Authentic Hungarian Cottage Cheese Donuts (Túrófánk)

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: Hungarian, Transylvanian

Diet: Kosher, Low Fat

Keyword: cheese donuts, cheese donuts recipe, cottage cheese donuts, easy yeast-free donuts, Hungarian donuts, Transylvanian dessert, Túrófánk

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Servings: portions

Calories: 513kcal

Author: Timea

A traditional Transylvanian recipe for light and airy cottage cheese donuts. These "Túrófánk" are yeast-free, quick to prepare, and feature a crispy golden exterior with a soft, tangy center.

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Metrics - US Customary

Equipment

1 mixing bowl
1 Frying Pan

Ingredients

500 g dry curd cheese Farmer’s cheese or strained cottage cheese
3 pieces eggs large
250 g all-purpose flour plus extra for adjustment
4 tablespoon sugar granulated
2 teaspoon vanilla extract or 2 packets vanilla sugar
1 pcs lemon zest
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt pinch
600 ml sunflower oil for frying, depending on pan size
1 tablespoon powdered sugar for serving

Instructions

1. Mix Base: In a bowl, mash the cottage cheese with eggs, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until combined.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix with a spatula until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Do not over-mix.
3. Heat Oil: Pour oil into a deep pan (at least 2 fingers high) and heat over medium. Test heat with a small piece of dough.
4. Fry: Using two tablespoons, scoop a portion of batter and gently drop it into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown.
5. Drain: Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar while warm and serve with a side of sour cream and jam.

Video

Notes

The Cheese Secret: If your cottage cheese is watery, you must strain it through a cheesecloth for 30 minutes. Excess liquid will make the dough too heavy.
Oil Temperature: Keep the heat on medium. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will stay raw in the middle while burning on the outside.
Flour Adjustment: If the batter is too liquid to hold a shape on the spoon, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour, but keep the dough soft for the best texture.
Storage: Best eaten fresh. To reheat, use an air fryer at 170°C for 2 minutes to restore the crunch.

Nutrition