Russian Desserts: From Pirozhki to Medovik – The Top 5 Russian Dessert Recipes

1. Pirozhki: Russia’s Favorite Pastry Dessert
   Pirozhki are one of the most famous Russian desserts. Usually, these pastries are filled with various sweet or savory fillings. The sweet versions often contain fruit jams, apples, cherries, or berries. With their soft dough and flavorful fillings, they are a treat for both the eyes and the palate.

Pirozhki Recipe:

• For the dough: 500g flour, 1 packet dry yeast, 1 small glass of warm milk, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 small glass of vegetable oil, 1 egg, 1 tsp salt
• For the filling: Fruit marmalade, apple slices, or fresh fruits
  Instructions:

1. Mix the dough ingredients and knead until you have a soft dough, then let it rise.

2. Once the dough rises, divide it into small portions and fill with fruit marmalade or chopped fruit.

3. Bake until golden brown and serve warm.

4. Medovik: The Honey-Flavored Russian Dessert
   Medovik is one of the most famous Russian desserts and is a layered cake made with honey, sugar, and cream. The layers of this cake are not only delicious but visually stunning as well. Medovik is often made for special occasions and celebrations.

Medovik Recipe:

• 2 eggs
• 100g butter
• 100g honey
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 packet baking powder
• 3.5 cups flour
• 500ml whipped cream
• 1 small glass of milk
  Instructions:

1. Mix eggs, honey, sugar, and butter and heat in a saucepan.

2. Add baking powder and flour to the mixture and knead. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.

3. Roll each portion thinly and bake.

4. Once the layers have cooled and set, spread whipped cream and milk mixture between each layer.

5. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving.

6. Bliny: Russia’s Traditional Crepe Dessert
   Bliny are one of the most common Russian desserts. These thin crepe-like treats are traditionally served with honey, sour cream, or jam. Additionally, they can be made sweeter with sugar and vanilla. Russians often eat Bliny during Carnival, and this dessert holds a significant place in Russian culture.

Bliny Recipe:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  Instructions:

1. Whisk all ingredients together in a bowl.

2. Heat a pan with a little oil, pour in a ladle of the batter, and spread it thin.

3. Cook both sides until golden brown and serve with honey or jam.

4. Kurnik: Russian Honey Cake
   Kurnik is a sweet pastry made from soft dough, filled with honey and nuts. Often enjoyed on special occasions, Kurnik is a traditional Russian dessert. The combination of honey’s sweetness and the crunch of nuts creates a delightful contrast.

Kurnik Recipe:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 small glass of vegetable oil
• 100g butter
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup hazelnuts
  Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough by mixing flour, vegetable oil, butter, and egg.

2. Let the dough rest, then prepare the filling by mixing honey and chopped hazelnuts.

3. Roll out the dough, add the filling, and roll it up to bake.

4. After cooling, slice and serve.

5. Syrniki: Russian Cheese Pancakes
   Syrniki are small fried cheese cakes, often served with sugar, jam, or fresh fruit. They can be made in both sweet and savory versions, and are a popular choice for breakfast in Russia.

Syrniki Recipe:

• 500g sweet cottage cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
  Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients to create a soft dough.
2. Shape the dough into small rounds and fry them in a pan with vegetable oil.
3. Serve warm with powdered sugar on top.