Classic Cheese Blintzes Recipe

Classic Cheese Blintzes Recipe is a medium Eastern European (Jewish) recipe that serves 4. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by Better From Scratch on YouTube.

Prep: 30 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $6.73 total, $1.68 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 2 Eggs (large, at room temperature)
  • 1 cup Milk (whole or 2% milk)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted, plus extra for pan‑frying)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (for batter)
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 4 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 4 ounces Ricotta Cheese (drained)
  • 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar (for filling)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (fresh)
  • 2 cups Mixed Berries (fresh or frozen (if frozen, do not thaw))
  • 3 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (for sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crepe‑Like Batter

    In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, and pinch of salt. In a separate bowl beat the eggs, then whisk in the milk and melted butter. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking until the batter is smooth and thin (about the consistency of heavy cream).

    Time: PT10M

  2. Make the Sweet Cheese Filling

    Combine the softened cream cheese, drained ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest in a bowl. Mix with a whisk or hand mixer until completely smooth and creamy.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Cook the Berry Sauce

    Place the mixed berries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the sauce thickens, about 5‑7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Medium

  4. Rest the Batter

    Cover the batter with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 10‑15 minutes while you finish the filling and sauce.

    Time: PT15M

  5. Pan‑Fry the Blintzes

    Heat a non‑stick skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter, swirling to coat the surface. Pour about ¼ cup of batter into the skillet, tilting to spread it thinly and evenly. Cook for 45 seconds until the edges lift, then flip and cook another 30 seconds. Transfer the crepe to a plate.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Fill and Fold

    Place 1‑2 tablespoons of the cheese filling in the center of the cooked crepe. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll the crepe into a tight cylinder. Return the filled blintz to the skillet, add a little more butter, and pan‑fry for 1‑2 minutes per side until golden and the filling is warmed through.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  7. Serve

    Arrange the warm blintzes on a serving plate, drizzle generously with the warm berry sauce, and optionally dust with powdered sugar.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
260
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Classic Cheese Blintzes Recipe

Recipe by Better From Scratch

These sweet cheese blintzes are thin crepe‑like pancakes filled with a light, creamy cheese mixture, pan‑fried in butter, and served with a warm mixed‑berry sauce. Perfect for a special breakfast or a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

MediumEastern European (Jewish)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
33m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.73
Total cost
$1.68
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Achieving a thin, smooth batter consistency.
  • Resting the batter for at least 10 minutes.
  • Cooking the crepes just until set, not browned.
  • Filling with the right amount of cheese mixture to avoid tearing.
  • Pan‑frying the filled blintzes briefly to warm the filling without over‑cooking.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot butter and skillet with care to avoid burns.
  • Do not leave the berry sauce unattended; it can scorch quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of sweet cheese blintzes in Eastern European Jewish cuisine?

A

Blintzes originated in Eastern European Jewish households as a festive treat for holidays like Shavuot and Hanukkah. Traditionally they were filled with sweetened cheese or fruit and served as a celebratory dish that combines the comfort of pancakes with a rich dairy filling.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cheese blintzes in Eastern European cuisine?

A

In Lithuania and Poland, blintzes are often filled with farmer’s cheese and served with sour cream. In Russian cuisine, they may be rolled with jam or honey. The American version popularized by Better From Scratch adds a berry sauce for a fresh, tangy contrast.

cultural
Q

How are sweet cheese blintzes traditionally served in Jewish holiday meals?

A

They are typically served warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by fruit preserves or berry sauces. During Shavuot, they are part of a dairy‑rich menu that celebrates the giving of the Torah.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are sweet cheese blintzes associated with in Jewish culture?

A

Blintzes are especially popular for Shavuot, Hanukkah, and family brunches. Their dairy‑rich filling aligns with the dairy‑focused traditions of these holidays.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Eastern European cheese blintzes versus acceptable modern substitutes?

A

Authentic recipes use farmer’s cheese or quark, all‑purpose flour, and eggs. Modern substitutes include cream cheese and ricotta for a smoother texture, and butter for pan‑frying, which are all acceptable without losing the essence of the dish.

cultural
Q

What other Eastern European dishes pair well with sweet cheese blintzes?

A

They pair nicely with a light cucumber‑dill salad, a side of sautéed apples, or a cup of strong tea or coffee to balance the richness of the cheese filling.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making sweet cheese blintzes at home?

A

Common errors include a batter that’s too thick, over‑cooking the crepes, over‑filling which causes tearing, and using too high heat which burns the butter before the batter sets. Follow the critical steps for batter consistency and pan temperature.

technical
Q

Why does this Better From Scratch blintz recipe use both cream cheese and ricotta instead of just one cheese?

A

Combining cream cheese (for richness) with ricotta (for lightness) creates a silky yet airy filling that spreads easily and doesn’t become overly dense, which is ideal for quick pan‑frying.

technical
Q

Can I make the sweet cheese blintzes ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes. Cooked blintzes can be refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container and reheated in a skillet. The batter and cheese filling can also be prepared a day ahead, and the berry sauce keeps for 3 days refrigerated.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Better From Scratch specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Better From Scratch specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials that focus on classic comfort foods, baking fundamentals, and techniques that empower home cooks to create restaurant‑quality dishes from scratch.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Better From Scratch's approach to Eastern European cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Better From Scratch emphasizes clear, methodical instruction, ingredient accessibility, and practical tips like making batter rest and using everyday pantry items, whereas many other channels may assume prior technique knowledge or use specialty ingredients.

channel

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