Oladi (The BEST Russian Pancakes With Apple) - Lavender & Macarons (2024)

Jump to Recipe

People can't get enough of fluffy interior and crispy edges of these "Oladi" pancakes. Cozy, sweet and so delicious, these homemade Ukrainian/Russian pancakes are a staple on a weekend breakfast menu. The recipe is so easy to make and it will sure become a family's favorite.
Also, try my Ukrainian Cottage Cheese Pancakes and Cassava Pancakes.

Oladi (The BEST Russian Pancakes With Apple) - Lavender & Macarons (1)

It just doesn't get any better than waking up on a Sunday morning to a sweet aroma of crispy apple Oladi sizzling in a pan.

That's my idea of the cozy weekend breakfast - simple, delicious and preferably hassle-free.

Because unlike the busy weekdays, when we hardly even have time for breakfast, on weekend you finally get to eat your breakfast slowly and you definitely want it to be a good one.

That's where Oladi come in - traditional Russian pancakes made with kefir or buttermilk and with the addition of apple.

Jump to:
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 Here Is Why This Oladyi Recipe Works
  • Ingredients
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 💭 Frequently Asked Questions
  • 🥞 Serving suggestions
  • 📖 Recipe Substituitions
  • 🥯 Similar Recipes
  • Recipe

Never Miss A Recipe!

Get HEALTHY Vegan Recipes straight to your inbox weekly!

Oladi have quite a unique taste and texture. They are pillowy soft, sweet and so delicious.

Unlike most American pancakes, these Oladi are fried in oil. That's what gives them the luscious crispy edges that everyone loves.

Oladi (The BEST Russian Pancakes With Apple) - Lavender & Macarons (2)

Just like in Russia, Oladi are so popular in Ukraine too and I grew up eating ton of those. This is the kind of food that pleases everyone and disappears fast.

Because when you sit at the breakfast table in front of a stack of freshly made Kefir Russian Pancakes, you can't help but dig right into them.

Oladi are delicious and make you feel cozy and and satisfied.

Sometimes you'll these Russian pancakes under different names. Some call them blini, some - oladushki or oladki. Many people even make yeast based Oladi.

However one fact is for sure, whatever you call them, these thick pancakes are sure to impress.

👩🏻‍🍳 Here Is Why This Oladyi Recipe Works

  • Oladi are fluffy, soft and crispy on the edges - and who doesn't like that?
  • oladyi can be stuffed with a variety of different fruits or berries; just use whatever you have in your fridge
  • oladi that are made with kefir or buttermilk are healthy and quick to make
  • approved by picky eaters and it's always a plus
Oladi (The BEST Russian Pancakes With Apple) - Lavender & Macarons (3)

The process of making Oladi is quite similar to making regula pancakes and is easy as a pie.

I'm going to walk you through all steps to ensure you prepare the best Oladi ever.

Ingredients

Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

I love that these Oladi are made with simple ingredients. You probably already have them in your pantry.

  • Kefir - highly popular dairy-based beverage in Eastern European countries. You can find Kefir in most grocery stores. Otherwise, see my substitution tips below
  • Egg - for binding the ingredients
  • Flour - I've always made Oladi with all-purpose flour, however Whole Wheat Pastry Flour will work here as well. If you want to use Whole Wheat Flour, I recommend 1:1 ratio meaning 1 part of Whole Wheat Flour and 1 part of All purpose flour.
  • Baking soda - to help the batter rise
  • Apples - crispy and not too sweet types of apples work best. Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Daisy variety will all work well in this Oladi recipe
  • Sugar - Oladi are usually made with a regular cane sugar. However you can use brown sugar or coconut sugar. Keep in mind though, that if you use darker sugar varieties, these Russian pancakes will be darker in color.
  • Neutral Oil - for cooking. I recommend to use avocado oil or coconut oil without a smell
Oladi (The BEST Russian Pancakes With Apple) - Lavender & Macarons (4)

🔪 Instructions

  1. Make a batter for Oladi

In a small bowl combine Kefir and water and microwave for 30 seconds.In another large mixing bowl combine together egg, salt and sugar. Add warmed kefir and mix everything until combined.

Oladi (The BEST Russian Pancakes With Apple) - Lavender & Macarons (5)
  1. Add flour.

Gradually start adding 2 cups of flour mixing the batter with a hand whisk until it's smooth and without lumps. The batter should resemble a dense sour cream. If it's too thin, add a few more tablespoons of flour, one at a time.

Oladi (The BEST Russian Pancakes With Apple) - Lavender & Macarons (6)
  1. Add in baking soda and mix everything once again.
  2. Add apple. Meanwhile, peel, core and dice apples. Add them to a bowl with Oladi batter and mix everything nicely.
Oladi (The BEST Russian Pancakes With Apple) - Lavender & Macarons (7)
  1. Fry the Oladi pancakes

Melt 2 tablespoon of oil in a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Drop about a heaping tablespoon of batter in a skillet and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden-brown on the bottom.

Flip a pancake with a spatula and fry for another minute. Cook Oladi in batches. You can cook 5-6 Russian pancakes at a time. Make sure the skillet has enough oil for Oladi not to stick.

Oladi (The BEST Russian Pancakes With Apple) - Lavender & Macarons (8)

Transfer fried pancakes on a plate, add more oil if needed and continue frying the remaining batter.

💭 Frequently Asked Questions

Can pancakes be made a day in advance?

Yes, Oladi can be prepared ahead of time. They'll keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in a microwave until warm.

Can I use sour cream in place of kefir?

Yes. Stick to the same rule as if using yogurt - 3 parts of sour cream to 1 part of milk.

Can I make these pancakes vegan?

Absolutely. Oladi can totally be made with vegan. I recommend replacing an egg with ½ mashed banana or ½ c applesauce.

Can I freeze Russian pancakes?

Since these Oladi are made with Kefir, it's recommended not to freeze them. Otherwise, the texture of pancakes might change once they're thawed.

🥞 Serving suggestions

You can serve Russian Oladi with any sweet condiments that you have in your fridge. Here are some of my favorite topping ideas:

Just like Russian Cottage Cheese Pancakes, Oladi can be served for breakfast, dessert or even dinner. They are delicious, healthy and filling.

📖 Recipe Substituitions

Oftentimes, Oladi are made with Kefir, which is a fermented milk drink. It gives pancakes a fluffier texture.

Kefir is available in practically any grocery store. But if you can't find it, here are some other alternatives to use in place of Kefir:

  • Greek yogurt with milk - stick to 3:1 ratio. For example, if you need 1 cup of Kefir, mix ¾ cup of whole fat yogurt with ¼ cup of milk;
  • Buttermilk - use 1 part of Buttermilk for 1 part of Kefir.

In addition, when you fry Oladi, feel free to add some chocolate chips on top. Hu Chocolate Gems are the only chocolate chips that I recommend, because they're made with clean and healthy ingredients. You can even snack on them.

Special offer to my readers - use code IRYNA15 to get 15% on all Hu Kitchen products.

Oladi (The BEST Russian Pancakes With Apple) - Lavender & Macarons (9)

🥯 Similar Recipes

  • Pannenkoeken (Dutch Pancakes)
  • Moroccan Semolina Pancakes (Vegan Baghrir)
  • Easy Cassava Flour Pancakes (Paleo and Gluten-free)
  • Cottage Cheese Pancakes (High Protein Ukrainian/Russian Syrniki)

If you make this recipe, please leave me a comment below and rate it. I always appreciate the feedback. Also, you can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

For a quick overview of the recipe, please check out Oladi web-story.

Recipe

Oladi (The BEST Russian Pancakes With Apple) - Lavender & Macarons (14)

Fluffy Oladi (Ukrainian/Russian Pancakes)

People can't get enough of fluffy interior and crispy edges of these "Oladi" pancakes. Cozy, sweet and so delicious, these homemade Ukrainian/Russian pancakes are a staple on a weekend breakfast menu.

4.34 from 56 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: Russian, Ukraininan

Diet: Vegetarian

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 360kcal

Author: Iryna Bychkiv

Video

Ingredients

Instructions

Make a batter for Oladi

  • In a small bowl combine Kefir and water and microwave for 30 seconds.In anotherlarge mixing bowlcombine together egg, salt and sugar. Add warmed kefir and mix everything until combined.

Add flour

  • Gradually add in 2 cups of flour mixing the batter until it's smooth and without lumps. The batter should resemble a dense sour cream. If it's too thin, add a few more tablespoons of flour.

  • Add in baking soda and mix everything once again.

  • Add diced apples and carefully give everything a stir.

Fry the pancakes

  • Melt 2 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Drop about a heaping tablespoon of batter in a skillet and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden-brown. Flip and fry for another minute. You can cook 5-6 Oladi at a time.

  • Transfer fried pancakes on a plate, add more oil if needed and continue frying the remaining batter.

  • Serve with your favorite jam, honey or sour cream.

Notes

Making ahead of time and storage. Oladi can be prepared ahead of time. They'll keep for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat them in a microwave until warm.

Making the recipe vegan? Oladi can totally be made with vegan. I recommend replacing an egg with ½ mashed banana or ½ c applesauce.

Kefir substitution:

  • Greek yogurt with milk - stick to 3:1 ratio. If you need 1 cup of Kefir, mix ¾ cup of whole fat yogurt with ¼ cup of milk;
  • Buttermilk - use 1 part of Buttermilk for 1 part of Kefir.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 53.8g | Protein: 6.9g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 10.9g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 174mg | Fiber: 4.3g | Sugar: 17.8g | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 3mg

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @Lavender.And.Macarons or tag #lavenderandmacarons!

Iryna Bychkiv

Website

Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.

Oladi (The BEST Russian Pancakes With Apple) - Lavender & Macarons (2024)

FAQs

How are Russian pancakes different? ›

Russian pancakes are served beyond breakfast

American pancakes' thicker texture also enables adding filling to the interior. Likewise, while substantially thinner, Russia's crepe-like blini are also easily melded with an array of sweet components. Jams and berries are also frequent toppings.

What is a Russian pancake made of? ›

Blini
Alternative namesblin, bliny
Typepancake
Main ingredientswheat, eggs, milk
Cookbook: Bliny Media: Blini

What is the secret of amazing pancakes? ›

Stir the batter only until the wet and dry ingredients are incorporated; overbeating will make pancakes tough and chewy instead of fluffy. No Buttermilk, No Problem! For each 1 cup buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice with enough milk to equal 1 cup and let stand for 5 minutes.

What is a thin Russian pancake called? ›

Russian pancakes, called “blini”, is a popular dish in Russia that is traditionally made of wheat and served with garnishes such as caviar, butter, sour cream called smetana, and tvorog which is a freshly acid-set cheese. It is usually pan-sized, thin, and leavened.

What's the difference between British pancakes and American pancakes? ›

And British pancakes are endlessly adaptable. Unlike their puffy, cake-like cousins, there's no sugar in the mix meaning they work for savoury toppings as well as sweet. And yes, I know the Yanks like theirs with bacon alongside the maple syrup, but that's down to an intense sweet-salt obsession.

What are three types of pancakes? ›

15 Types of Pancake Recipes from Across the Globe
  • French Crêpes. French crêpes are well known in the UK and are officially made in a crêpe pan to form a thin pancake. ...
  • American-Style Pancakes. ...
  • Scotch Pancakes. ...
  • Indonesian Serabi. ...
  • Russian Blinis. ...
  • Moroccan Msemen. ...
  • Danish Aebleskiver. ...
  • Irish Boxty.

What is the difference between Dutch pancakes and regular pancakes? ›

What's the difference between a Dutch pancake and an American pancake? A Dutch pancake is usually larger and much thinner than the thick and fluffy American pancakes. If you order a Dutch pancake at PANCAKES Amsterdam, you will get a delicious thin pancake with a diameter of 32 centimeters.

What's the difference between American and Scottish pancakes? ›

Also called Drop Scones, Scotch pancakes are enjoyed for breakfast and as a snack in the United Kingdom. The main difference between Scotch and American pancakes is that the Scotch version is simpler. Ingredients include self-rising flour, salt, caster sugar, and eggs. Caster sugar provides a more caramelized taste.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Fredrick Kertzmann

Last Updated:

Views: 5477

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (46 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fredrick Kertzmann

Birthday: 2000-04-29

Address: Apt. 203 613 Huels Gateway, Ralphtown, LA 40204

Phone: +2135150832870

Job: Regional Design Producer

Hobby: Nordic skating, Lacemaking, Mountain biking, Rowing, Gardening, Water sports, role-playing games

Introduction: My name is Fredrick Kertzmann, I am a gleaming, encouraging, inexpensive, thankful, tender, quaint, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.