Lithuanian Farmer Cheese Cake (Draugystės Pyragas)

Looking for a traditional Lithuanian dessert that’s both comforting and impressive? Meet Draugystės Pyragas, also known as the Friendship Cake—a true hidden gem in Eastern European baking. This delightful layered cake brings together a buttery crust, creamy farmer’s cheese, and fruity jam in a rich, cozy dessert that's perfect for sharing ❤️ Whether served at a festive gathering, holiday table, or a casual afternoon tea, this Farmer Cheese Cake celebrates togetherness, warmth, and the timeless flavors of Lithuania.

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🇱🇹 What Is Draugystės Pyragas?

Draugystės Pyragas, meaning Friendship Cake, is a traditional Lithuanian dessert that symbolizes connection and community. It’s made with layers of tender, buttery dough, tangy-sweet farmer’s cheese, and a generous spread of jam—often cherry, plum, or blueberry. Each slice tells a story: simple ingredients, lovingly layered and baked, then shared with family and friends. While it takes a little extra time to prepare, the payoff is a delicious, nostalgic treat that lasts for days and gets better with time! ✨

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🧰 Equipment You’ll Need

To make this delightful dessert, gather the following tools:

• A 24x24 cm (9.5 inch) baking dish (or equivalent-sized round pan)
• Parchment paper
• Electric hand mixer
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Rolling pin
• Plastic wrap
• Offset spatula or rubber spatula
• Pastry brush
• Fork (for decorative topping)

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🛒 Ingredients & Substitutes

For the Dough:

• 150 g unsalted butter, softened
• 100 g (½ cup) white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 tbsp sour cream (or crème fraîche/full-fat Greek yogurt)
• 300 g (2¼ cups + 2 tbsp) all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 300 g farmer cheese (9% or 18% fat preferred)
• 50 g (¼ cup) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 egg whites (keep yolks for egg wash)
• 180 g (⅔ cup) jam – cherry, plum, or blueberry recommended

For Egg Wash:

• 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten

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🧀 What is Farmer’s Cheese (Varškė)?

In Lithuania, farmer cheese is known as varškė—a staple in both savory and sweet dishes. It’s similar to quark or dry cottage cheese and comes in three varieties:

• Extra light (0.5–1% fat)
• Half-fat (9%)
• Full-fat (18%)

For baking, go with 9% or higher for the creamiest results. You’ll find varškė (or its equivalents like twaróg or tvorog) at most Eastern European grocery stores, and even at large UK supermarkets like Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury’s.

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🥣 How to Make Draugystės Pyragas (Step-by-Step)

🥄 Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F). Line your baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar using a hand mixer until fluffy.
3. Add the egg, beat again, then mix in the sour cream until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and knead briefly to form a dough. Do not overwork it.
6. Divide the dough into ⅓ and ⅔ portions. Wrap the smaller part in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
7. Press the larger portion into your baking dish, prick with a fork, and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.

🧁 Step 2: Make the Farmer Cheese Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine farmer cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and flour. Beat until smooth and creamy (3–5 min).
2. In another bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form.
3. Gently fold egg whites into the cheese mixture to keep it light and airy.

🍒 Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Spread your jam evenly over the baked base.
2. Pour and level out the cheese filling on top of the jam.
3. Roll out the chilled dough and place it over the cheese layer. Tuck the edges in gently.
4. Brush with egg yolk and use a fork to create a criss-cross pattern for decoration.
5. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden and firm.
6. Let cool in the pan before slicing into squares.

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🍰 How to Serve Draugystės Pyragas

This cake is traditionally enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, perfect as:

• A cozy breakfast treat
• A sweet midmorning snack
• A special dessert for guests

💡 Pro Tips:

• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
• Add fresh berries that match your jam.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• This cake tastes even better the next day! Wrap it in plastic wrap or cover with a clean tea towel and store at room temperature or in the fridge.
• Keeps well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Not freezer-friendly—the texture of the cheese filling doesn't freeze well.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

Draugystės Pyragas isn’t just a cake—it’s a celebration of friendship, tradition, and the simple joy of homemade food. With its buttery crust, creamy filling, and tangy jam layer, every bite is a nostalgic taste of Lithuanian hospitality. So gather your friends, brew some coffee, and share this beautiful cake—because nothing says “you matter to me” quite like a slice of homemade Draugystės Pyragas. 🇱🇹✨