These Sweet Crepes with Farmer’s Cheese Filling are the ultimate comfort food, straight from the heart of Lithuania 🇱🇹. Delicate, golden crepes are wrapped around a rich, slightly sweet farmer’s cheese filling, then pan-fried until crispy and caramelized on the outside. The creamy center, paired with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of jam or berry compote, creates a dessert (or even a meal!) that’s pure nostalgic bliss. 💛
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine Lithuanian
Servings 8 crepes
Calories 200 kcal
For the Crepes:
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp sugar (optional)
- 2 tbsp neutral oil or melted butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
For the Sweet Cheese Filling:
- 1 ½ cups farmer’s cheese (full-fat, ideally)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract (optional)
- Optional add-ins: lemon zest, raisins, cinnamon
For Frying:
- Butter or oil (as needed)
To Serve:
- Sour cream
- Jam or berry compote
- Optional: powdered sugar or fresh berries
Step 1 – Make the Crepe Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, oil, and half the milk.
In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt.
Gradually whisk the flour mixture into the wet mixture to create a smooth paste.
Slowly add the remaining milk while whisking until you have a thin, smooth batter.
Let the batter rest for 20 minutes, then check the consistency—add a splash of milk or water if needed.
Step 2 – Cook the Crepes:
Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat and lightly grease.
Pour in a ladleful of batter, swirl to coat, and cook for 60–70 seconds.
Flip and cook the other side for 30–60 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter.
Step 3 – Prepare the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, mash the farmer’s cheese until smooth.
Mix in the egg, sugar, and vanilla. Add any optional extras.
Step 4 – Fill and Fry the Crepes:
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each crepe.
Fold the crepe into a square or envelope shape.
Heat a little oil or butter in a pan and fry the filled crepes on medium-low for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown.
These Sweet Crepes with Farmer’s Cheese Filling are the ultimate comfort food, straight from the heart of Lithuania 🇱🇹. Delicate, golden crepes are wrapped around a rich, slightly sweet farmer’s cheese filling, then pan-fried until crispy and caramelized on the outside. The creamy center, paired with a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of jam or berry compote, creates a dessert (or even a meal!) that’s pure nostalgic bliss. 💛
Whether you serve them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these sweet cheese crepes—Lietiniai Blynai—are a family favorite for a reason.
🧀 What Are Lithuanian Crepes?
In Lithuanian cuisine, crepes (lietiniai blynai) are a beloved staple. Unlike thick pancakes, these are whisper-thin, soft, and versatile—perfect for savory or sweet fillings. While fillings can range from sautéed mushrooms to minced meat, the most loved version by far is the one with a sweet farmer’s cheese filling. 😍
Though traditionally considered a breakfast dish, many Lithuanian families—like mine—enjoy them any time of day. I remember watching my mom fry up golden crepes in the kitchen, the scent drawing us in like moths to a flame. They were always served warm, topped with cool sour cream and sweet jam—sometimes even packed cold in my school lunchbox the next day!
📝 Ingredients
For the Crepes:
-
3 large eggs 🥚
-
1–2 tsp sugar (optional, helps with browning)
-
2 tbsp neutral oil or melted butter 🧈
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2 cups milk (whole milk recommended) 🥛
-
1 cup all-purpose flour (aka plain flour)
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Pinch of salt 🧂
For the Sweet Cheese Filling:
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1½ cups farmer’s cheese (varškė) – full-fat preferred
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1 large egg
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2–3 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
-
1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract (optional)
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Optional add-ins: lemon zest 🍋, raisins, or a pinch of cinnamon
For Cooking:
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Butter or oil – for frying crepes and stuffed parcels
For Serving:
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Sour cream 😋
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Jam or berry compote 🍓
-
Fresh berries or powdered sugar (optional)
🧀 What is Farmer’s Cheese (Varškė)?
Varškė is a traditional Lithuanian fresh farmer’s cheese, with a soft, crumbly texture and slightly tangy flavor—similar to quark or dry cottage cheese. Made by curdling milk and draining the whey, it’s protein-rich and incredibly versatile.
If you can’t find Lithuanian-style varškė, try substituting with:
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Dry curd cottage cheese (drained)
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Quark
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Ricotta (well-drained, though texture is softer)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crepe Batter
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, oil, and half the milk.
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In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, whisking vigorously until a smooth paste forms.
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Add the remaining milk slowly, whisking until you have a smooth, pourable batter (like heavy cream consistency).
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Let the batter rest for 20 minutes to hydrate.
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Check thickness: If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of milk or cold water.
Step 2: Cook the Crepes
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Heat a non-stick or crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
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Pour a ladle of batter into the pan and swirl to coat in a thin, even layer.
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Cook for 60–70 seconds until the edges lift slightly and the bottom is golden.
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Flip with a spatula and cook the second side for 30–60 seconds.
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Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter.
➡️ Pro tip: Don’t worry if the first crepe isn’t perfect—it’s the “test crepe” in every Lithuanian kitchen!
Step 3: Make the Farmer’s Cheese Filling
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In a large bowl, mash the farmer’s cheese with a fork or potato masher.
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Add egg, sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth and creamy.
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Stir in any extras like raisins, lemon zest, or cinnamon if using.
Step 4: Fill and Fry the Crepes
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Place a heaping spoonful of filling in the center of each crepe.
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Fold the sides inward, then the top and bottom, to form a neat square or envelope.
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Optional: Refrigerate assembled crepes for later frying.
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Heat a bit of butter or oil in a pan over medium-low heat.
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Fry each filled crepe for 4–6 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
➡️ If crepes are thick, cover the pan briefly with a lid to warm the center through.
🍽️ How to Serve
Serve your Lithuanian sweet crepes warm and golden, with:
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A generous dollop of sour cream
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A spoonful of jam or berry compote
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Optional: dust with powdered sugar, or top with fresh berries for extra flair
These are just as tasty the next day, cold or reheated!
🧊 Storage Tips
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Store leftover crepes (filled or unfilled) in the fridge for 2–3 days.
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Keep them in an airtight container or stack them on a plate and cover with cling film—or do it the old-school way and cover them with another plate!
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Reheat in a pan or microwave when ready to serve.
💬 Final Thoughts
Sweet crepes with farmer’s cheese are more than just a recipe—they’re a taste of Lithuanian tradition, family warmth, and nostalgic comfort. Whether you're introducing these to your loved ones or reliving your childhood memories, they’re bound to bring smiles to the table. ❤️
Keyword cheese blintzes, crepes with filling, Eastern European desserts, farmer’s cheese filling, lietiniai blynai, Lithuanian crepes, sweet crepes