Yeasted Blini Recipe: Bake Like a Professional Chef

There’s something magical about the aroma of yeasted batter slowly rising in a warm kitchen. Every summer, my nonna would pull out a recipe gifted by her Russian neighbor—Yeasted Blini. These delicate, golden pancakes became a symbol of friendship and cultural fusion, and they’re now a beloved staple at my summer brunch table.

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Let me show you how to make these Russian-style yeasted pancakes from scratch, complete with tips, toppings, and serving ideas that fit right into your sun-drenched seasonal menus.

What Are Yeasted Blini?

Yeasted blini are soft, fluffy pancakes from Russia, known for their delicate tang and light, airy texture. Unlike traditional pancakes made with baking powder, these rely on yeast to ferment and rise, giving them a more complex flavor. They’re typically served at festivals like Maslenitsa, symbolizing the sun and the end of winter.

For a summer twist, serve them with fresh berries, honey, or crème fraîche—perfect for pairing with a glass of chilled lemonade or herbal iced tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentically Russian with a story to share
Perfect for summer thanks to its lightness and fruity pairings
Versatile toppings from sweet to savory
Family-sized: serves 12 guests for your next brunch gathering

Ingredients

For the Batter:

2 cups (480ml) warm milk
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup sour cream
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp melted butter + more for the skillet

Optional Toppings:

Fresh berries or fruit preserves
Crème fraîche or sour cream
Smoked salmon, chopped dill
Caviar and finely diced onions
Whipped cream and honey

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

In a large mixing bowl, stir together warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 10 minutes until it becomes foamy—this ensures your yeast is alive and well.

2. Make the Batter

Add the flour, eggs, sour cream, salt, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth. Cover with a clean towel and let rise for about 1 to 1½ hours or until doubled in size.

3. Cook the Blini

Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter. Pour 2 tablespoons of batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form and the edges set. Flip and cook another minute until golden.

4. Keep Warm

Transfer cooked blini to a plate and cover with a towel to keep warm while you finish the batch.

Recipe Tips

Use room temperature eggs to help the batter rise evenly.
For thinner blini, add a splash more milk.
For richer flavor, try vanilla or lemon zest.
Serve immediately or keep warm in the oven on low heat.

Delicious Summer Pairings

Blini are the perfect canvas for a variety of toppings. For a summer-inspired brunch, try:

Fresh strawberries and blueberries with homemade whipped cream
Smoked salmon, dill, and a dollop of crème fraîche
Wildflower honey and slivered almonds
Lemon curd or raspberry compote

Variations You Can Try

Sweet Blini:

Add 1 tsp vanilla and a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. Serve with fruit and cream.

Savory Blini:

Fold in chopped chives or dill and serve with smoked fish or cheese spreads.

Whole Grain Version:

Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a nuttier texture. Try topping it with something earthy like pumpkin spice syrup.

Thin golden yeasted blini stacked on a wooden board, freshly made with crisp edges — A rustic display of traditional yeasted blini with delicately crisp edges and a golden hue. These thin, lacy pancakes are light yet rich in flavor, crafted with a fermented batter for authentic Eastern European taste. Perfect for layering with cream, jam, or smoked salmon. Image taken by sofyarecipes.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Yeasted blini are best fresh but can be made ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months with parchment between layers.

Reheat on a skillet or in a warm oven and serve with fruit preserves or jam.

A Slice of History

These golden rounds have deep cultural roots. In pre-Christian Slavic traditions, blini symbolized the sun and were made to celebrate warmth and rebirth. They’re still celebrated during Maslenitsa week, where they’re stacked high with butter, sour cream, and memories.

At SofyaRecipes, we love giving classic dishes a seasonal twist. For another international pancake-style treat, check out our Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes or our quick Easy Two-Ingredient Crepes.

Final Thoughts

Ready to bring a piece of Russia to your summer brunch? These yeasted blini are fluffy, festive, and full of flavor. Whether you go sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, you’re bound to fall in love with their charm.

Let us know in the comments how you topped yours! And don’t forget to explore more pancake and crepe creations right here.