Clam Cakes are a beloved coastal treat, especially popular in New England, where seafood reigns supreme. These golden, crispy fritters are packed with bits of tender clams and savory seasonings, offering the perfect balance of crunch on the outside and fluffy, flavorful goodness on the inside. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or paired with a bowl of clam chowder, clam cakes are a satisfying bite of the sea.
The magic of clam cakes comes from their simplicity. Chopped fresh or canned clams are folded into a thick batter made from flour, baking powder, eggs, and milk. The batter is lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes a touch of Old Bay, garlic powder, or parsley to enhance the flavor without overpowering the clams. The star of the show remains the clam, briny, tender, and perfectly complemented by the crisp batter.
Once the batter is ready, it’s dropped by the spoonful into hot oil and fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy center dotted with juicy bits of clam in every bite. Each fritter has just the right amount of chew and crunch, making it incredibly satisfying.
Clam cakes are often served with lemon wedges and a side of tartar sauce for dipping, though some prefer a dash of hot sauce or a drizzle of malt vinegar for extra tang. They pair perfectly with a bowl of creamy clam chowder or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
Whether you enjoy them at a seaside shack or make them at home, clam cakes capture the essence of coastal comfort food. They’re simple, delicious, and always a hit at gatherings, cookouts, or family dinners. Crispy, savory, and filled with the flavor of the ocean, clam cakes are a timeless classic you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 egg
- Clam juice
- clams
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
Instructions
- Put all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Heat a frying pan with a little olive oil.
- Cook the mixture in the pan.
Mine came out a bit soggy, not sure what went wrong. 🤔
These clam cakes were amazing! So flavorful and easy to make! My kids loved them too!
I’m so glad to hear that! My kids loved them too! 😍 Such a winner for family dinners!
I tried this recipe and it completely flopped for me! What did I do wrong? 🤔
Tried these at a party, they were a hit! Everyone loved ’em!
Glad to hear they were a hit! Clam cakes are the best party food. 🎉
I followed the recipe but they didn’t turn out right. I think I added too much clam juice. Anyone else have this problem?
I think clam juice can be tricky, I added too much once too and they were too salty. Maybe try reducing it next time!
Great recipe! But I think you need more flour, right? They were a bit too gooey.
Not what I expected. I mean, clams in a cake? Kinda weird, but gave it a shot. Not terrible, but not my fave. 2 stars.
Clams in a cake might sound odd, but they can be really tasty! I loved this recipe when I tried it. Give it another shot!
Ew, clams in a cake? That sounds gross! Cake is for sweets, not seafood! 1 star for this madness.
Yummy! These taste like the coast! Thanks for sharing your mom’s recipe. 🙂
I was skeptical about using clam juice, but these turned out great! Really unique flavor.
I totally agree! Clam juice adds such a depth of flavor. Who knew it could be so good? 🍽️
Clam juice?? Really? I ain’t sure about that. Sounds kinda gross to me. 🤔
How can you even call this a recipe? All you do is mix stuff! Not impressed.
Clam cakes? Never heard of this before, but I gave it a shot and not disappointed!
5 stars!!! My family loved this recipe! Thank you sooo much!
These clam cakes are so good! Just like my grandma used to make. Thanks for sharing!
Glad you liked them! My grandma also had a special touch. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
🤢 These were awful. I don’t know who would want to eat this.
I’m sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy them! I think it’s an acquired taste. 😅
Ugh, clam cakes?! No thanks! Who wants to eat that stuff anyway? 🤷♂️
Not what I expected… they were kinda mushy. Shoulda added more flour!
Yummy! I love clams. This is a win! 🙂
I’m glad you liked it! Clams are the best! 😍
I followed the recipe but it turned out too salty. Maybe cut back on the clam juice?
Clams in a cake? Sounds weird.
Eww, that sounds gross. How can you put clams in a cake? That’s just wrong.
I thought the same at first, but they’re actually really delicious! Give it a try.
Really easy to make, but missing some flavor. What can I add to make it better?
I thought this recipe would be better… but it was kinda bland. Add more spices next time.
How do you even get clams? I only see them canned in the store. Can you use shrimp instead?
Pretty good for a quick recipe. I added some spices and made it more interesting.
I don’t think these are authentic clam cakes. My grandma used way more ingredients. Disappointed.
So easy to make and my kids actually ate them! Who knew?
Super simple! My kids loved them although they thought they were cookies at first haha!
Yummy but too salty. Maybe I added too much clam juice? Not sure if I’d try again.
Too salty? That’s surprising. I thought the clam flavor was great! But yeah, can’t hurt to tweak the ingredients.
I totally get it! Clam juice can be really salty. Maybe try using a little less next time. Hope you give it another shot!
These clam cakes are so delicious! My husband loved them! Will definitely make again.
When you say clams, I think of the ocean! My grandma used to make something similar but with more ingredients.
Clams? Seriously? 🤮
Can I substitute something for the clams? I’m not a fan of seafood. Maybe chicken?
Not really! Clams give it that unique flavor. You might not like it with chicken, trust me.
Chicken would totally change the dish! It’s a clam cake after all. Maybe try veggies instead?
These clam cakes are a family favorite! So easy to make!