Cheese Blintz Recipe with Fresh Raspberry Sauce

Cheese blintzes are a classic dish that combines thin, delicate crepes with a creamy, sweetened cheese filling. When topped with a vibrant and tangy fresh raspberry sauce, they transform into an irresistible dessert or brunch dish that feels luxurious yet comforting. This dish hails from Eastern European Jewish cuisine and has become a beloved favorite worldwide for its balance of rich flavors and delicate textures.

The crepes are light and tender, providing the perfect vehicle for the luscious cheese filling, which is made from a blend of ricotta, cream cheese, or farmer’s cheese. The raspberry sauce, made with fresh or frozen raspberries, adds a bright, fruity contrast that elevates the dish into something truly special. Cheese blintzes with raspberry sauce are versatile enough to be served as a decadent breakfast, a festive dessert, or even an indulgent snack.

Making these blintzes may seem elaborate, but the process is straightforward and well worth the effort. With a little planning and a few key techniques, you’ll create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The creamy, mildly sweet cheese filling pairs perfectly with the tangy, vibrant raspberry sauce for a well-rounded dish.
• Versatile Meal Option: Cheese blintzes can be served as a breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a savory dish with minor adjustments.
• Elegant Presentation: The delicate crepes, filled and folded into golden brown packages, topped with raspberry sauce, create a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress.
• Customizable: With endless filling and topping options, this recipe can be tailored to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Both the crepes and filling can be prepared in advance, making it an ideal dish for entertaining or busy mornings.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 blintzes
• Serving Size: 2 blintzes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 310
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 15g

Ingredients

For the Crepes

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)

For the Cheese Filling

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)

For the Fresh Raspberry Sauce

• 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (optional, for thickening)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crepes

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk until combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth. Stir in the melted butter.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan, swirling to coat the surface evenly.
4. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the edges lift easily and the crepe is lightly golden. Flip and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Transfer the crepe to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the crepes with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Raspberry Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.
2. For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 4: Assemble the Blintzes

1. Place a crepe on a flat surface and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling onto the lower third of the crepe. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly into a neat package. Repeat with the remaining crepes and filling.

Step 5: Cook the Blintzes

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Place the filled blintzes seam-side down in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crisp.
2. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.

Step 6: Serve

1. Arrange the blintzes on a plate, drizzle generously with the raspberry sauce, and garnish with fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Blintz Stack: Instead of filling and folding the crepes, layer them with the cheese filling and raspberry sauce, creating a cake-like stack. Slice into wedges for a stunning dessert presentation.
2. Mini Blintzes: Make smaller crepes and fill them with a teaspoon of cheese filling each. These bite-sized blintzes are perfect for appetizers or finger foods at brunch parties.
3. Deconstructed Blintz Cups: Serve the crepes rolled and sliced into strips alongside a bowl of cheese filling and raspberry sauce. Guests can assemble their own bite-sized portions for an interactive experience.
4. Savory Blintz Option: Swap the cheese filling for a savory option like spinach and feta or smoked salmon and cream cheese. Pair with a tangy yogurt sauce instead of raspberry sauce.
5. Blintz Platter: Present the blintzes family-style on a large platter with the raspberry sauce in a serving bowl. Add garnishes like mint leaves, fresh berries, or chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.

These creative ideas ensure your blintzes stand out, whether you’re serving them at a formal gathering or a casual brunch.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the eggs, milk, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth batter and filling.
2. Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the crepes, as this can make them difficult to fold and cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
3. Keep the Crepes Thin: Swirl the batter quickly in the pan to create thin, even crepes that are easy to roll.
4. Prevent Sticking: Grease the skillet lightly between each crepe to ensure they don’t stick or tear.
5. Make the Sauce Ahead: Prepare the raspberry sauce in advance to save time and let the flavors develop further.

By following these tips, you’ll achieve perfect blintzes that look and taste professionally made.

Recipe Variations

1. Blueberry Sauce: Substitute blueberries for raspberries in the sauce, or use a mix of both for a berry medley topping.
2. Chocolate Filling: Add melted chocolate or cocoa powder to the cheese filling for a decadent twist.
3. Citrus Blintzes: Enhance the cheese filling with orange or lime zest, and top with a citrus glaze instead of berry sauce.
4. Vegan Blintzes: Use plant-based milk, egg substitutes, and vegan cream cheese to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.
5. Apple Cinnamon Blintzes: Replace the raspberry sauce with spiced apple compote for a comforting, autumn-inspired version.

These variations allow you to tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences or explore new flavor combinations.

Freezing and Storage

1. Refrigeration: Store assembled but uncooked blintzes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook them just before serving for the best texture.
2. Freezing: Freeze the filled and folded blintzes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
3. Reheating: Cook frozen blintzes directly from the freezer in a buttered skillet over medium heat, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Proper storage ensures you can enjoy these delicious blintzes even on the busiest days.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Whole Wheat Crepes: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
2. Low-Sugar Filling: Reduce the powdered sugar in the cheese filling or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
3. Greek Yogurt Sauce: Replace the raspberry sauce with a protein-rich Greek yogurt topping mixed with a touch of honey and vanilla.
4. Lightened-Up Filling: Use low-fat ricotta and cream cheese for a lighter yet still creamy filling.
5. Berry Compote: Make a compote with fresh berries and minimal sugar for a healthier, less processed topping.

These adjustments let you enjoy cheese blintzes while staying aligned with your dietary goals.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Brunch Buffet: Include cheese blintzes as part of a brunch spread with items like scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, and fresh fruit platters.
2. Holiday Dessert: Serve blintzes as a dessert for holiday gatherings, topped with festive garnishes like candied orange peel or mint sprigs.
3. Wedding Shower: Present mini blintzes on tiered trays for an elegant and bite-sized option at bridal or baby showers.
4. Themed Dinner Parties: Pair the blintzes with other Eastern European dishes like borscht, pierogies, or challah for a culturally themed meal.
5. Kids’ Party: Offer a DIY blintz bar where kids can fill their own crepes with cheese filling and choose toppings like chocolate chips, whipped cream, and fruit.

These serving ideas showcase the versatility of blintzes, making them a standout dish for any occasion.

Special Equipment

1. Non-Stick Skillet or Crepe Pan: Essential for cooking thin, delicate crepes without sticking.
2. Blender or Whisk: A blender ensures a smooth crepe batter, while a whisk is a great alternative for hand mixing.
3. Offset Spatula: Helps spread batter evenly in the pan for perfectly shaped crepes.
4. Pastry Brush: Useful for greasing the skillet lightly and evenly between crepes.
5. Fine Mesh Strainer: For sifting powdered sugar and achieving a smooth, lump-free raspberry sauce.

Having these tools on hand ensures a seamless cooking experience and professional-quality results.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought crepes?
   Yes, pre-made crepes can save time. Simply prepare the filling and assemble the blintzes as instructed.
2. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
   Absolutely! The batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before using.
3. How do I prevent the crepes from tearing?
   Ensure the skillet is hot enough and lightly greased before adding the batter. Swirl the pan quickly to create an even layer.
4. Can I use other berries for the sauce?
   Yes, strawberries, blackberries, or blueberries work well as substitutes or additions to the raspberry sauce.
5. Why are my blintzes falling apart?
   Overfilling or undercooking the crepes can cause them to tear. Use a light touch when assembling and cooking.

Conclusion

Cheese blintzes with fresh raspberry sauce are a timeless dish that combines elegance and comfort in every bite. The tender crepes, creamy filling, and vibrant sauce create a symphony of flavors and textures that make this dish truly unforgettable. Whether served for a casual breakfast, a festive brunch, or a decadent dessert, cheese blintzes are sure to impress and delight.

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility and make-ahead potential, allowing you to adapt it to any occasion or dietary preference. With a bit of practice and creativity, this dish can become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire, bringing joy to family and friends for years to come.

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