There’s something truly delightful about the first bite of a warm, golden blintz, especially when it’s filled with a creamy mixture of cottage and cream cheese. These Cherry Cheese Blintzes are not just a treat for the taste buds; they encapsulate the joy of brunch with a touch of nostalgia. I discovered this recipe one sunny morning as I set out to create a dish that would impress my friends—a quest to elevate our usual breakfast routine.
With a luscious homemade cherry sauce drizzled over the top, this dish offers the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making it ideal for sharing on lazy weekends or special occasions. And the best part? These blintzes are incredibly versatile; swap out the cherry filling for whatever fruit you have on hand, or sprinkle in a hint of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth. Whether you enjoy them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream, each bite is a reminder of the love and creativity that comes with homemade cooking. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and bring a little magic to your kitchen!
Why will you love these blintzes?
Deliciousness in Every Bite: Each blintz is filled with a creamy blend of cottage and cream cheese, creating a deliciously smooth contrast to the crispy, golden wrappers.
Versatile Customization: Feel free to swap the cherry filling for blueberries, peaches, or even a mix of your favorite fruits!
Ideal for Sharing: Perfect for brunch gatherings or indulgent breakfasts, everyone will be clamoring for seconds when you serve up these beauties.
Quick to Prepare: With effortless steps and simple ingredients, this recipe makes cooking a breeze, even on busy mornings.
Nostalgic Comfort: These blintzes evoke warm memories of family meals, making every bite feel like a cherished hug.
Embrace the joy of homemade food and get ready to impress with these delightful cherry cheese blintzes!
Cherry Cheese Blintz Ingredients
• A delightful medley for homemade blintzes!
For the Batter
- 2% Milk – Adds moisture and binds the batter. Substitution Note: Whole milk can be used for a richer flavor.
- Eggs (3 large) – Provides structure and richness. Notes: Use room temperature eggs for best results in batter mixing.
- Butter (2 tbsp, melted) – Enhances flavor and richness of the batter. Note: Can substitute with oil for a dairy-free version.
- All-Purpose Flour (2/3 cup) – Main structure component of the blintz wrapper. Note: Gluten-free flour blends can be used for gluten-free options.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Enhances flavor.
For the Filling
- Cottage Cheese (1 cup, 4%) – Creamy filling base providing texture and mild flavor. Substitution: Ricotta can be used instead for a different texture.
- Cream Cheese (3 oz, softened) – Adds creaminess and stability to the filling. Note: Neufchâtel cheese can be used for a lower-fat option.
- Sugar (1/4 cup) – Sweetens the filling. Note: Adjust for taste; can use less or substitute with alternatives like honey.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon) – Adds depth of flavor to the filling.
For the Cherry Sauce
- Pitted Sweet Cherries (1 lb, fresh or frozen) – Main component for the sauce, offering sweet flavor. Substitution: Other fruits like raspberries or blueberries can be used.
- Water (2/3 cup + 1 tbsp, divided) – Helps in cooking the cherry sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp) – Thickening agent for the cherry sauce.
Get ready to whisk together these ingredients and create the most delightful cherry cheese blintzes your family will love!
How to Make Cherry Cheese Blintzes
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Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter until well combined. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until smooth. Cover and refrigerate the batter for 2 hours to thicken slightly.
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Cook Blintz Wrappers: Heat a greased nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour about 2 tablespoons of batter into the center of the skillet, tilting to coat the bottom evenly. Cook until the edges are set and the surface appears slightly dry, then flip for an additional 15-20 seconds. Stack the cooked blintzes with parchment paper between them to keep warm.
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Make Filling: In a blender, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Then combine it with softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Blend until the mixture is creamy and well combined, then chill until ready to use.
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Fill Blintzes: Take a blintz wrapper and spread about 1 tablespoon of filling on one side. Fold the edges over the filling to create a bundle, placing the seam side down in a greased baking dish.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the filled blintzes for 10 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly golden.
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Prepare Cherry Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the cherries, 2/3 cup of water, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining tablespoon of water and whisk it into the sauce. Cook until thickened, stirring frequently.
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Serve: Drizzle the warm cherry sauce over the baked blintzes. For an extra touch, garnish with whipped cream or a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar if you’d like.
Optional: Serve with a side of fresh fruit for added color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Blintz Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore your culinary creativity with these tasty twists that make this recipe uniquely yours!
- Fruit Swap: Substitute the cherry filling with other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or peaches for new flavor profiles. Use whatever’s ripe and delightful in your kitchen!
- Nutty Delight: Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the cheese filling for added crunch and flavor. A nutty texture brings a delicious twist to each bite!
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling to elevate the flavor with warm spices. The aroma will fill your kitchen and delight your taste buds!
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free option, use almond or coconut cream in place of cream cheese and a dairy-free yogurt for the filling. These swaps keep the luscious texture while catering to dietary needs.
- Zesty Kick: Add citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to the filling to brighten the flavors. The zesty notes offer a refreshing twist and elevate the overall taste experience.
- Savory Options: Try incorporating a bit of spinach and ricotta for a savory spin. These can turn your blintzes into an exciting brunch option for those who enjoy flavors beyond sweet!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the top instead of cherry sauce for a dessert twist that chocolate lovers won’t resist! Sweet and rich, it’s a decadent alternative.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or mint to the filling for a unique flavor experience. A hint of freshness can create a surprising and tantalizing dish!
Whichever variations you choose, let your taste guide you to delicious new creations!
Expert Tips for Cherry Cheese Blintzes
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Batter Consistency: Make sure your batter has a smooth consistency. Too thick will result in heavy wrappers; too thin may tear during cooking.
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Heat Management: Keep a steady medium heat while cooking the wrappers. Too hot and they’ll burn; too low, and they won’t crisp up properly.
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Chill the Filling: Chilling the cheese filling helps it hold its shape when filling the blintzes, preventing spills during baking.
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Versatile Blintzes: Experiment with different fillings! Swap cherries for other fruits or mix in spices to elevate the flavor of your blintzes.
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Reheating Tips: If you’ve made blintzes ahead, reheat them in the oven to ensure they stay crisp rather than soggy.
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Presentation Matters: For a lovely presentation, serve your blintzes with a colorful garnish, like fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage Tips for Cherry Cheese Blintzes
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Fridge: Store leftover blintzes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain their texture, separate layers with parchment paper.
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Freezer: Freeze blintzes individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This keeps them fresh for future cravings.
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Reheating: Reheat thawed blintzes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until heated through. This preserves the delightful crispness of your cherry cheese blintzes.
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Cherry Sauce Storage: Keep homemade cherry sauce in the fridge for up to 1 week. Reheat gently on the stove before serving for the best flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Cherry Cheese Blintzes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the blintz batter and filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the batter and refrigerate it, also keeping the filling chilled until ready to use. When you’re set to serve, warm the batter slightly before cooking the wrappers to ensure they’re easy to spread. Assemble the blintzes and place them seam side down in a greased dish. They can be baked right after assembly, or you can cover and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Just bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for delicious, freshly made blintzes with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Cherry Cheese Blintzes?
Transform your Cherry Cheese Blintzes into a complete meal with these delightful pairings that will tantalize your taste buds and create a beautiful spread for any gathering.
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Savory Smoked Salmon: The rich, smoky flavor of salmon offers a delightful contrast to the sweet blintzes and their luscious cherry sauce.
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Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette will balance the sweetness, enhancing your brunch experience beautifully.
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Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy, buttery scrambled eggs provide a heartiness that complements the creamy filling while keeping your breakfast lineup wholesome and satisfying.
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Fresh Fruit Medley: Bright, juicy seasonal fruits like berries or melon add a burst of color and fresh flavor, creating a harmonious sweetness alongside your blintzes.
A harmonious blend of indulgent and refreshing, these suggestions make your brunch unforgettable.
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Sweet Whipped Cream: Top your blintzes with a dollop of light, airy whipped cream to enhance the richness of the dish, adding a fluffy element to each bite.
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Hot Coffee or Herbal Tea: Sip on a warm cup to elevate your meal’s comfort, with flavors that integrate seamlessly into the overall brunch experience.
Each of these delightful pairings ensures your Cherry Cheese Blintzes are the star of the table, inviting loved ones to enjoy a moment of culinary joy together.
Cherry Cheese Blintzes Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe cherries for the filling?
Absolutely! Look for cherries that are deep red and firm to the touch, with a sweet aroma. Avoid any with dark spots all over, which may indicate overripeness or spoilage. When possible, try to choose local or in-season cherries for the best flavor!
What’s the best way to store leftover cherry cheese blintzes?
For optimal freshness, store your leftover blintzes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve their delightful texture, I suggest interleaving the blintzes with a layer of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I freeze cherry cheese blintzes?
Absolutely! To freeze, individually wrap each blintz in plastic wrap to keep them from getting freezer burn. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What should I do if my blintz wrappers tear while cooking?
Very! If your blintz wrappers tear, don’t worry at all. Make sure your batter is of the right consistency – a balance between too thick and too thin is key. If tearing continues, I recommend reducing the heat slightly; cooking at a lower temperature allows the wrapper to set properly without becoming too fragile. Also, using a thin spatula can help you flip them more gently!
Are these blintzes suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Yes! You can easily customize the cherry cheese blintzes to meet various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. You can also opt for dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream instead of cream cheese and a plant-based milk for the batter. Just be sure to check the labels on any substitutes to ensure they meet your dietary requirements.
How long can I keep the homemade cherry sauce?
You can store homemade cherry sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week. Simply place it in an airtight container. To enjoy the best flavor, gently reheat it on the stovetop before serving. You might also consider doubling the sauce recipe; it’s a delicious addition to pancakes or ice cream!
Delicious Blintzes with Homemade Cherry Sauce You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter until well combined. Gradually mix in the flour and salt until smooth. Cover and refrigerate the batter for 2 hours to thicken slightly.
- Heat a greased nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour about 2 tablespoons of batter into the center, tilting to coat evenly. Cook until edges are set, then flip for 15-20 seconds. Stack with parchment paper between.
- In a blender, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Combine with cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Blend until creamy, then chill until ready.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of filling on one side of a blintz wrapper. Fold edges over to create a bundle, seam side down in a greased baking dish.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake filled blintzes for 10 minutes or until heated through and slightly golden.
- Combine cherries, 2/3 cup water, and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Dissolve cornstarch in remaining water and whisk into sauce. Cook until thickened.
- Drizzle warm cherry sauce over baked blintzes. Garnish with whipped cream or a sprinkle of confectioners' sugar if desired.