Lithuanian Sweet Cheese Pancakes with Berries
Delicate and slightly sweet pancakes made with farmer's cheese (tvarog), pan-fried until golden and often served with fresh berries and a dollop of sour cream or sweetened condensed milk.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Farmer's cheese (tvarog or quark)(well-drained)
- 2 large Eggs
- 4 tbsp All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 2 tbsp Sugar(or to taste)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Butter or oil(for frying)
- 1 cup Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)(for serving)
- Sour cream or sweetened condensed milk(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a medium bowl, mash the farmer's cheese with a fork until relatively smooth. If using a very wet cheese, you may want to press out excess liquid first.
💡 Tip: Using a food processor can help achieve a smoother consistency. - 2
Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the mashed cheese. Mix well until combined.
💡 Tip: Taste the mixture and adjust sugar if needed. - 3
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a thick, scoopable batter forms. It should be thicker than traditional pancake batter.
- 4
Heat butter or oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the skillet, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form small, thick pancakes.
💡 Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches. - 5
Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
💡 Tip: Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. - 6
Remove the pancakes from the skillet and place them on a plate. Keep warm while you cook the remaining batter.
💡 Tip: You can place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a warm oven (around 200°F/95°C) to keep them warm. - 7
Serve the warm cheese pancakes immediately, topped with fresh berries and a dollop of sour cream or sweetened condensed milk.
💡 Tip: A dusting of powdered sugar is also a nice touch.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your farmer's cheese is well-drained to avoid a watery batter.
- ✓Don't make the pancakes too large, as they are quite rich.
- ✓These are best served fresh and warm.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter.
- For a more dessert-like version, serve with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
- Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for added spice.