Looking for an easy crepe recipe? Look no further! This fool-proof and delicious crepe recipe requires just a few pantry ingredients. Make these mouthwatering crepes in minutes for a delightful breakfast or dessert.
What is a Crepe?
A crepe is a type of thin pancake that originated in France. It is made from a simple batter consisting of flour, eggs, milk, and butter. Crepes are cooked on a hot griddle or skillet, resulting in a thin and flexible pancake with a slightly crispy edge. They can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory fillings, such as fruits, Nutella, cheese, ham, or vegetables, making them a versatile and popular choice for meals and desserts.
Make Sweet or Savory Crepes
You can make both sweet and savory crepes. Sweet crepes are popularly filled with ingredients such as Nutella, fruits, maple syrup, whipped cream, or sprinkled with powdered sugar. On the other hand, savory crepes are typically filled with ingredients like cheese, ham, eggs, vegetables, or herbs. The versatility of crepes allows you to explore different flavor combinations based on your preferences.
Crepe Ingredients
- Melted Butter: You should allow the melted butter to cool for a few minutes before adding it to the batter. This prevents it from scrambling the batter.
- Milk: We recommend low fat milk for a balance of flavor and texture. However, you can also use whole milk if you prefer a richer taste.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs are crucial for providing structure to the crepes. Also make sure to use room temperature eggs as they blend more easily into the batter.
- Sugar: It adds a subtle sweetness to the crepe batter and enhances the overall flavor of the crepes.
- Vanilla: It adds a delightful aroma and taste. If you're making savory crepes, you can omit it.
- Salt: It helps to enhance the overall taste of the crepes.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for this recipe, providing the desired consistency and texture.
How To Make Crêpes
Making crepes at home is easier than you might think, and the key lies in mastering the perfect crepe batter. With a few simple ingredients and a little know-how, you'll be able to whip up a delicious batch of crepes in no time.
Making The Crepe Batter
Whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
In a separate measuring cup, whisk together the wet ingredients.
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until well combined. Whisk the batter until it reaches a smooth consistency, ensuring it has a runny and watery texture. If needed, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of extra milk to achieve the desired consistency. Allow the batter rest while you preheat your pan.
❗ Note: Crepe batter is similar to pancake batter, but it has a thinner consistency. While pancake batter is typically thicker and more pourable, crepe batter is runnier and spreads easily when poured onto a hot pan.
Spreading The Crepe Batter
- Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat.
- Once the pan is hot, pour a small amount of batter onto the center of the preheated pan. The exact amount will depend on the size of your pan and the desired thickness of your crepes.
- Immediately lift the pan from the heat and tilt it in a circular motion to spread the batter evenly across the surface. The goal is to create a thin, circular crepe. If needed, use a spatula or the back of a spoon to help spread the batter further, ensuring it covers the entire pan.
- Return the pan to the heat and cook the crepe until the edges start to turn golden brown and the batter appears set. Gently loosen the edges of the crepe with a spatula, then carefully flip the crepe to cook the other side for a short time or until light brown.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
Fold or Roll Your Crepes
It's time to fold or roll them. Here's how you can do it:
Place the cooked crepe on a flat surface, such as a clean cutting board or plate. Decide on the filling you want to use. It can be sweet or savory, depending on your preference.
- Fold: If you want to fold the crepe, simply fold it in half, bringing one side over to meet the other side. You can also fold it in half again to create a triangle shape.
- Roll: If you prefer to roll the crepe, place your desired filling in a line along the center of the crepe. Then, gently roll the crepe from one end to the other, enclosing the filling inside.
Repeat the folding or rolling process with the remaining crepes and fillings. Once all the crepes are folded or rolled, you can serve them immediately or garnish them with toppings like powdered sugar, fresh fruits, or sauces.
Whether you fold them into neat triangles or roll them like a delicious wrap, the choice is yours. Get creative with your fillings and enjoy your folded or rolled crepes!
How to Store Leftover Crepes
Place the crepes in a zip-top bag or a covered container. Layer parchment paper between each crepe to prevent sticking. If storing in the refrigerator, keep them there for up to three days. If freezing, we recommend to place a piece of wax paper or parchment paper between each crepe. Store the crepes in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to Make and Store Crepes Ahead of Time
Make the batter according to the recipe. Transfer it to an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before using it to make crepes. Just give the batter a good whisk before using it, as it may separate or settle during storage.
Favorite Fillings
There are countless delicious fillings that can be enjoyed with crepes. Some popular and tasty options include:
Sweet fillings
- Nutella and sliced bananas
- Fresh berries with maple syrup
- Lemon juice and powdered sugar
- Whipped cream and chocolate sauce
- Cream cheese and strawberry jam
Savory Crepe fillings
- Spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes
- Chicken, mushrooms, and creamy garlic sauce
- Smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh dill
- Ham, Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard
- Ratatouille (a medley of sautéed vegetables)
- Bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise (BLT)
- Goat cheese, caramelized onions, and balsamic glaze
- Shredded chicken, avocado, and salsa
- Roasted vegetables with hummus or tahini sauce
- Beef or lamb, grilled vegetables, and tzatziki sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use the same crepe batter to make both sweet and savory crepes. Just adjust the fillings and toppings according to your preferences.
Yes, just use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that all the ingredients used are gluten-free.
Ideally, crepes should be thin and delicate. You can achieve the desired thickness by pouring a small amount of batter into the pan and quickly swirling it around to create a thin, even layer.
When made with wholesome ingredients and paired with nutritious fillings, French crepes can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. As with any food, moderation and mindful choices are key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What's the Difference Between Crepes and Pancakes?
French Crepes and pancakes are both popular breakfast items, but they have distinct differences:
- Texture: Crepes have a thin and delicate texture, while pancakes are thicker and fluffier. Crepes are known for their smooth, slightly crispy exterior and tender interior, while pancakes are light and fluffy throughout.
- Batter: Crepe batter is typically made with a higher ratio of liquid to flour, resulting in a runnier consistency. Pancake batter, on the other hand, is thicker and often includes leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda to create the characteristic fluffiness.
- Cooking Method: Crepes are cooked on a hot griddle or skillet at a lower temperature, allowing the batter to spread thinly and evenly. Pancakes are cooked at a higher heat, causing the batter to rise and form bubbles, resulting in a thicker and fluffier pancake.
- Size and Shape: Crepes are larger and thinner than pancakes. They are usually rolled or folded into a cylindrical shape, while pancakes are typically smaller and round.
- Serving: Crepes are often served with various fillings or toppings, both sweet and savory, such as fruits, Nutella, whipped cream, cheese, or ham. Pancakes are commonly served stacked with butter, syrup, fruit, or other traditional pancake toppings.
More Breakfast Recipes
The Fluffiest Buttermilk Pancakes-tart your morning off right with a stack of the fluffiest buttermilk pancakes! Made with a classic buttermilk batter, these pancakes are light, airy, and oh-so-delicious.
Easy Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls-These soft and fluffy rolls are infused with a delightful blend of sweet blueberries and warm cinnamon.
Lemon Blackberry Bread- This moist and flavorful bread is bursting with the refreshing taste of zesty lemon and juicy blackberries.
Crepes with Almond Milk-Elevate your breakfast experience with our delightful Crepes with Almond Milk. These thin and delicate pancakes are made with the smooth and creamy goodness of almond milk, adding a subtle nutty flavor to each bite.
Fluffy Scrambled Eggs-With their light and airy texture, they melt in your mouth and leave you craving more.
If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I will be happy to hear from you!
Easy Crepe Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 heaping tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cup low fat milk
- 2 large egg
- ¼ cup melted butter (or oil)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- For cooking: 1 tablespoon softened butter
- For serving: berries condensed milk, Nutella, syrup, bananas
Instructions
- Make the batter: Whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
- In a measuring cup, whisk together the wet ingredients.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients. Gently fold them into the dry mixture.
- Whisk the batter until it becomes smooth, ensuring it has a runny or watery consistency. If necessary, add 1-2 tablespoons of additional milk.
- For the blender method, place all the ingredients in a blender. Blend the mixture for approximately 10 seconds or until the batter achieves a smooth consistency.
- Rest: Allow the batter to rest while you preheat a 8-inch nonstick pan over medium heat. Alternatively, you can cover the batter and refrigerate it overnight.
- Cook: Grease the pan, using a butter-soaked paper towel or silicone brush to apply a thin layer of butter. Prior to pouring out each crepe, give the batter a gentle stir to redistribute any settled ingredients.
- Heat an 8-inch frying pan over medium-low heat. Pour approximately ¼ cup of the batter into the pan, immediately tilting it from side to side to create a uniform circular shape. Cook for about 1 minute on each side, or until lightly browned. Remove from heat and stack the cooked pancakes until you are ready to serve. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
- Serve the crepes with your preferred toppings. Some of our favorite options include fresh fruit, condensed milk, jams, Nutella, and nuts.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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