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Serving the Romanian papanasi recipe with sour cream and berry jam on a white plate.

Papanasi – Authentic Romanian Cheese Doughnuts

5 from 1 vote
These authentic Romanian cheese doughnuts, known as papanasi, are crispy on the outside, soft and creamy inside, and topped with sour cream and berry jam. A traditional Romanian dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible.
Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Romanian
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g cottage cheese (or ricotta)
  • 2 eggs (medium size)
  • 150 g all-purpose flour
  • 15 g sugar
  • 5 g baking soda
  • 2 g salt
  • 5 g lemon zest
  • 5 ml vanilla extract
  • 500 ml sunflower oil (for frying)
  • 200 g sour cream
  • 150 g berry jam (blueberry or raspberry)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Hand mixer or whisk
  • Deep frying pan
  • Kitchen scale
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare the mixture: In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
    Mixing cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, and lemon zest for the Romanian papanasi recipe using a hand mixer.
  2. Add dry ingredients: Gradually add flour and baking soda, stirring until you get a soft dough. If it’s sticky, add 10–20 g more flour.
  3. Shape the papanasi: Divide the dough into 6 portions. Shape each into a ball, then make a small hole in the center (like a doughnut). Use leftover dough to form 6 small balls for the tops.
  4. Fry until golden: Heat the sunflower oil in a deep pan (170–180°C). Fry the papanasi in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
    Frying papanasi in hot oil until golden brown for the traditional Romanian papanasi recipe.
  5. Serve with toppings: Place each warm papanasi on a plate, top with sour cream and jam, then add the small ball on top. Drizzle more jam if desired.
    Serving the Romanian papanasi recipe with sour cream and berry jam on a white plate.

Notes

Use firm cottage cheese (low moisture) for best texture.
Add a few drops of rum essence for extra aroma.
You can bake them at 180°C for 20 minutes if you prefer less oil.
Serve warm and fresh for the authentic Romanian experience!