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Romanian Fried Cheese Doughnut Recipe Papanasi
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Romanian Papanasi Recipe (Traditional Fried Cheese Doughnuts)

This authentic Romanian Papanasi recipe features crispy golden fried cheese doughnuts topped with creamy sour cream, sweet-tart sour cherry preserves, and a dusting of powdered sugar. Soft on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside, these traditional Romanian treats are a delicious dessert for holidays, family gatherings, or weekend baking.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Romania
Keyword: all-purpose flour, cottage cheese, sour cream
Servings: 8
Calories: 410kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large mixing bowl
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Box grater or zester
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
  • 1 Cooking thermometer (recommended)
  • 1 Spider strainer or slotted spoon
  • 1 Paper towels
  • 1 Serving plates

Ingredients

For the Dough

  • 2 cups farmer's cheese or well-drained cottage cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1½ –2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For Serving

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup sour cherry preserves
  • Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the farmer's cheese (or well-drained cottage cheese), eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, salt, and baking powder until smooth.
  • Gradually mix in the flour until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but easy to handle.
  • Divide the dough into eight equal portions. Shape each portion into a ring with a hole in the center and roll a small piece of dough into a ball for the traditional topping.
  • Heat about 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Fry the doughnut rings and dough balls in small batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until evenly golden brown.
  • Transfer the fried Papanasi to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  • Place one doughnut on a serving plate. Add a generous spoonful of sour cream in the center, top with sour cherry preserves, place the small dough ball on top, and finish with powdered sugar.
  • Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Drain cottage cheese thoroughly before mixing to prevent sticky dough.
  • Add only enough flour to create a soft, workable dough.
  • Maintain an oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.
  • Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
  • Sour cherry preserves are traditional, but raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, or blackberry preserves are also delicious.
  • Papanasi are best served fresh while still warm.