I often find myself wanting a dessert that’s just… different from the norm. Something fun. (And ideal if it can also be one of my new favorite things I’ve ever made.)
That is how I arrived here, at what is probably my new favorite dessert list. These 15 Russian recipes are the answer.
1. Russian Apple Cake
You might be thinking that five ingredients isn’t enough for a cake that’s really flavorful and moist. But this recipe is here to prove us all wrong.
It’s two things: simple and SO GOOD. It all starts with whipping eggs and sugar until they’re thick and fluffy. Then, you just fold in the flour and baking powder.
Right before it’s all mixed, you gently add the chopped apples. And wham.
The cake bakes up into this lighter-than-air, sweet creation, with the tart apple pieces adding amazing moisture and little pops of flavor.
2. Waffle Cake
A) Look how colorful this is! I love how they add color wherever they can, especially in a cold climate. This cake is just like the Russian palaces: over-the-top and full of bling.
You’re gonna need to find the colored wafers to make this one as fun as it should be! (I found a source online that delivers worldwide, so it’s doable).
These wafers get layered with a totally amazing dulce de leche and cream cheese mixture. You let it sit for a few hours, and then you can slice it up into fun shapes. So much yes.
3. Russian Fudge
This fudge recipe is one of those gems that comes together so quickly. We’re talking just five ingredients and not too many steps.
Here’s what you need to know: Grab a big microwave-safe bowl and keep your oven mitts handy.
You’ll mix the sugar, butter, golden syrup, and condensed milk and pop it in the microwave for two minutes.
Carefully take it out and stir. You’ll repeat this until it’s been in for eight minutes total.
You need to check the temperature, but you can do it without a thermometer. Just drop a little bit into a glass of water. If it forms a small ball, it’s ready!
The very last step is beating the mix with vanilla for five minutes. It’s hard work, but I totally believe in you!
4. Salted Caramel White Russian
I take my cocktail game pretty seriously, and I’m also obsessed with salted caramel and white chocolate. So, naturally, this is one of my all-time faves!
I mean, salted caramel vodka? It’s probably the next best thing after whipped cream vodka.
This boozy, irresistible drink is a mix of vodka, Kahlua, and cream. You coat the glass with caramel, just like you would for a sundae, and then just enjoy this sweet, sinful treat.
Is there anything better? Answer: No.
5. Russian Chocolate Salami
When it comes to no-bake treats, this one has to be one of my favorites.
I am very, very into a good cheese board, but then I found out about the sweets board. How did I not think of this?
The recipe for this chocolate salami is so easy and so genius. It’s made with cookie crumbs and chunks, nuts, butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa.
When you slice it, it looks just like a piece of salami! Just picture it on a pretty wooden board, served with sweet crackers, fruits, and maybe even a chocolate chip dip. Total winner.
6. Russian Honey Cake
Let me present an idea that looks 10x more fancy than it actually is: this Russian Honey Cake. It looks so impressive, but it’s actually just seven ingredients!
The real key to this cake is the ultra-thin layers. You have to bake the cake layers on a tray and then cut them to size.
For the frosting? It’s as simple as whisking Cool Whip with sour cream (yep, more sour cream! They love it). This is just a really, really delicious cake.
You have to let it sit overnight to set, which is perfect because then you can get a good slice and see all those amazing layers.
7. Russian Blini (Crepes)
A crepe by any other name… well, it’s still a crepe. And to be honest, there isn’t much difference between this recipe and a traditional one.
Sometimes Blini are made with yeast, but this version doesn’t use any. In Russia, they’re usually a little smaller and served with a dollop of sour cream.
But you can dream up other ways to eat them! If you like your crepes savory, just cut back on the sugar and serve them with mature cheddar and smoked ham. Yes, please.
8. Russian Tea Cakes
Love these! In the U.K., “tea cakes” are soft, sweet buns, maybe spiced and with dried fruit. But in Russia? They’re these baked shortbread balls that get rolled in powdered sugar.
These babies would be the cutest addition to your Christmas cookie plate. The recipe uses chopped nuts inside a simple, buttery shortbread-like cookie.
But you can add anything you want (fully support flexibility here), like cinnamon or candied citrus peel.
9. Bird’s Milk Cake
I was a little skeptical about using sour cream as the main ingredient, but this cake is SO delicious.
It has a light, thin, sweet milk-soaked cake for the base. The filling is made from that sour cream, and it’s smooth with the perfect balance of sweet and sour.
When you whip the sour cream, it will need about 15 minutes to almost double in size. This mousse is stabilized with gelatin, so you don’t have to worry about it losing its height.
It gets topped with a chocolate ganache, and that richness pairs perfectly with the sweetened sour cream tang. A total winner.
10. Cherry Soup
Most of the fruit soups I’ve ever had are served cold. And while Kissel can be served cold, it’s best when it’s still warm.
This sweet and tart cherry soup is SO GOOD. It’s thickened with just a touch of potato starch, making it a super simple Russian dessert.
It’s just so ridiculously good!
11. Russian Tea
During the winter, I just crave hot drinks. Looking outside gives me the chills! But there’s only so much coffee my nerves can handle.
This warm, slightly fruity spiced tea is the perfect winter warmer. It’s the food manifestation of cozy.
When you let it cook in the slow cooker, your whole house will be brimming with festive spice! If you’re not a fan of pineapple, you could try orange juice in its place.
Just be careful not to steep the tea bags for too long, or it can become bitter.
12. Kartoshka
Kartoshka are pretty much Russian cake pops. They’re made with cookie crumbs and condensed milk, and they are so simple but so delicious.
This recipe also uses butter, cocoa, and a little cognac, plus some chopped nuts for added flavor.
The beauty here is that you can change them up so easily—it’s a choose-your-own adventure!
Try using vanilla cookies, lime zest, and tequila, with a sprinkle of sea salt for a tropical vibe. Yum to the max.
13. Russian Rugelach
It’s almost dangerous how easy these little bites are to make. It’s a yeast-based dough, but you don’t need to worry about temperatures and proofing.
Once the simple dough is mixed, you can roll it out and form it into mini croissant-like bundles.
The only waiting you have is before you bake—just give them time to rise. Then you bake them to golden perfection, cover them in powdered sugar, and serve with hot coffee. So ridiculously good.
14. Russian Royal Cake
The name says it all—this cake is both elegant and regal-looking. The Royal Cake has layers of sour cream sponge cakes.
It’s flavored with poppy seeds, chopped nuts, chocolate, cherry, AND chocolate chips. That makes four distinct sponge layers, all made using one single sour cream-based recipe!
And as if all those amazing flavors aren’t enough, there are layers of dulce de leche buttercream between each cake. It is a miracle and a delight. A perfect cake unicorn.
