Crepe vs. Blintz: What’s the Difference and Which Is Better?

Crepes and blintz are comparable sweets in that they are both delightful, adaptable, suitable for a variety of events, and as delicate and light as air. However, one is French and the other is Jewish, thus they are from distinct cuisines. So, what is the difference between crepes and blintz?

Blintzes are Jewish, whereas crepes are French. Crepes and blintzes are created from the same components, although they are made in distinct ways. After flipping and stuffing the blintzes, they are fried in butter. Crepes are finished once they have been flipped. Blintzes are filled with soft cheese, while crepes are often filled with hazelnut spread.

Blintzes and crepes are served differently since they are similar but not the same. However, in order to know which to utilize with which sides, you must first understand the distinctions between them. As a result, in the following sections, I will explain the distinctions between blintz and crepes, as well as how to mix them.

Crepe vs. Blintz: Differences 

This is why crepes and blintz are not the same dessert pastry.

Origin

Crepes and blintz have quite distinct beginnings. They emerge on opposing sides of Europe for quite different reasons. While crepes first originated about the 13th century, blintz appeared significantly earlier.

Crepes are said to have appeared by chance, while blintz are thought to have appeared by purpose. According to the tale regarding crepes, a woman whisked milk, flour, and eggs in a hurry to create meals for her husband.

She whisked the ingredients together and cooked the batter on a skillet, ladle after ladle, not understanding what to do. She utilized those substances since they were available to her at the time. [1]

Blintzes, on the other hand, were created as an homage to the sun, which gives life. Many societies worshiped the sun because they relied heavily on agriculture, and the sun played an important role in the quality and quantity of their harvests.

The Eastern Slavs were no exception to this sun-worshipping culture, and since they lived in frigid climates, the sun was revered as a deity. So they decided to make the blintz as a tribute to the sun by making them circle-shaped like the sun.

Preparation and Ingredients

Crepes and blintz are made using components that you most likely already have in your kitchen. Both include eggs, milk, a little of salt, sugar, and wheat flour.

Both crepes and blintz are cooked in a pan, but the key distinction occurs after the filling. Simply put the Nutella over the crepes, fold them up, and serve. Blintz, on the other hand, is filled, wrapped, and then browned in hot butter for a few minutes.

When it comes to fillings, blintz is generally served with sour cream and soft cheeses such as ricotta. They may, however, be served with caviar or smoked salmon. The conventional crepe serving is more adaptable.

Crepes are often accompanied with cheese, jam, or hazelnut spread. They’re also accompanied with ground beef, hard cheeses, and smoked meat.They are frequently breaded and deep-fried in this situation.

Taste and Texture 

Crepes and blintz are both called neutral-tasting since they contain neither sugar or salt, despite the fact that the recipes allow for a sprinkle of salt and a teaspoon of sugar. They are, nonetheless, flavorful, since the milk and eggs provide a buttery richness.

Crepes and blintz have distinct flavors that cannot be mistaken for another dessert, despite the fact that they are neither sweet nor salty. They are both prepared using batter rather than dough and are cooked on the stovetop rather than in the oven, but you may oven-bake them if you like.

Crepes are creamier, lighter, and airier than pancakes, having a smoother and softer texture.

Crepes are also more pliable and less prone to ripping than blintz. However, if you like something softer, the crepe is the way to go.

Variations

Crepes and blintz are both quite versatile and work well with adjusted recipes. As previously said, they tolerate the addition of salt and sugar. You may also flavor the batter with butter, cheese, heavy cream, chocolate, mineral water, baking powder, spices, still water, and other extracts or syrups.

Crepes may be paired with both sweet and savory ingredients, although blintz taste best when coupled with savory and meaty ingredients.

Vegan versions of crepes and blintz are available by simply adding nondairy milk and an egg replacement.

Crepe vs. Blintz: Which Is Better?

Crepes and blintz are both delectable and very adaptable. Furthermore, they tolerate a variety of recipes and are quite easy to prepare. They are not difficult to make, and you can have a complete batch ready in less than half an hour.

Nonetheless, crepes are the smoother of the two, whereas blintzes are the rougher. If you’re not sure which to make, consider whether you like the texture to be thicker and rougher or thinner and smoother.