Ukrainian Ryazhanka

Ukrainian Ryazhanka

Fermented Caramelized Milk

Reviewed by Arturs Arnicans
Prep Time: 19h 15m
Cook Time: 18m
Total Time: 19h 33m
Servings: 7
Difficulty: Easy
4.9 (20 Reviews)
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Ingredients

Adjust servings:

Nutritional Information

180
Calories
10.3g
Fat
12.9g
Carbohydrate
9.2g
Protein
31mg
Cholesterol
115mg
Sodium
Ukrainian Ryazhanka

Recipe Description

Ukrainian Ryazhanka – is a delicious and wholesome drink the whole family will enjoy. Making ryazhanka at home may sound fancy, but it’s actually not. You need only two ingredients and a Dutch oven. And after you’ve done it once, you’ll be making it over and over again. It tastes extra smooth, thick, creamy, and so comforting. A little tangy and a little sweet, this drink makes for a healthy addition to your breakfast or snack.

The recipe is easy and requires only 10 minutes of hands-on time. Baking the whole milk at low oven temperature for 5 to 6 hours results in a light brown color and delicate caramel flavor. The next step is to cool the milk and add 1 tablespoon of sour cream for every two cups of baked milk. I like to mix the sour cream with a small amount of baked milk first and then pour it into the pot with the remaining warm milk. It’s important to cool the baked milk off to 110 °F before adding the sour cream. If the milk is too hot, it will kill the cultures in the sour cream. So I highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and leave it at room temperature for 8 to 12 hours. Now, transfer the ryazhanka to jars and chill.

To make the Ukrainian Ryazhanka, you will need the following ingredients:More Ukrainian Recipes

Ingredients for Ukrainian Ryazhanka

Steps to make

  1. 1

    Preheat oven

    Preheat the oven to 225 °F.

  2. 2

    Heat milk

    15 min
    Step 2 - Ukrainian Ryazhanka

    In a Dutch oven over medium heat, bring to a simmer 8 cups whole milk, stirring often.

  3. 3

    Bake milk

    6h
    Step 3 - Ukrainian Ryazhanka

    Transfer the milk to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 5 to 6 hours until a golden-brown crust forms on top. Once baked, remove the milk from the oven and cool slightly.

  4. 4

    Remove crust

    1 min
    Step 4 - Ukrainian Ryazhanka

    Remove the crust. You can eat it or save it to serve later on top of a glass of ryazhanka.

  5. 5

    Transfer to measuring cup

    15 min
    Step 5 - Ukrainian Ryazhanka

    Pour the milk into a liquid measuring cup to determine its volume. You will need 1 tablespoon of sour cream for every 2 cups of baked milk. Leave to cool at room temperature, uncovered, to 110 °F.

  6. 6

    Combine milk and sour cream

    2 min
    Step 6 - Ukrainian Ryazhanka

    In a small bowl, combine 3 ½ tablespoons sour cream with a small amount of baked milk until smooth. Add the sour cream milk mixture to the remaining milk and stir until well combined.

  7. 7

    Cover and leave for fermentation

    12h
    Step 7 - Ukrainian Ryazhanka

    Cover the pot with a clean kitchen towel and leave in a warm place for 12 hours or overnight.

  8. 8

    Pour in jar

    1h
    Step 8 - Ukrainian Ryazhanka

    Pour the ryazhanka into a large jar, cover with a coffee filter and screw on the lid. Transfer to the fridge to chill before serving.

  9. 9

    Serve

    Step 9 - Ukrainian Ryazhanka

    Serve chilled. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days. Enjoy!

The recipe for Ukrainian Ryazhanka requires just two staple ingredients and makes for a wholesome and delicious summer drink. This slightly sweet and slightly tangy drink is packed with protein and amazing caramel flavor. Give this recipe a try soon, and let us know how you like it!

About the author

Jelena Mardere

Jelena is an interior designer and young mom! As a busy working mom, her time is precious so she’s always looking for a quick and efficient way to get things done. Jelena is very creative, but has a strong practical side. She loves trying new things and travels a lot, especially around Europe. The kitchen is Jelena’s safe space, where she can let her creative side out and dedicate herself to her favorite hobby - cooking!

Recipe Reviews

Have you made this recipe? Share your experience and help other cooks!

★★★★★
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5 (20 reviews)
Isaac Johnson
May 10, 2025
Verified

Super creamy delight! My kids loved it after we made it together. It brought back my childhood memories of my grandma's kitchen. You gotta try it!

Annie
March 27, 2025
Verified

I made this ryazhanka with my kids last weekend. It was super easy and turned out creamy and delicious. We all loved the taste. Will definitely be making this again.

Linda
March 2, 2025
Verified

I made Ukrainian Ryazhanka last weekend for my family, and they loved it! It's so simple to prepare. We enjoyed it as a cozy snack while watching a movie. Thank you for sharing this tasty recipe!

Sandy
August 25, 2024
Verified

Fabulous family drink!

Nana
June 30, 2024
Verified

Yasss! This ryazhanka tasted sooo delish! My kiddos loved it at breakfast, and I felt like a kitchen rockstar for makin it easy-peasy! Totally recommended for fam time. 🥛💕

Grace Adams
June 9, 2024
Verified

Amazing! I tried making ryazhanka for the first time after my grandma mentioned how she loved it. The creamy texture was a hug in a cup. Now, it’s my go-to drink for cozy evenings. Can’t wait to share this experience with friends!

Zach
May 14, 2024
Verified

Super smooth, creamy! My kids loved it this morning, we all had so much fun making it together. It's now our new breakfast favorite for sure! Can't wait to make it again.

Isabella
April 12, 2024
Verified

Amazing

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