Romanian papanași — the traditional dessert with cheese, sour cream and cherry jam

Papanași are undoubtedly Romania’s most famous dessert, especially the fried version from the Moldavian region. Their dough contains fresh cow’s cheese (brânză de vaci), which gives them a slight tang and a soft texture that sets them apart from ordinary doughnuts. They are shaped as large rings with a small “hat” on top, fried in oil and served with sour cream (smântână) and sour fruit jam — classically blueberry or cherry (vișine). The contrast between the hot, crisp dough and the cold cream with jam is the hallmark of this dessert. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Ingredients (for 8–10 pieces)

For the dough: 500 g fresh cow’s cheese (or ricotta), well drained; 2 eggs; 100 g sugar; 1 sachet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract); 1 teaspoon baking soda (or baking powder); a pinch of salt; grated zest of 1 lemon; 230–250 g flour; oil for deep frying.

For serving: 200–300 g thick sour cream; 150–200 g cherry jam (or blueberry); powdered sugar for dusting (optional).

Preparation steps

Drain the cheese: If using fresh cheese, place it in a cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel and squeeze until the excess liquid is removed. This step is essential so the dough does not become too wet.

Prepare the base: In a large bowl, mix the drained cheese with a fork together with the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, baking soda, salt and lemon zest, until the mixture is uniform.

Add the flour: Add the flour gradually and mix until a soft dough forms that holds its shape but does not stick too much to your hands. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes.

Shape the papanași: Divide the dough into 8–10 pieces. From each piece form a ring (make a hole in the middle with your finger) and a small ball for the “hat” on top.

Fry: Heat the oil in a deep pot to 170–175°C (medium heat). Fry the small balls first for 2–3 minutes, then the rings for 3–4 minutes per side, until deeply golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen paper to absorb the excess oil.

Serve: Place each warm ring on a plate, fill the hole in the middle with a spoonful of sour cream, add the cherry jam on top and crown it with the fried ball. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Time: Preparation ~30 minutes | Frying ~20 minutes | Servings: 8–10 pieces (4–5 portions)