Ukraine is a massive nation. It is actually the second largest country in all of Europe. Yet many tourists overlook it completely. That means plenty of folks are missing out on incredible food.
The local sweets are particularly delightful. I want to change that today. Here are 10 Ukrainian desserts you need to try.
Most of them rely on standard pantry staples. You might stumble over the names. The baking process is delightfully simple.
1. Khrustyky (Ukrainian Fried Cookies)
I often go on funnel cake benders during autumn. They cook up remarkably fast. My family eventually bans me from making them. That is when I switch to these treats.
They are deep-fried cookies with a golden hue. A dusting of powdered sugar finishes them. They are totally different from funnel cakes. Just kidding.
2. Ukrainian Waffle Cake With Dulce de Leche
Do you enjoy sugar wafers? This recipe is basically a massive version of those snacks. You will absolutely adore it. It features a filling made from condensed milk and butter.
Lemon juice adds a touch of tartness. The texture is supremely crunchy. It is a heavenly delight.
3. Ukrainian Old-Fashioned Honey Babka
Imagine a honey cake covered in cream cheese icing. It tastes just as decadent as it sounds. The flavor profile is intensely rich. Yet the crumb remains fluffy and moist.
A lovely golden brown color makes it look appetizing. Simple desserts do not need fancy decorations to shine.
4. Pampushky (Ukrainian Doughnuts)
Every nation seems to have a unique doughnut recipe. Ukraine is no exception. These treats are shaped like traditional rings. They do not have glaze or filling.
The texture is dry and airy. You coat them in a mix of sugar and cinnamon. They remind me of soft churros.
5. Yabluchnyk (Apple Cake)
The name sounds a bit like a sneeze. I promise the flavor is incredible. You likely have the ingredients right now. Grab flour, sugar, and salt.
You also need butter, cream, and apples. The base is simple but tasty. A brown sugar streusel makes it perfect for fall.
6. Makivnyk (Ukrainian Poppy Seed Roll)
The colors here are truly shocking. An orange-brown crust surrounds a dark black swirl. It looks absolutely gorgeous. The flavor is nutty and light.
Do not let the construction scare you. If you can make a pumpkin roll, you can handle this.
7. Ukrainian Cheesecake
This is one of the simplest cheesecakes around. You need just six ingredients. Grab cottage cheese and eggs. Add sugar, flour, butter, and vanilla.
It bakes in about 45 minutes. The flavor is tangy and rich. I highly recommend adding cherries to the top.
8. Syrnyk (Sweet Ukrainian Easter Cheese)
This treat uses only four ingredients. It looks a bit like pound cake. The texture is moister and thinner though. It tastes similar to cheesecake.
Describing it is tough. The crumb is dense yet tangy. A subtle sweetness lingers underneath.
9. Ukrainian Christmas Cake (Perekladanets)
People bake this for special events all year long. It does require some effort. This is not a quick weeknight dessert. Imagine baklava meeting a poppy seed roll.
The dough layers are thin and crunchy. Fillings include dates and walnuts. It offers wonderful textural contrast.
10. Ukrainian Cheesecake Tarts
These tarts use seven base ingredients. They offer a unique spin on cheesecake. You get a warm buttery crust. The filling is sweet and tangy.
Feel free to add chocolate chips or berries. Prep takes 20 minutes. They cook in an hour.
