Top 5 Reasons to Love This Zapekanka Recipe – Ukrainian Cheesecake Delight

A Taste of Ukrainian Tradition

Zapekanka, a beloved Ukrainian cheesecake, brings back warm memories of family gatherings and festive occasions.Made with simple ingredients like farmer’s cheese, sour cream, and semolina, this dessert is both rich and light, offering a delightful balance that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re familiar with Eastern European cuisine or trying it for the first time, this recipe is a must-try.

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Why You’ll Love This Zapekanka

• Authentic Flavor: Captures the essence of Ukrainian home baking.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients—just wholesome staples.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day.

The texture is reminiscent of a light cheesecake, with a subtle sweetness and a hint of tang from the sour cream. The semolina adds a unique grainy texture that sets it apart from other cheesecakes.

Ingredients

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• 2 cups farmer’s cheese or ricotta
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup semolina or flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• Butter (for greasing)Flouring Kitchen

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup raisins or dried fruits
• Zest of 1 lemon or orangeFlouring Kitchen

Necessary Tools for Preparation

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• 8-inch round or square baking dish
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

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1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish with butter.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the farmer’s cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the semolina, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
4. Optional Add-ins: Fold in raisins or dried fruits and citrus zest if using.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Allow the zapekanka to cool in the dish. It can be served warm or chilled.Flouring KitchenThe Feedfeed+1Flouring Kitchen+1

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

• Cheese Consistency: Ensure the farmer’s cheese is well-drained to prevent excess moisture.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar to taste; traditional zapekanka is mildly sweet.
• Texture Variation: For a smoother texture, blend the cheese mixture before adding dry ingredients.

What to Serve With It

• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Fresh berries or fruit preserves
• Drizzle of honey or maple syrup
• A cup of herbal tea or coffeeFlouring Kitchen

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.Flouring Kitchen

General Information

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Zapekanka is a versatile dish that fits various occasions—from festive gatherings to everyday breakfasts. It’s a delightful way to introduce Eastern European flavors to your table.

FAQ

Can I use cottage cheese instead of farmer’s cheese?

Yes, but ensure it’s well-drained to achieve the desired consistency.

Is semolina necessary?

Semolina adds a unique texture, but you can substitute it with all-purpose flour if unavailable.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of semolina.

Internal Links to Related Recipes

• Cottage Cheese Cheesecake [Zapekanka] – Flouring Kitchen
• Zapekanka (Farmer’s Cheese Cheesecake) – Babaganosh
• Ukrainian Easy Cheesecake: Zapekanka – Girl and the Kitchen

Pinterest
For visual inspiration and to save this recipe, visit our Pinterest page: Poulef Recipes on Pinterest

Conclusion

Zapekanka is more than just a cheesecake; it’s a slice of Ukrainian heritage. Its simplicity and rich flavor make it a timeless favorite. Give this recipe a try, and let it become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience and photos in the comments below!

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Zapekanka (Ukrainian Cheesecake) – A Creamy, Comforting Classic

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• Author: Poulef
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A traditional Ukrainian cheesecake made with farmer’s cheese, offering a light and creamy texture perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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2 cups farmer’s cheese or ricotta
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup semolina or flour
½ tsp baking powder
Pinch of salt
Butter (for greasing)

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch baking dish with butter.

• In a mixing bowl, combine farmer’s cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

• Add semolina, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Stir until well combined.

• Pour the batter into the prepared dish.

• Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

• Allow to cool before serving.

Notes

• For a smoother texture, blend the cheese mixture before adding dry ingredients.

• Adjust sweetness to taste.

• Optional: Add raisins or citrus zest for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 45
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Ukrainian

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