Let’s take a delicious detour into the world of Ukrainian sweets today.
These 10 recipes are incredibly unique and actually super simple to pull off in your own kitchen. Get ready to meet your new favorite treats.
1. Makivnyk (Ukrainian Poppy Seed Roll)
The first thing you notice here is that stunning color contrast. We have a lovely orange brown crust hugging a dark monochromatic swirl.
It looks unforgettable and tastes just as amazing. Expect sweet, light, and wonderfully nutty flavors.
Do not feel intimidated by the shape. If you can handle a pumpkin roll, you have totally got this.
2. Ukrainian Cheesecake Tarts
These treats are basically little cheesecakes with a fun twist. You get that classic sweet and tangy flavor inside a warm buttery crust.
Feel free to top them with berries, jams, or chocolate chips. You can prep a dozen in about 20 minutes before letting the oven do the work.
3. Khrustyky (Ukrainian Fried Cookies)
I sometimes get obsessed with funnel cakes in the fall. But when everyone gets tired of me making those, I switch to these khrustyky instead.
These are golden brown fried cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar. They are definitely not funnel cakes, but they hit that same delicious spot.
4. Ukrainian Christmas Cake (Perekladanets)
People love this dessert for special occasions all year long despite the Christmas name. It requires a little effort, so maybe save it for a weekend project.
Picture a mix between baklava and a thousand layer cake. The dough is thin and crunchy with distinct layers of dates, walnuts, and poppy seeds. It is a charming treat full of complementary textures.
5. Ukrainian Waffle Cake With Dulce de Leche
Do you love sugar wafers? Then you are going to absolutely adore this cake.
It is essentially one massive wafer cookie filled with condensed milk and butter. A splash of lemon juice adds a nice tartness to the sweet crunch. One bite will have you completely hooked.
6. Yabluchnyk (Apple Cake)
The name might sound a bit like a sneeze, but the flavor is unbelievable. You likely have all the simple ingredients in your pantry right now.
The cake base is simple and lets the cinnamon brown sugar streusel really shine. It is the perfect fall treat that you will want to eat all year.
7. Ukrainian Old-Fashioned Honey Babka
Think of this as a honey cake topped with cream cheese icing. It tastes just as rich and delicious as you are imagining.
The texture is wonderfully light and fluffy despite that intense flavor. It proves that a dessert does not need fancy decorations to be amazing.
8. Pampushky (Ukrainian Doughnuts)
Every country seems to have its own special doughnut recipe. These Ukrainian treats are shaped like classic hollow rings.
They are light and airy rather than filled or glazed. You coat them in cinnamon sugar for a delectable finish. They honestly give off major churro vibes but with a softer texture.
9. Ukrainian Cheesecake
This might be the simplest cheesecake you ever bake. You only need six ingredients and about 45 minutes.
It delivers that rich and tangy flavor we all crave. I highly recommend adding the cherries on top for extra depth. They take this from tasty to insanely delicious.
10. Syrnyk (Sweet Ukrainian Easter Cheese)
This four ingredient treat looks a bit like pound cake. The taste leans much more toward a cheesecake.
It is difficult to describe because it is moist and dense yet tangy. Anyone who loves cheesecake should give this unique dessert a try.