Ukraine is massive, yet many travelers overlook it. This means plenty of people miss out on the local cuisine.
These 10 dessert recipes are my favorite way to introduce the food culture.
You will find that most of these treats use simple ingredients. Get ready to expand your baking horizons.
1. Ukrainian Cheesecake Tarts
These tasty treats put a fun spin on standard cheesecake using a warm, buttery crust. You only need seven ingredients to get started, not counting your choice of toppings. Feel free to pile on chocolate chips, berries, or jams.
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, followed by an hour in the oven.
2. Ukrainian Waffle Cake With Dulce de Leche
Imagine a massive version of a sugar wafer cookie. That is exactly what you get here.
The filling combines condensed milk with butter and a splash of lemon juice. It hits a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors while staying supremely crunchy.
3. Khrustyky (Ukrainian Fried Cookies)
I sometimes get obsessed with funnel cakes during the autumn months. Eventually, my family cuts me off, so I switch to this recipe instead.
These are deep fried cookies with a golden brown hue and a dusting of powdered sugar. They are definitely distinct from carnival food, but they scratch the same itch.
4. Syrnyk (Sweet Ukrainian Easter Cheese)
This four ingredient treat looks similar to a pound cake, though the texture is much moister and thinner. The flavor profile leans closer to a classic cheesecake. Every bite is dense, tangy, and comfortably sweet.
It is a unique dessert that is hard to categorize but easy to love.
5. Ukrainian Old-Fashioned Honey Babka
Picture a honey cake topped with rich cream cheese icing.
The crumb is incredibly moist, fluffy, and light despite the intense flavor profile. It sports a beautiful golden brown shade that looks very appetizing.
You do not need fancy decorations to make this simple sweet taste amazing.
6. Ukrainian Christmas Cake (Perekladanets)
People enjoy this popular treat on special days all year long, not just during the holidays. It requires a bit of effort, so save it for when you have time.
Think of it as a mix between baklava and a poppy seed roll. The thin dough is crunchy and stacked with layers of poppy seeds, dates, and walnuts.
7. Pampushky (Ukrainian Doughnuts)
Every culture seems to have a doughnut recipe, and Ukraine is no exception. These treats are shaped like traditional rings without any glaze or filling. The texture is dry, light, and very airy.
You coat them in cinnamon sugar for a result that feels like a softer version of a churro.
8. Yabluchnyk (Apple Cake)
Do not let the difficult name scare you away from this incredible dessert. You likely have the flour, butter, cinnamon, and apples in your pantry right now.
The base is simple, but the brown sugar streusel really makes the fruit shine. It is perfect for autumn, but I would eat it any day of the year.
9. Makivnyk (Ukrainian Poppy Seed Roll)
The visual contrast between the golden crust and the dark black interior swirl is stunning. This dessert is nutty, light, and delightfully sweet.
If you have ever made a pumpkin roll, you can handle this tube shaped treat. The intensely colorful appearance makes it unforgettable.
10. Ukrainian Cheesecake
This might be the easiest cheesecake you ever bake. The process takes 45 minutes and calls for just six basic ingredients, including cottage cheese and vanilla. It delivers that famous decadent, tangy richness.
I suggest adding cherries on top to create a deeper flavor profile.