamy in the middle.

Ukrainian Cheesecake That’s Soft, Rich, and Simple

• Whip Up a Comfort Classic: This zapekanka offers a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake with its simple, homemade charm that brings warmth to any meal.
• Master Easy Baking Magic: Novice bakers can confidently create this recipe with minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that guarantee delicious results.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Enjoy the flexibility of adding raisins or dried fruit, making this dish adaptable to personal taste preferences and perfect for spontaneous baking adventures.
• Celebrate Versatile Serving Styles: Serve warm or at room temperature, paired with sour cream or fruit preserves, making it an ideal dessert for casual gatherings or cozy family breakfasts.

Ukrainian Zapekanka Cheesecake Ingredient Breakdown

• Farmer's Cheese: A soft, fresh cheese that gives the zapekanka its creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds richness and tanginess to the dish.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.

• Flour: Helps to thicken and stabilize the mixture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tangy cheese.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Raisins, Dried Fruit: Brings extra sweetness and texture to the zapekanka.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cheesecake.

Baking Zapekanka Ukrainian Cheesecake the Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350°F and coat a round baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and ensures easy removal of your cheesecake.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Mixture

• Farmer's cheese
• Sour cream
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Flour
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy. If you enjoy extra sweetness, gently fold in raisins or chopped dried apricots.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the silky batter into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden color and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Step 4: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the zapekanka to rest and cool slightly before cutting. Serve this delightful Ukrainian treat warm or at room temperature. Top with a dollop of extra sour cream or your favorite fruit preserve for added deliciousness.

Cheesecake Tips for a Traditional Ukrainian Zapekanka

• Cheese Selection Matters: Use fresh, high-quality farmer's cheese for the most authentic and creamy texture in your zapekanka.
• Raisin Ritual: Soak raisins in warm water or rum before adding to prevent them from burning and enhance their flavor during baking.
• Prevent Cracking Technique: Avoid overmixing the batter and don't open the oven door frequently to keep the cheesecake smooth and crack-free.
• Versatile Serving Suggestion: Experiment with toppings like fresh berries, honey, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to elevate the traditional Ukrainian dessert.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace sugar with stevia or erythritol and use almond flour instead of regular flour for a keto-friendly version.

Preserve Ukrainian Zapekanka the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Slice zapekanka, place parchment paper between each slice, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Seal completely to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm individual slices on 50% power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add 10-15 seconds if needed. Always heat in short intervals to prevent overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. Place slices on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 3 minutes for a crispy top.

Ukrainian Zapekanka Pairing Ideas

• Brew Complementary Beverage: Serve a chilled glass of Ukrainian kompot, a sweet fruit drink made from berries or apples, which balances the creamy texture and adds a refreshing touch to the cheesecake.
• Enhance Fruit Accompaniment: Top the zapekanka with fresh seasonal berries like strawberries or raspberries, creating a vibrant contrast to the rich, smooth cheese base and adding natural sweetness.
• Match Dessert Wine: Enjoy a small glass of sweet Muscat wine, which harmonizes beautifully with the delicate vanilla and raisin notes, providing a luxurious ending to your Ukrainian culinary experience.
• Create Breakfast Fusion: Serve alongside a light Ukrainian coffee with a hint of honey, cutting through the richness of the zapekanka and offering a warm, comforting morning combination.

Ukrainian Cheesecake Recipe Styles

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or reduce sugar by half. Add extra vanilla extract to enhance natural sweetness without increasing calories.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of sour cream, and replace farmer's cheese with cashew-based cheese or tofu. Select plant-based egg replacer for vegans.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Incorporate protein powder into the mixture, choose a neutral-flavored whey or plant-based protein to boost nutritional value without altering the classic zapekanka taste.

Zapekanka A Ukrainian Cheesecake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy zapekanka celebrates Ukraine’s culinary heritage with its luscious cottage cheese base and delicate sweetness. Rustic yet elegant, this dessert invites you to savor a comforting slice of traditional Eastern European baking.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups farmers cheese (or ricotta/cottage cheese)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup semolina flour or all-purpose flour

Dairy and Sweet Components:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or dried fruit, soaked and drained

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly prepare the kitchen workspace and gather all necessary equipment, ensuring a clean, organized environment for crafting this traditional Ukrainian delicacy.
2. Carefully create a creamy mixture by whisking farmer’s cheese with sour cream until achieving a velvety, consistent texture without lumps.
3. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the cheese base, stirring methodically to maintain a smooth, homogeneous composition.
4. Sift flour and salt directly into the mixture, gently folding to prevent overmixing and maintain a delicate, airy consistency.
5. Optional: Delicately fold raisins or dried fruit throughout the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure balanced flavor in each bite.
6. Select a round baking dish and generously coat with butter or cooking spray to prevent potential sticking and ensure effortless removal.
7. Transfer the prepared batter into the prepared dish, using a spatula to create an even, leveled surface that promotes uniform baking.
8. Position the dish in a preheated oven set at 350°F, allowing the zapekanka to transform into a golden, slightly puffy delicacy over 40-45 minutes.
9. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should emerge clean with minimal moisture, indicating perfect baking.
10. Remove from oven and allow the zapekanka to rest and stabilize, letting residual heat complete the cooking process and enhance its delicate texture.
11. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of fruit preserves for an authentic Ukrainian experience.

Notes

• Swap farmer’s cheese with ricotta or cottage cheese for easier ingredient access.
• Add a pinch of lemon zest to brighten the flavor profile and enhance the creamy texture.
• Reduce sugar for a less sweet version, perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
• Toast raisins before adding to intensify their natural sweetness and prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Ukrainian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 50mg