Recipe

The Romanian’s Favorite Dessert

One of the most beloved desserts in Romania is Papanași. They are delicious cheese donuts that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, made from a dough that includes cow's cheese (brânza de vaci), which gives them their unique flavor. Papanași are typically served hot, topped with sour cream (smântână) and blueberry or sour cherry jam.

Written by Denisa Păun
CAD Technician
UAC Europe

Ingredients:

  • 250g cow's cheese (brânza de vaci)

  • 1 egg

  • 3 tablespoons sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

  • a pinch of salt

  • 150g flour (plus more for shaping)

  • Oil for frying

  • Sour cream (smântână)

  • Blueberry jam or Sour cherry jam

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the dough

    In a bowl, mix cow cheese, egg, sugar, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt together. Gradually add flour until you get a dough that is not too sticky and can be shaped very easily.

  2. Shape the donuts

    Dust your hands with flour and shape the dough into small balls, then flatten them slightly. Use your thumb to make a hole in the middle of each ball to create a donut shape. You can also make a smaller ball to place on top of the donut when serving.

  3. Fry them up

    Heat some oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the donuts in batches until golden brown on both sides. Remove them and place them on paper towels to drain the excess oil.

  4. Serve & Enjoy

    While still warm, place a dollop of sour cream on each donut and top with blueberry or sour cherry jam.

Enjoy!