A Sweet Chanukah Twist: Irresistible Cheese Latkes

Chanukah is filled with beloved foods, and few are as comforting as homemade cheese latkes. Crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, these sweet cheese pancakes are a longtime holiday favorite in many Jewish homes.

Made with farmer's cheese, vanilla, and raisins, they're wonderfully rich without being heavy. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or alongside a festive holiday spread, these golden latkes are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 500 grams (18 ounces) farmer's cheese, dry curd cottage cheese, or well-drained ricotta
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 eggs
• 2 packets vanilla sugar (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup raisins, finely chopped

Directions

Finely chop the raisins and place them in a large mixing bowl.

Add the cheese, flour, eggs, vanilla sugar, heavy cream, and raisins. Mix well until a smooth batter forms.

If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more cream or a splash of milk until it reaches a soft, scoopable consistency.

Heat about ¼ inch (½ centimeter) of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and gently flatten each one with the back of a spoon.

Fry for several minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp.

Transfer the latkes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a traditional presentation.

They are also delicious topped with fresh berries, fruit preserves, applesauce, or a spoonful of sweetened sour cream.

A Sweet Chanukah Tradition

The combination of creamy cheese, sweet raisins, and a crisp golden exterior makes these latkes a wonderful addition to any Chanukah celebration. Simple to prepare and full of old-fashioned flavor, they're the kind of holiday treat that disappears almost as quickly as they're made.