Zapekanka (Ukrainian Cheesecake) Recipe
If you’ve never tried Zapekanka (Ukrainian Cheesecake) Recipe, you’re in for a delightful surprise that’s both comforting and unexpectedly light. This traditional Ukrainian dessert is like a warm hug on a plate, combining simple ingredients to create a creamy, slightly tangy cheesecake that’s subtly sweet and perfect for any time of day. It’s easy to make, wonderfully textured, and a heartwarming way to bring a taste of Eastern Europe right into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Zapekanka (Ukrainian Cheesecake) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role: from the creamy cottage cheese that forms the base, to the eggs that give it structure, and the hint of vanilla and lemon zest that brighten the whole dish. Using fresh and quality ingredients ensures your cheesecake is both flavorful and tender.
- 2 cups (500g) cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese: The star of the dish, providing creamy texture and slight tang.
- 2 large eggs: Help bind the ingredients together for a lovely, firm set.
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
- ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream or plain yogurt: Boosts creaminess and adds subtle tang.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, familiar flavor that complements the cheese.
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Lightens the texture slightly for a tender bite.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- ½ cup (75g) raisins (optional): Adds bursts of chewy sweetness and texture contrast.
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional): Brightens the cheesecake with fresh citrus aroma.
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the pan): Prevents sticking and adds a hint of richness.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): Creates an elegant finishing touch before serving.
How to Make Zapekanka (Ukrainian Cheesecake) Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when your batter is ready, you can bake it right away for a perfectly even cook throughout.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream or yogurt, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth but still retains a bit of texture from the cheese. This is key so your Zapekanka has that pleasantly rustic feel. If you’re feeling adventurous, gently fold in the raisins and lemon zest; they add pops of flavor that make this cheesecake especially memorable.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Generously grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter. This small but crucial step prevents sticking and helps achieve a golden crust on the edges. Pour your batter into the dish and use a spatula to smooth the surface evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is simply irresistible!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the Zapekanka to cool in the dish for about 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with a little powdered sugar if you want to add a delicate sweetness and a visually appealing finish before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Zapekanka (Ukrainian Cheesecake) Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also top your Zapekanka with fresh berries, a dollop of sour cream, or a spoonful of fruit preserves to add freshness and a jammy touch that complements the tangy cheese beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a cup of black tea or strong coffee, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert. You might also enjoy it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve individual portions in small ramekins or line your baking dish with parchment paper and lift the whole cheesecake out to slice it neatly. You can drizzle honey or a berry coulis on top, or even add a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra crunch and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Zapekanka (Ukrainian Cheesecake) Recipe tastes just as delicious the next day. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and moist. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delightful cheesecake longer, it freezes well. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in an airtight freezer container. Frozen Zapekanka can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
For that freshly baked feel, warm slices gently in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just warmed through. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the texture. Alternatively, you can reheat in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese instead of cottage cheese?
While cream cheese is richer and smoother, traditional Zapekanka relies on cottage or farmer’s cheese for its distinctive texture and flavor. Using cream cheese will yield a different, denser cheesecake but can be a tasty variation.
Is there a gluten-free version of Zapekanka?
Absolutely! This recipe naturally contains no gluten, as it doesn’t call for flour or any wheat-based ingredients. It’s a naturally gluten-free dessert perfect for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Traditional Zapekanka relies on dairy, especially cheese and sour cream, for its signature taste and texture. However, experimenting with plant-based cheeses and yogurt alternatives might work, though it will change the flavor and consistency.
What’s the best cheese for authentic Zapekanka?
Farmer’s cheese or a good-quality, well-drained cottage cheese is ideal. They offer just the right balance of creaminess and slight grainy texture critical to this recipe.
How do I know when the Zapekanka is done baking?
The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will dry it out, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
Final Thoughts
Zapekanka (Ukrainian Cheesecake) Recipe is a lovingly simple dessert that feels like a warm, homemade treasure every time you make it. Whether you’re sharing it with family, offering it to guests, or simply treating yourself, this cheesecake will quickly earn a special place in your recipe collection. Give it a try—you might find your new favorite comfort food right here!
Print
Zapekanka (Ukrainian Cheesecake) Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Zapekanka is a traditional Ukrainian cheesecake featuring a creamy cottage cheese base blended with eggs, sugar, and sour cream, then baked until golden and set. This comforting dessert offers a slightly tangy and sweet flavor, often enhanced with raisins and lemon zest for added aroma and texture. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, it is lightly dusted with powdered sugar before serving.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups (500g) cottage cheese or farmer’s cheese (drained if wet)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream or plain yogurt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (75g) raisins (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For Preparation
- 2 tablespoons butter (for greasing the pan)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the zapekanka.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, sour cream or plain yogurt, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Blend the mixture until smooth but retain some texture from the cheese. If desired, gently fold in the raisins and lemon zest to add sweetness and aromatic notes.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared cheesecake batter into the dish and smooth out the top evenly.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating it is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the zapekanka cool in the dish for 10 to 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before slicing, dust with powdered sugar if you like for a touch of extra sweetness and a pretty finish.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt depending on availability or preference.
- Draining the cottage cheese if it’s very wet prevents an overly soggy zapekanka.
- Optional ingredients like raisins and lemon zest add a nice contrast in texture and flavor but can be omitted.
- Ensure the baking dish is well-greased to make removal easier and prevent sticking.
- Allow the zapekanka to cool properly for best slicing and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Ukrainian
