Papanasi: Romanian Sweet Cheese Donuts with Blueberries & Cream

If you’ve never tried Papanasi, get ready to meet your new favorite dessert. These Romanian sweet cheese donuts are a dreamy combination of soft, pillowy cheese dough, lightly sweetened and fried to golden perfection, topped with tangy cream and luscious blueberry syrup. Imagine biting into a warm, tender donut with a slight chew from the cheese, then having a burst of sweet-tart blueberry and silky cream hit your taste buds. It’s one of those desserts that feels decadent but somehow comforting at the same time. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll understand why they’re a classic treat in Romanian homes and bakeries. They’re playful, indulgent, and perfect for sharing—or not sharing, no judgment here.

Recipe Origin

Papanasi are a beloved Romanian dessert with a long-standing tradition. They’re often served at family gatherings or festive occasions and are a sweet, approachable introduction to Eastern European pastries. Unlike typical donuts, these are made with fresh cheese, which gives them an incredibly soft, moist texture that’s utterly addictive. The addition of blueberries and cream balances the richness and adds that irresistible freshness that makes you savor every bite.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Wooden spoon or spatula
Medium frying pan or deep skillet
Slotted spoon
Cooling rack or plate lined with paper towels
Measuring cups and spoons

Why You’ll Love Papanasi

These donuts aren’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth—they’re about creating a little moment of indulgence in your day. Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Serve them at family gatherings, weekend breakfasts, or as a decadent treat for friends. Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, accessible ingredients, yet delivers bakery-level flavor. No need for exotic items to feel fancy. Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for beginners, yet the results feel like a special occasion. Customizable: You can switch up the toppings. Try raspberry sauce, chocolate drizzle, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a twist. Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a soft, sweet, cheesy donut—these are irresistible for both kids and adults.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use fresh, well-drained cheese—Twarog is traditional, but cottage cheese or ricotta can work in a pinch (just make sure to drain excess moisture). Do not overmix the dough; it should remain slightly soft. Keep the oil at medium heat to ensure even frying without burning. Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts and let them drain on paper towels to maintain crisp edges. Serve immediately for the best contrast between warm donuts and cool cream topping.

Ingredients

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Here’s what makes these donuts irresistible:

For the Donuts:
Twarog Cheese: Provides that signature soft, tender texture.
Flour: Gives structure to the donuts while keeping them light.
Eggs: Help bind the dough and contribute to a golden finish.
Baking Powder: Gives a gentle lift for fluffiness.
Sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the cheese.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a fragrant, warming aroma.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Lemon Zest: Brightens the dough and balances the richness of the cheese.

For the Topping:
Crème Fraîche: Creamy and slightly tangy, balancing the sweetness.
Blueberry Syrup: Adds color, flavor, and a luscious fruity contrast.

Extras:
Sunflower Oil or Other Neutral Oil: For frying, providing crisp golden edges and a tender center.

Instructions

Let’s make these dreamy cheese donuts together. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy. Gradually add flour and baking powder until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should remain slightly sticky. Shape the Donuts: Lightly flour your hands and form the dough into small balls. Use your thumb to create a small indentation in the center of each donut—this is where the cream and syrup will eventually settle. Heat the Oil: Pour sunflower oil into a medium skillet or deep pan to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Fry the Donuts: Carefully add a few donuts to the hot oil. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and puffed. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a cooling rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining dough. Assemble and Serve: Spoon a dollop of crème fraîche into the center of each donut and drizzle generously with blueberry syrup. Serve immediately while warm for the ultimate indulgent experience.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8–10 donuts
Calories per serving: Approximately 280
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Papanasi

Classic Style: Serve with extra crème fraîche and fresh blueberries for a traditional experience.
Breakfast Treat: Pair with coffee or tea for a special morning indulgence.
Dessert Platter: Include alongside other pastries or fruit for a colorful spread.
Optional Garnishes: Dust with powdered sugar or sprinkle crushed nuts for extra texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough a few hours in advance and refrigerate, then fry just before serving.
Storage: Leftover donuts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1–2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to restore warmth and slight crispiness.
Freezing: Not recommended after frying, as texture may change. Prepare dough in advance instead.

Variations to Try

Raspberry Syrup: Swap blueberry for raspberry for a tangy twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate over the cream topping.
Powdered Sugar Dust: Keep it simple with just a dusting of powdered sugar.
Different Cheeses: Try ricotta or mascarpone for a slightly different texture.
Fruit Mix: Use a mix of berries for a colorful topping.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Measure and zest ingredients beforehand to save time.
Control Sweetness: Adjust sugar in dough or syrup to taste.
Oil Temperature: Keep medium heat for evenly cooked donuts; too hot burns them outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Double the Batch: Papanasi are addictive—consider making extra!
Serve Warm: The contrast of warm donuts with cool cream is key.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute Twarog cheese?
A1: Yes, use well-drained ricotta or cottage cheese. Make sure excess moisture is removed.
Q2: Can I make these gluten-free?
A2: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend; texture may be slightly different.
Q3: Can I bake instead of frying?
A3: Frying gives the classic golden crust, but you can bake at 180°C (350°F) for 12–15 minutes.
Q4: How do I keep the donuts from falling apart?
A4: Make sure cheese is well-drained and dough is not overmixed.
Q5: Can I use other fruit syrups?
A5: Absolutely—strawberry, raspberry, or cherry syrup all work beautifully.
Q6: How do I store leftover Papanasi?
A6: In an airtight container in the fridge for 1–2 days; reheat gently before serving.
Q7: Can I make them vegan?
A7: Use a plant-based cheese, egg replacer, and dairy-free crème fraîche.
Q8: Can I freeze the dough?
A8: Yes, freeze shaped balls before frying for up to a month; thaw before frying.
Q9: Can I make smaller or larger donuts?
A9: Yes, just adjust frying time accordingly—smaller donuts cook faster.
Q10: Can I serve them cold?
A10: You can, but they’re best warm for that soft-chewy texture with creamy topping.

Conclusion

Papanasi: Romanian Sweet Cheese Donuts with Blueberries & Cream are a delightful way to enjoy a touch of Eastern European tradition in your kitchen. Soft, cheesy, golden, and topped with cream and sweet-tart blueberry syrup, these donuts are indulgent, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re guaranteed to impress and delight. Warm, pillowy, and bursting with flavor—this recipe is pure happiness on a plate. Treat yourself, share with loved ones, and enjoy every decadent bite.

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