National Dish Romania: Clătite cu gem (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Clătite cu gem, one of Romania’s most-loved sweet treats! These delicate, crêpe-like pancakes are folded around a fruity jam filling and taste every bit as good at breakfast as they do for pudding or a mid-afternoon snack. Whether you reach for raspberry, strawberry or apricot, they carry a genuine taste of the Romanian home kitchen. Simple to make and impossible to resist, they are the kind of comfort food that quickly becomes a firm family favourite.
About Clătite cu gem
Clătite cu gem are a traditional Romanian dish that is wonderfully easy to prepare yet deeply satisfying. These thin, pancake-like crêpes are far more than a breakfast staple — they work just as well as a dessert or a quick snack. With a choice of fruity fillings they bring a little slice of Romanian culture straight to the plate. Served with raspberry, strawberry or apricot jam, these pancakes soon earn a place among everyone’s favourites and belong to the same comforting tradition as plain Clătite.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 eggs
- 250 ml milk
- 150 g plain flour
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Butter or oil, for frying
- A selection of jams of your choice
Shopping for the ingredients
To make Clătite cu gem a success, it pays to buy your ingredients in good quality. Look for fresh eggs and good milk, as these form the very base of the pancakes’ flavour. When it comes to the jam you can follow your own taste entirely — a home-made preserve is always a lovely choice. If you can, visit a local market to pick up the freshest possible ingredients.
Preparing the dish
Getting Clătite cu gem ready is simple and fuss-free. First, make sure all your ingredients are measured out and close to hand. Next, crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk them together with the milk. Then gradually add the flour, salt and sugar, stirring the mixture until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add a little butter or oil.
- Pour a small amount of batter into the pan and swirl it so the batter spreads out evenly.
- Fry the pancake for around 2–3 minutes, until the underside is golden brown.
- Flip the pancake and fry the other side until it is golden too.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the finished pancakes as you go.
- Fill each pancake with your favourite jam and roll or fold it up.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Clătite cu gem are easily adapted to suit different dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, swap the wheat flour for a good-quality gluten-free flour or a blend of rice and buckwheat flour. To make them lactose-free, simply use lactose-free milk or a plant-based alternative such as oat or almond milk. These small adjustments mean that anyone with a food intolerance can still enjoy this little indulgence.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan take on Clătite cu gem, replace the eggs with flaxseed or a chia pudding. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it swell for a few minutes. Use a plant-based milk such as soya or coconut milk to keep the crêpes fully vegan too. When choosing your jam, check that it is made without any animal products.
More tips and tricks
To achieve perfect pancakes, make sure your pan is properly preheated so the crêpes brown evenly. Lightly grease the pan with butter or oil before pouring in the batter to stop it sticking. A great trick for making the pancakes even lighter is to add a splash of sparkling water to the batter. Experiment with different fillings, too, until you land on your own personal favourites.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Clătite cu gem are highly adaptable and can be shaped entirely around your own preferences. You could work a few herbs or spices into the batter for a special twist — a pinch of cinnamon, for instance, adds a warmer, sweeter note. You can also vary the filling and add cream cheese or even a chocolate spread, much as you would for Clătite cu ciocolată. That way you create your very own version of this traditional dish.
Ingredient substitutions
If you happen to be missing certain ingredients, there are often simple alternatives. Instead of fresh milk, for example, you can use water if you prefer a less creamy pancake. In place of sugar, natural sweeteners such as honey or agave syrup work nicely. Just be sure the substitutes sit well alongside your other ingredients before you commit to them.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off your breakfast or dessert of Clătite cu gem, here are a few drinks that pair beautifully. A fresh fruit juice or a smoothie makes the meal especially refreshing. A hot coffee or a tea of your choice suits them perfectly too. And if you are after something a little more special, try serving the pancakes with a glass of sparkling wine or a sweet liqueur.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of your Clătite can lift the whole experience. Serve the pancakes on a prettily decorated plate, perhaps garnished with fresh fruit or mint. A dusting of icing sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce also makes a lovely topping. Remember to stack your Clătite attractively to create an inviting picture on the table.
A bit of history
Clătite cu gem have a long tradition in Romanian cooking and reflect the country’s culinary variety. Originally born in the rural kitchen, over the years they have become a much-loved dish in the cities too. Pancakes in countless variations appear across many cultures, but Romanian Clătite are especially prized for their delicate texture and the range of fillings they carry. This is a popular snack, often served at family gatherings and on special occasions, right alongside classics such as Papanași and Gogoși in the wider world of Romanian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Clătite cu gem
Clătite cu gem are a versatile and delicious option that suit all manner of occasions. With a simple recipe that is easy to adapt, they bring the authentic taste of Romania straight to your table. Whether for breakfast, as a snack or for pudding, they are always a treat. Let your imagination run free and experiment with different fillings and presentations!
