Fluffy Farmers Cheese Apple Pancakes (Syrniki)
Traditional Eastern European comfort food featuring tangy farmers cheese pancakes studded with fresh apple pieces. The vinegar and baking soda reaction creates exceptionally fluffy, cloud-like pancakes with a tender crumb and subtle sweetness. Perfect for weekend brunch or as a cozy dessert, these syrniki offer a wonderful balance of creamy cheese richness and bright apple flavor. The light flour coating ensures a golden exterior while keeping the inside moist. Serve warm with jam and sour cream for an authentic experience that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special.
Ingredients
- 2 cups farmers cheese, homemade or store-boughtricotta cheese1:1vegetarian
slightly different texture
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cups all-purpose flourgluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free
may affect texture
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, for dredginggluten-free flour blend1:1gluten-freegluten-free
may affect texture
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 medium apple, any variety, peeled, cored and finely diced
- light olive oil, canola or vegetable oil, for sauteing
Instructions
- 1
Combine farmers cheese, eggs, flour, sugar, salt and cinnamon in large bowl
- 2
Mix with electric hand mixer on medium speed until well blended
- 3
Combine baking soda and vinegar in small ramekin until fizzing
- 4
Pour vinegar mixture into batter and mix until well blended
- 5
Fold in diced apples with spatula
- 6
Heat non-stick pan over medium-low heat and add oil
- 7
Place flour in shallow bowl for dredging
- 8
Scoop heaping tablespoon of batter and coat generously with flour
- 9
Pat pancake between hands to remove excess flour
- 10
Saute 3 minutes per side over medium-low heat until bubbles form on top
- 11
Transfer to platter and serve warm with toppings
Tips
Let batter rest briefly after mixing as it will thicken slightly, making pancakes easier to handle and shape.
Use medium-low heat to ensure pancakes cook through without burning the exterior before the inside sets.
Pat flour-coated pancakes gently between hands to remove excess coating while maintaining their round shape.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 2 days covered. Reheat gently in pan or microwave.
Batter can be prepared 2 hours ahead and refrigerated. Cook just before serving.
Serve immediately while warm with jam, sour cream, honey, or powdered sugar.
Common Mistakes
Use medium-low heat to avoid burning exterior before interior cooks through.
Don't overmix batter to avoid tough pancakes.
Pat flour coating gently to avoid breaking delicate pancakes.
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
may affect texture
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these without the apple?
Yes, traditional syrniki are often made without fruit. Simply omit the apple and proceed with the same method for classic cheese pancakes.
What if I don't have farmers cheese?
Ricotta cheese works as a substitute, though drain excess liquid first. Cottage cheese can work but blend it smooth for better texture.
How long do these keep?
Store cooked pancakes in refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through before serving.