If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting Bandelės Su Varške, get ready for a bite of pure joy. These soft, fluffy, slightly sweet buns filled with creamy farmer’s cheese are a cornerstone of Lithuanian baking — a comfort food classic that brings back memories with every mouthful. ☁️ Whether you're Lithuanian by heritage or simply in love with traditional Eastern European pastries, these sweet cheese buns promise to warm your heart (and your kitchen). Think pillowy, brioche-like dough cradling a lightly tangy cheese filling, sometimes with a touch of jam — it’s the kind of treat that vanishes fast from the baking tray!

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🇱🇹 What Are Bandelės Su Varške?

Bandelės Su Varške, or Sweet Buns with Farmer's Cheese, are beloved across Lithuania and beyond. Found in school cafeterias, corner bakeries, and home kitchens for generations, they’ve become a symbol of sweet nostalgia — especially for those who grew up during the '70s, '80s, and '90s. It’s not unusual to hear someone say, “These taste just like my childhood.” And for many, that's exactly the magic these buns deliver. But Lithuania isn't the only country to love this treat. In Poland, they go by drożdżówka z serem, and in Russia, you’ll find them as vatrushka buns. Though not exclusive to Lithuania, these cheese buns have been lovingly adopted into its culinary culture and hold a special place in the nation’s food heritage. 🧡

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📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

There are two essential components: the soft yeast dough and the creamy cheese filling.

🥖 For the Sweet Yeast Dough:

• Strong bread flour – While traditionally, Lithuanians use all-purpose flour, strong flour gives the dough an extra spring.
• Whole milk – Adds richness.
• White granulated sugar – Or caster sugar, for sweetness.
• Egg yolks – For richness and golden color.
• Unsalted butter – Or use salted butter and adjust the salt in the recipe.
• Instant yeast – Fast-action yeast makes the process smoother. Prefer fresh yeast? Go traditional and swap in 20g of fresh yeast, activated in warm milk.
• Salt – Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.

🧁 For the Farmer’s Cheese Filling:

• Farmer’s cheese (Varškė) – Ideally full-fat for a creamy texture.
• Thick-set jam – Blackcurrant, raspberry, or apricot work beautifully.
• Sour cream – Or crème fraîche.
• White sugar – To sweeten the filling.
• Egg yolk – Helps bind and enrich the filling.

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🧀 What Is Farmer’s Cheese (Varškė)?

Farmer’s cheese — called Varškė in Lithuanian — is the soul of this dessert. It's a slightly tangy, crumbly cheese, drier than cottage cheese but softer than feta. Across Eastern Europe, it's known by other names: Twaróg in Poland, Tvorog in Russia. In Lithuania, you’ll typically find it in three varieties:

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

For baking, go for the higher-fat versions — they’re smoother and give that luscious creamy filling that makes these buns unforgettable. If you can’t find varškė, substitute with well-drained cottage cheese or quark.

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Lithuanian Sweet Cheese Buns

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Warm the milk and butter in a saucepan until the butter melts. Let it cool to a warm (not hot!) temperature.
2. In a stand mixer bowl, mix together flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
3. Add the warm milk mixture and egg yolks. With the dough hook attachment, knead for 10–12 minutes until the dough is soft, elastic, and slightly glossy.
4. Transfer the dough to a clean bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine farmer’s cheese, sugar, sour cream, and egg yolk.
2. Mix using a fork or potato masher. The texture may be slightly grainy depending on the cheese — that’s perfectly fine!

Step 3: Shape the Buns

1. Once the dough has risen, divide it into 5 equal portions.
2. Shape each piece into a ball on a lightly floured surface.
3. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray with enough space between. Gently flatten with your palm into thick discs.
4. Using your fingers, press outwards from the center to create a shallow well in the middle — like a mini bowl.
5. Add 1 teaspoon of jam into the center of each bun, then spoon over the cheese filling.
6. Let the buns rise again for 30 minutes in a warm spot.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Brush the bun edges with a little milk or egg wash for a glossy finish.
3. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the filling is slightly puffed. (It may sink a bit as it cools — totally normal.)
4. Let the buns cool on the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve your Bandelės Su Varške slightly warm or at room temperature. Pair with a cup of black tea or coffee for the ultimate Lithuanian afternoon treat. ☕ They also make a perfect breakfast-on-the-go or mid-day snack — soft, satisfying, and just sweet enough.

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🧊 Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days — just warm them up slightly before serving to bring back that fresh-baked softness. They freeze well, too!

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🌍 A Bun That Connects Generations

Whether you’re making these for the first time or reliving a taste from childhood, Lithuanian Sweet Cheese Buns are a testament to tradition. From busy school mornings to cozy weekend baking, these buns remind us of where we come from — and that some recipes never go out of style. So why not give them a try? Your kitchen is about to smell amazing. 😍