If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate your breakfast game with something both comforting and delightfully fluffy, look no further than this Fluffy Russian Apple Pancakes (Oladi) Recipe. These little golden delights pack a punch of fresh apple sweetness, a hint of tang from kefir, and an irresistibly tender texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re new to Russian cuisine or simply craving a fresh spin on pancakes, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will warm your heart and brighten your mornings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your pancakes. From the tartness of kefir to the natural sweetness of fresh apples, every element is thoughtfully chosen to bring this Fluffy Russian Apple Pancakes (Oladi) Recipe to life.
- 1 cup Kefir: Adds a tangy flavor and helps make the pancakes wonderfully fluffy by reacting with the baking soda.
- ¼ cup water: Used to gently dilute the kefir, achieving the right batter consistency.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and lends richness to the batter.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure; additional tablespoons may be needed to reach the perfect thickness.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the batter just enough to complement the apples without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with kefir to create those signature fluffy pancakes.
- 3 apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Fresh, juicy bursts that give these pancakes their standout apple touch.
- 5-6 tablespoons neutral oil: Perfect for frying without overpowering the delicate flavors (coconut or avocado oil works beautifully).
How to Make Fluffy Russian Apple Pancakes (Oladi) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Kefir Mixture
Start by combining 1 cup of kefir and ¼ cup of water in a small bowl. Warm this mixture in the microwave for about 30 seconds to bring it to a gentle temperature. This step helps activate the baking soda later, which is vital for creating the fluffy texture that makes these pancakes shine.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 egg, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Once they’re fully combined, pour in the warmed kefir mixture and stir everything together until smooth. This combination lays the flavorful and tender foundation for your batter.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Gradually sprinkle in 2 cups of all-purpose flour while mixing to avoid lumps. Your goal is a batter that resembles thick sour cream—dense but not dry. If the batter feels too runny, don’t hesitate to add a tablespoon or two more flour until you get the right consistency. This step ensures your Oladi will puff up perfectly during cooking.
Step 4: Incorporate the Baking Soda
Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of baking soda into the batter and give it a quick mix. You’ll notice some fizzing as the kefir and soda start reacting; this reaction is what gives you those beautifully airy pancakes.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Carefully fold in the diced apples. The juicy fruit will keep your pancakes moist and add delightful bursts of natural sweetness in every bite, which is a defining characteristic of this Fluffy Russian Apple Pancakes (Oladi) Recipe.
Step 6: Fry the Pancakes
Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Using a heaping tablespoon, drop portions of the batter into the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd. Fry each pancake for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional minute. You can cook 5-6 Oladi at a time depending on your skillet size. Add more oil as needed and continue frying until all the batter is used.
How to Serve Fluffy Russian Apple Pancakes (Oladi) Recipe
Garnishes
These Oladi are a dream with dollops of sour cream or drizzled honey, but don’t stop there! Fresh berries, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a spoonful of your favorite jam take this dish to a new level of indulgence. The garnishes add both visual appeal and layers of complementary sweetness or tang.
Side Dishes
For a truly balanced breakfast or brunch, pair your fluffy pancakes with crisp bacon, a side of scrambled eggs, or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. The savory and sweet combo will make your meal unforgettable and keep you fuelled for hours.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these Oladi into a charming stack layered with cream cheese and apple compote, or skewer mini pancakes on sticks for a fun finger-food option at parties. You can also spread some nut butter between pancakes for added richness. Presentation plays a big role in enjoying this Fluffy Russian Apple Pancakes (Oladi) Recipe on a whole new level!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers (which is rare!), these pancakes keep well covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to preserve their moisture and freshness so you can enjoy a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
Freezing
Oladi freeze wonderfully! Place the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They stay good for up to one month, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pop the frozen or refrigerated Oladi in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm and soft. You can also warm them in a skillet over low heat to regain a slight crispness on the outside—perfect for that just-fried feel.
FAQs
Can I make Fluffy Russian Apple Pancakes (Oladi) Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with half a mashed banana or half a cup of applesauce to maintain moisture and binding, and swap kefir for a vegan yogurt mixed with plant-based milk.
Can I substitute kefir?
You can use buttermilk in a 1:1 ratio or mix whole-fat Greek yogurt with milk (¾ cup yogurt to ¼ cup milk) to mimic kefir’s tanginess and consistency.
What type of apples should I use?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape during cooking and offer a nice contrast to the sweet batter.
How thick should the batter be?
The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape on the skillet without spreading too thin—think dense sour cream. Add extra flour tablespoon by tablespoon to achieve this consistency.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
While traditional Oladi are pan-fried for that perfect crust, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway to brown both sides.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Fluffy Russian Apple Pancakes (Oladi) Recipe, it will quickly become one of your go-to breakfast favorites. The tender texture paired with juicy apples is pure comfort on a plate, perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. It’s a recipe that brings warmth, smiles, and a little taste of Russia straight to your kitchen. So grab those ingredients and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Fluffy Russian Apple Pancakes (Oladi) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12-15 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Russian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffy Oladi are traditional Russian pancakes made with kefir and diced apples, resulting in a tender, light, and slightly tangy treat. These small, thick pancakes are fried to a golden brown and can be served warm with jam, honey, or sour cream, making a perfect breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup kefir
- ¼ cup water
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus 2–3 tablespoons if needed)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Additional Ingredients
- 3 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 5–6 tablespoons neutral oil (e.g., coconut oil or avocado oil) for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the kefir mixture: In a small bowl, combine the kefir and water, then microwave for 30 seconds to warm slightly.
- Mix egg and seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, salt, and sugar until combined. Add the warmed kefir mixture and stir well.
- Add flour: Gradually incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour into the mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The consistency should resemble dense sour cream; if too thin, add 2-3 more tablespoons of flour.
- Incorporate baking soda: Add ½ teaspoon baking soda to the batter and mix thoroughly.
- Add apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Heat oil and fry: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of batter per pancake onto the skillet, cooking 5-6 pancakes at a time.
- Cook pancakes: Fry each pancake for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and cook for an additional minute on the other side.
- Continue frying: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate. Add more oil to the skillet as needed and repeat the frying process until all batter is used.
- Serve: Serve the fluffy Oladi warm with your favorite jam, honey, or sour cream.
Notes
- Oladi can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave until warm before serving.
- To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with ½ mashed banana or ½ cup applesauce.
- Kefir substitutions include: Greek yogurt mixed with milk in a 3:1 ratio (¾ cup whole-fat yogurt plus ¼ cup milk) or buttermilk in equal parts to kefir.
