If you’re craving the flavor of traditional cheese blintzes but want a beautiful presentation and a simpler process, this Blintz Layer Cake is your answer. It transforms delicate crepes and sweet cheese filling into a stunning stacked cake that looks as good as it tastes.
Perfect for special breakfasts, weekend brunches, or elegant dessert tables, this no-bake cake captures all the charm of Eastern European comfort food—with a modern twist.
Ingredients
Makes 8–10 servings
For the Crepes (you’ll need about 10–12)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Filling
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese or farmer’s cheese
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Fresh berries
- Berry compote or jam
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream or honey drizzle
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time (for crepes): 20 minutes
- Chill time: 2 hours (for setting the cake)
- Total time: Approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crepe Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla until smooth.
- Let the batter rest for 15–20 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to eliminate air bubbles and improve texture.
Step 2: Cook the Crepes
- Heat a lightly buttered non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter into the skillet, swirling quickly to coat the bottom.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, until golden. Transfer to a plate and repeat until all batter is used. Cool crepes completely.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add ricotta, sour cream, powdered sugar, lemon zest, and vanilla. Mix until creamy and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one crepe on a serving plate and spread 3–4 tablespoons of the cheese filling over it.
- Repeat the layers—crepe, filling—until all crepes are used, ending with a crepe on top.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Just before serving, top with fresh berries, jam, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Slice like a cake and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 10 grams |
| Total Fat | 18 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 29 grams |
| Sugar | 10 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 220 milligrams |
| Calcium | 12% DV |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
Why You’ll Love It
- Elegant presentation – Makes a great alternative to traditional cakes or pastries
- Make-ahead friendly – Assembles quickly and sets in the fridge
- Customizable – Easily flavored with different jams, zests, or flavored syrups
- High in protein – Thanks to ricotta and cream cheese
- Less sugar – Naturally sweetened with cheese and mild sugar, with room for reduced-sugar adjustments
Variations to Try
- Add fruit layers – Thinly sliced strawberries or bananas between layers
- Flavor the filling – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract for a unique twist
- Go savory – Omit sugar and lemon zest, and use a spinach or smoked salmon filling
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free flour blend for the crepes
This Blintz Layer Cake is a delightful reinvention of a classic dish. By layering paper-thin crepes with a creamy, tangy cheese filling, you create a showpiece that’s both nostalgic and modern. Whether served at brunch or for dessert, it’s sure to impress—and it’s easier than it looks.