Oven Baked Zapekanka – Easy Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake

This Oven Baked Zapekanka is basically a giant Russian Syrnik, made out of farmer’s cheese (or tvorog). It also reminds me of a crustless cheesecake. Frozen cherries and vanilla make it extra delicious. Serve this zapekanka for breakfast or as a healthy dessert.

Traditional zapekanka is a crustless breakfast cheesecake, made out of farmer’s cheese and eggs. For extra flavor, we’ll be adding cherries, vanilla and sliced almonds. Make a cup of your favorite tea or coffee and enjoy a slice…or two!

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What is Zapekanka?

I already have a recipe for a light and fluffy Tvorog Zapekanka on my blog. In that blog post, I go into detail on what this dish is and how to serve it. But today’s Zapekanka is a little different.

For this recipe, you don’t need to separate the eggs, or whisk anything. All you have to do is combine all the ingredients in a bowl and bake. Who else here loves quick and easy recipes?

This recipe is also super customizable. Use any fruit or berries you like, or no filling at all.

Ingredients and Substitutions

I’ll try my best to give you all the substation ideas below, so you don’t have to run to the store, in case you’re missing an ingredient.

Farmer’s Cheese

Farmer’s cheese (or Tvorog) is the main ingredient here. It is a fresh cheese, similar in texture to dry ricotta. Farmer’s cheese is high in protein, and provides a great amount of calcium.

It can be found in the cream cheese section in most supermarkets, or at any European grocery store. But if you can’t find it at the store for some reason, try making it yourself. Here’s an easy recipe for homemade farmer’s cheese. Or make my delicious Ricotta Breakfast Cheesecake instead.

Eggs

Eggs is another source of protein and healthy fats in this oven baked zapekanka. It helps everything stay together and bake beautifully.

Baking Powder

Baking powder is an optional ingredient. It helps create a lighter texture for this breakfast cheesecake.

This recipe works just fine with no baking powder at all.

Cherries

For this recipe, I am using frozen cherries straight out of the freezer. Just make sure to coat them in rice flour or starch before adding into the batter. Feel free to use fresh cherries as well.

Alternatively, try adding strawberries or blueberries. In fact, almost any fruit or berry should work.

Rice Flour

I am using rice flour to make this zapekanka. I find, rice flour works really well in most farmer’s cheese dishes. It also makes this recipe gluten-free.

Feel free to use any flour you have on hand, just watch the consistency of your batter. It should be similar to a thick pancake batter.

Vanilla

Vanilla adds so much beautiful flavor to this cheesecake. I always recommend using pure vanilla extract if you can.

Or try adding a little bit of fresh lemon or orange zest for a tropical vibe.

Salt

Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt for a well-balanced flavor!

Sweetener

For the sweetener, I prefer to use a zero-calorie 1:1 sugar replacement, such as monkfruit granulated sweetener. It tastes just like sugar, minus the calories.

Of course, you can use coconut or regular sugar instead. Add more or less, depending on how sweet you want your zapekanka.

Sliced Almonds

I think almonds add such an amazing texture to this dish. But you can totally skip this ingredient, if you don’t have it in your pantry.

Also, you can try adding other nuts or coconut chips.

How to serve Oven Baked Zapekanka

This zapekanka tastes great slightly cooled. Or enjoy it fully chilled after a few hours in the fridge. It can make a great make-ahead breakfast.

As always, try experimenting with your toppings to bring the cheesecake to a whole new level!

Topping Ideas:

• sour cream and fruit jam
• greek yogurt or skyr
• fruit-and-yogurt salad
• fresh berries
• salted caramel sauce (recipe on my Instagram)
• fried banana and almond butter
• whipped cream
• homemade strawberry sauce (recipe)

Let me know your favorite topping in the comments below!

Tips for Success – Easy Cheesecake

• Right amount of flour – depending on your farmer’s cheese, you might need a little less or more flour. The batter should be similar to a thick pancake batter.
• Flavor – experiment with different berries or fruit.
• Sweetness – add more sweetener if you prefer sweeter dessert. But don’t add too much sugar to keep the texture right.
• Toppings – I highly recommend adding one of the toppings above for a great-tasting breakfast or dessert.
• Baking time – baking tike will very, depending on your baking dish. It should take 25-35 minutes. Zapekanka is ready, when the top is slightly golden and the middle is fully set.
• Storing – this tvorog zapekanka can be frozen for up to a few months, or stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just make sure to use a good quality airtight container.

More Recipes with Farmer’s Cheese

Fluffy Farmer’s Cheese Casserole

The Best Syrniki

Pumpkin Cheesecake Crepe Pockets

Homemade Farmer’s Cheese