Syrniki Gluten Free Recipe

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What are Syrniki (or Sirniki)? Syrniki are Ukrainian pancakes made with farmer (or homemade) cheese. They are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.  Traditionally, syrniki are served with sour cream. I like to serve syrniki with fresh berries and powdered sugar. This is a simple recipe and a super easy way to make this delicious breakfast or dessert.

Ingredients note

• Cheese. Use farmer cheese; you can also use homemade farmer cheese. Check Natasha’s recipe for homemade farmer cheese.
• Sugar. Powdered sugar was used in this recipe. Do not substitute with white granulated sugar.  
• Egg. Large eggs at room temperature.
• Flour. White rice flour (plus an extra few spoons for forming a patty). Do not substitute rice flour with all-purpose flour or any other flour.
• Salt. Pinch of salt for taste.
• Vanilla Bean Paste. You can also use vanilla extract.

How to make this recipe

Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, mix farm cheese, egg, white rice flour, powdered sugar (sifted), a pinch of salt, and vanilla bean paste. I use a fork to mix. I also like to have some little cheese clumps left when I combine all the ingredients.

Tip from Marina: the “batter” will be much thicker than the American pancake batter. It’s ok.

How to form Syrniki

Traditionally, you will scoop out (with the help of the tablespoon) dough and form a small patty using your hands. But I would like to show you a different way. You will need ¼ cup ice cream scoop with a squeeze-release handle. Scoop some dough and place it on the table (or cutting board), previously dusted with rice flour. Cover a piece of dough with the glass or the teacup and circle a few times. Then flip that patty and circle again. Your syrniki are ready for baking! Repeat with the rest of the dough. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, add 1-2 tbsp oil. Once the skillet and oil are hot, place the patties directly into the skillet. Saute until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Do not crowd the syrniki, cook them in 3-4 batches if necessary.

Expert Tips

• Do not substitute rice flour with all-purpose flour. The result will be different. This is a recipe for gluten-free Syrniki.
• You can add raisins or nuts to the recipe.
• You can add flavor like vanilla extract or cinnamon.
• Do not use a lot of oil in the pan.
• Cook a few Syrniki at the time. Do not crowd the pan!

Recipe FAQs

If you make Syrniki, please tag me on social media and make sure to leave a rating down below. I would love to see your creations!

Recipe