This Lviv Syrnyk is maybe the most delicious recipe made from farmer’s cheese I’ve tried so far. Originating from Ukraine, this decadent cheesecake is a restaurant-worthy dessert that is so easy to make at home. The citron-laced farmer’s cheese filling in this amazing cheesecake is enriched with eggs and butter and loaded with plump raisins. The cheesecake is baked in a loaf pan, then covered with a simple chocolate ganache. The end result is a rich, dense, moist, delicately sweet, and, most importantly, delicious cheesecake.
This recipe is simple to put together and requires neither fancy ingredients nor a daunting water bath. Start with soaking the raisins in hot water for 10 minutes to get them a little softer. Press the farmer’s cheese through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl. Mix in the sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest. Stir in the softened butter. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Next, stir in the sour cream and vanilla essence. Drain the raisins and pat dry. Coat them in flour and stir into the batter. You can substitute cornstarch for the flour if making the gluten-free version of this recipe. Pour the batter into the loaf pan lined with parchment paper and bake for about 40 minutes. Once baked, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door ajar. Wrap the cheesecake in plastic and transfer to the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour. Finally, prepare the ganache, cool to room temperature, and pour it over the cheesecake. Allow the ganache to set fully in the fridge for about 2 hours. Once set, slice and serve.
To make the Lviv Syrnyk, you will need the following ingredients:
Preheat the oven to 350 °F and grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, soak ⅓ cup dark raisins in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
Press 21 ounces (600 grams) farmer's cheese through a mesh sieve into a large bowl.
Add ¾ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and ½ tablespoon lemon zest and mix gently to combine.
Add 6 ½ tablespoons soft butter and stir to combine.
Stir in 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well between each addition.
Stir in 2 tablespoons sour cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Drain and pat dry the raisins. Coat the raisins in 1 tablespoon flour or cornstarch.
Stir the raisins into the batter until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake the cheesecake for 40-50 minutes or until golden brown. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door ajar. Wrap the cheesecake in plastic and transfer to the fridge to chill for 1-2 hours.
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, gently melt 3 ¼ tablespoons butter. Once the butter starts to melt, add 2 ¾ ounces finely chopped chocolate. When the chocolate starts to melt, stir with a spatula until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Take the cheesecake out of the loaf pan and flip upside down on a wire rack positioned over a rimmed baking sheet. Pour the ganache over the cheesecake. Gently transfer the cheesecake to a serving plate. Allow the ganache to set fully in the fridge for about 1-2 hours.
Slice and serve!
This Lviv Syrnyk is a delicious traditional Ukrainian cheesecake that is easy to make at home. Studded with raisins, flavored with lemon zest and vanilla, and covered with chocolate ganache, this cheesecake is insane. If you make this recipe, please share it using the hashtag #cookmerecipes or by tagging @cookmerecipes on Instagram!
I made this Lviv Syrnyk for my husband's birthday, and it was a hit. The richness from the farmer's cheese and the chocolate ganache wowed everyone. It's so simple to whip up, yet turned out so elegant. Definitely making it again, my proud moment.
Delicious! Made this for my anniversary and it was a hit! The whole family loved it.
Amazing! I made this for my anniversary, and it was a hit! Everyone loved it, especially the chocolate ganache on top. Will definitely make again!
Superb cake, loved it!
I made this Lviv Syrnyk for my husband's birthday and it was a hit! The creamy texture and light sweetness blew everyone away. Using farmer’s cheese was so easy, and the ganache made it look fancy. Proud to say it’s now our family’s favorite dessert!
This Lviv Syrnyk is soooo good. Made it for my fam last weekend and they couldn’t get enough of it. Super easy to whip up and fancy enough for a dinner party. Major win in my book.
Delicious!
Delicious
Superb cheesecake. Tried it for my friends gathering, everyone loved it. Simple to make and tastes like a dream. I'll be making this again for sure.
Reply to Judi:
Hi, Judi! Thank you for paying attention to our recipe! Our chef uses a 9*5-inch loaf pan.
The recipe looks delicious. What are the loaf pan dimensions?
So delicious and easy.
Perfect dessert!
Great ! This cheesecake recipe is unusual for me, but i made it, it was delicious.
I made it! Thanks for sharing Ukrainian dessert recipes.
