🍩 Papanasi – Authentic Romanian Cheese Doughnuts

If you’re searching for a traditional Eastern European dessert that’s creamy, crispy, and completely irresistible, this Romanian papanasi recipe is exactly what you need. These golden cheese doughnuts are a beloved classic across Romania — soft on the inside, slightly crunchy on the outside, and topped with luscious sour cream and a drizzle of berry jam.

If you love authentic Romanian comfort food, you’ll also enjoy Romanian Cabbage Rolls, one of the most iconic traditional dishes served at family gatherings.

🇷🇴 The Story Behind Romanian Papanasi

Papanasi (pronounced pah-pah-nash) are one of the most iconic Romanian desserts, often served in restaurants and homemade for special occasions. The origin of this dish goes back to the Moldavian region, where locals used cottage cheese to make sweet fried dough. Over time, the recipe spread throughout the country and became a symbol of Romanian comfort food.

Unlike typical doughnuts, papanasi are made from a cheese-based dough, giving them a unique texture — light, slightly tangy, and rich. The traditional serving method includes two parts: a round doughnut with a small “cap” on top, finished with sour cream and jam cascading down the sides.

🍳 The Magic of the Ingredients

The secret to the best Romanian papanasi recipe lies in the cheese. Use firm, low-moisture cottage cheese (or ricotta) to get that perfect dough consistency — soft but not sticky.
Other simple pantry ingredients like eggs, flour, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest make the mixture aromatic and light. The baking soda helps them rise beautifully when fried, giving that golden-brown, slightly crispy crust.

For the toppings, traditional Romanian households use homemade blueberry or raspberry jam along with thick sour cream. The combination of warm fried dough and cold creamy topping creates an incredible contrast that melts in your mouth.

👩‍🍳 How to Make the Perfect Romanian Papanasi

Making papanasi is simpler than it seems — it’s all about following a few key steps carefully. Start by mixing the cheese, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla until smooth. Add flour and baking soda, then knead until the dough is soft and pliable. Shape each piece into a ring, then form smaller balls to place on top after frying.

When frying, the oil temperature should stay around 170–180°C. Too hot, and the outside will brown too fast while the inside stays undercooked. Too cold, and the papanasi will absorb oil. Fry until golden, drain well, and then assemble with your favorite toppings.

Serve them warm, with thick sour cream and a spoonful of jam dripping down the sides — that’s the signature look every Romanian restaurant aims for.

🍽️ Tips for the Best Papanasi

• Use fresh cottage cheese — avoid overly wet or creamy types.
• Mix gently — overworking the dough can make the papanasi dense.
• Drain excess oil right after frying for a perfect texture.
• Serve immediately for the best contrast between hot and cold.

💡 Why You’ll Love This Romanian Papanasi Recipe

This dessert represents everything beautiful about Romanian cuisine: simplicity, warmth, and flavor. Whether you serve it as a restaurant-style dessert or a weekend treat, papanasi never fail to impress. They’re visually stunning, deeply comforting, and perfect for social media food lovers too — the contrast between the white cream, red jam, and golden dough is a natural showstopper.

The combination of texture and flavor is what makes this dish so unique. The creamy cheese interior pairs beautifully with the slight crunch from frying, while the sweet-tangy toppings tie everything together. You can even experiment with different jams — strawberry, sour cherry, or even forest berries — to match your taste.

For another beloved Romanian dessert, try Traditional Romanian Cozonac, a sweet holiday bread that’s rich, soft, and perfect for celebrations.

🌍 A Piece of Romania on Your Plate

Beyond taste, papanasi represent a connection to Romanian culture and hospitality. They’re served in nearly every traditional restaurant, often as the final course after a hearty meal. Their rustic yet elegant look makes them a symbol of authentic Romanian comfort.

Whether you’re Romanian or simply passionate about exploring world desserts, this Romanian papanasi recipe will win you over. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s one of the most loved desserts in Eastern Europe.

🍽️ Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about serving papanasi fresh from the pan — the steam rising, the sweet jam melting into the cream, and that perfect golden crunch giving way to soft cheese inside. This dessert isn’t just food; it’s a small celebration of Romanian tradition and love for simple pleasures.

If you’re craving more indulgent desserts, Classic Tiramisu is another creamy, crowd-pleasing treat worth trying.

Make them once, and they’ll become a part of your kitchen forever — a recipe you’ll pass down, just like families in Romania have done for generations.

For a deeper look into the history of doughnuts and similar pastries across cultures, you can visit the Wikipedia page on doughnuts.