Fluffy Oladi Ukrainian Pancakes [+Video]

Fluffy Ukrainian pancakes, or oladi, are crispy around the edges and soft and delicious in the middle. Here’s a surprise for you, these pancakes are made with yeast! But don’t worry, they are as easy as a quick bread! In fact, they are my new favorite breakfast recipe!

Our buttermilk pancake recipe is one of the most popular on the blog, and they are to die for, but these Ukrainian pancakes have stolen my heart and tastebuds!

These yeasted pancakes are cooked in a pan with a little more oil than traditional American pancakes so they get almost fried crispy edges. Mmmm and that hint of sourdough, gosh it’s good! They are almost fritter-like on the outside but takes like pancakes in the middle. Seriously, where have these Ukrainian pancakes been my whole life?? I need to explore more Ukrainian food!

What is Oladi?

Oladi is a type of pancake that originates in Ukraine and Russia. They are traditionally made with kefir, a fermented milk made from kefir grains common in the area. For this recipe, we will use buttermilk, but feel free to use kefir if you want to! They are pan fried in a little oil and usually served with sour cream and a fruit jam.

Oladi is not to be confused the Russian pancakes called blini. Those are usually served with savory toppings like caviar and salmon. Oladi can be served with savory toppings but are usually served as a sweet breakfast.

What Do I Need to Make Ukrainian Pancakes?

I know, you hear “Ukrainian pancakes” and you think it’s going to call for ingredients that are out of the norm. Well, I have the best news ever! This pancake recipe is made with pantry staples! So you can probably head to the kitchen right now and start whipping up a batch of oladi. Here is everything you need:

• Water: the warm water helps activate the yeast
• Buttermilk: adds flavor and rise to the pancakes
• Egg: should be at room temperature and helps binds all the ingredients together
• Extra-light Olive Oil: adds a little fat to the pancake batter, and then we will use a little more of it to fry the pancakes. Vegetable oil is a great substitute.
• Sugar: adds just a touch of sweetness
• Instant Yeast: makes the pancakes so fluffy
• Fine Sea Salt: enhances all the flavors
• All-Purpose Flour: gives the pancakes structure

This is meant to just be an overview of the ingredients. For measurements and all the details, please scroll down to the recipe card at the end of the post.

Natasha’s Kitchen

My darling friend Natasha released her cookbook, Natasha’s Kitchen last year and I couldn’t wait to dive in. Natasha’s recipes are timeless, simple and powerfully delicious. That is the key to finding a successful cookbook, one that is true to its potential. My friend has been real since day one as is her food. There are no pretenses, no “instagram food” that looks gooey, beautiful or succulent but under delivers on flavor. No, these recipes are the ones that will not only be loved in your home but thanks to their accessible ingredients they will quickly become staples.

A few of my favorites:

Oladi Pancakes

California BLT Salad

Coconut Chicken Strips

Now, let’s get back to the recipe!

How to Make Oladi

Because this pancake batter has yeast in it, it will need to time to rest and rise. So plan your breakfast schedule accordingly!

1. Make the Batter: Whisk together all the ingredients except the flour and add the flour a little at a time making sure everything is incorporated. It will be a thin, cake batter consistency.
   • PRO TIP: If you want to add anything to the batter like raisins, craisins, or small apple bits, now would be the time to add them to the batter.
2. Let the Batter Rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rise until it has almost doubled in size. The batter will be very bubbly (see photo below).
3. Cook the Pancakes: Once the batter has risen, pour enough oil into a cast-iron skillet or large skillet (nonstick) to coat the bottom of the pan. Add heaping tablespoons of batter to the hot skillet and cook until golden then flip. Add more oil as needed and don’t overcrowd the pan.
4. Serve and Add Toppings: Serve everyone a few pancakes and let them add their favorite toppings!

All of these instructions can be found in full detail in the recipe card down below.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Oladi

• Before cooking, let the batter rest and rise in order to get that fluffy delicious texture. Don’t skip this step!
• The oil that you cook the pancakes in is crucial to getting the right outcome. Make sure you add more oil as you go so that each batch is cooked evenly.
• Use a cookie scoop (I used the largest size scoop from this pack) to drop the batter into the pan. If you have problems with the batter sticking, you can spray the cookie scoop with cooking spray between scoops. A great tip is to keep a hot glass of water nearby and dip your cookie scoop or spoon into it before each scoop so that the batter will slide right out. I’ll be trying that technique the next time I make this recipe!
• Keep these pancakes quite small. They aren’t going to be giant like traditional buttermilk pancakes can be. If they get too big, they won’t cook all the way through and will be doughy in the middle. They should be about the circumference of a baseball.

How to Serve Ukrainian Pancakes

Although I mentioned above that Oladi is traditionally served with sour cream and fruit jam you can top it with whatever your family loves. Here a few more ideas:

• Honey
• Real Maple Syrup
• Nutella
• Chocolate Chips
• Peanut Butter
• Buttermilk Syrup
• Fresh Berries
• Sliced Bananas
• Chopped Nuts

What to Eat with Ukrainian Pancakes

If you are looking to add some protein to this breakfast recipe, these pancakes go great with a side of bacon, scrambled eggs, or sausage! My kids love oladi as a breakfast for dinner option too with a simple side dish and glass of chocolate milk or orange juice! It’s a dinner hit every time!

Can Oladi Be Made Ahead?

Yes, this is a great make ahead pancake recipe! You can make the whole batter and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, or you can make the pancakes ahead. Afterwards, reheat the cooked pancakes in the microwave or toaster. I personally recommend the toaster so you keep those crispy edges!

Storage Tips

If you end up with leftover oladi, let them cool to room temperature and then store them in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for 2-3 days.

These pancakes also freeze really well. Store them in a ziplock bag or freezer safe container. They will keep for up to 3 months.

To reheat these pancakes, use the microwave or the toaster. The toaster is my preferred method for reheating.

Experience a taste of Ukraine with these traditional Oladi pancakes, passed down through generations and thankfully into my kitchen! Fluffy and delicious, these pancakes are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

More Pancake Recipes to Enjoy

• Dutch Baby Pancakes
• Sour Cream Pancakes
• Swedish Pancakes
• Japanese Cloud Pancakes
• Finnish Pancakes
• Buttermilk Pancakes
• Cottage Cheese Pancakes
• Gluten Free Pancakes

How to Make Oladi Ukrainian Pancakes Video