If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch dish that’s both elegant and delicious, Crepes are the perfect choice. Thin, delicate, and versatile crepes can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, making them a crowd-pleaser among foodies of all ages.
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With this crepes recipe, you can create a dish that will impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The crepes have a light and tender texture and are easy to make once you pour and swag the batter in the pan.
Whether you load them with fruit, whipped cream, or savory fillings like bacon and cheese or mushrooms and spinach, these crepes are an elegant way to start the day or end a meal.
WHAT ARE CREPES?
Crepes are a type of thin French pancake made from a batter of eggs, milk, flour, and butter.
They can be served in many different ways, ranging from sweet to savory. Sweet options may include fillings of fruit, Nutella, or whipped cream, while savory crepes often contain cheese, ham, or vegetables.
What makes crepes special is their delicate texture and versatility in terms of flavor options. These light and thin pancakes can be enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch dish, a light lunch or dinner, or even as a dessert option.
Their versatility allows for endless possibilities and variations, making them a favorite among those who love trying new flavors and recipes.
❤️ WHY THIS IS THE BEST CREPES RECIPE
- Easy: This crepes recipe is easy to make, even for beginners. The batter comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients.
- Versatile: The crepes can be filled with sweet or savory ingredients, making them a great option for any meal. They can be breakfast crepes filled with fruit and yogurt or dinner crepes filled with chicken and vegetables.
- Delicious: This recipe produces thin, delicate crepes that are both tender and flavorful. Unlike some recipes that result in tough or rubbery crepes, these are light and airy with a subtle flavor that complements any filling.
- Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re making breakfast for the family or hosting a dinner party, these crepes are sure to please.
- Adaptable: Not only is this recipe easy and versatile, but it’s also adaptable. You can easily adjust the ingredients to make more or fewer crepes or modify the recipe to suit your dietary restrictions. Want gluten-free or dairy-free crepes? This recipe can accommodate those changes.
📝 INGREDIENTS
You only need simple ingredients from your pantry to make this delicious crepes recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
All-purpose flour: It will give the recipe structure and act as the base of the batter.
Egg: We’ll also need a large egg to act as a binding agent in the batter. It will help the ingredients meld together and create a cohesive texture.
Milk: You’ll need some milk to moisten and smooth the batter.
Vanilla: We’ll also need some vanilla to give the recipe its signature flavor and aroma.
Sugar: We’ll use sugar to sweeten the recipe and balance out the other ingredients. As the recipe bakes, the sugar will create a crisp, caramelized surface on the top.
Melted butter: You’ll need some melted butter to give the recipe richness and infuse it with a toasty, nutty flavor.
🥄 HOW TO MAKE CREPES
Making crepes at home is incredibly easy. Let's look at home to make it step by step:
Step 1
Begin by mixing together sugar, vanilla, and one egg in a bowl until they are fully combined.
Step 2
Add in your melted butter and beat for one minute until the mixture is well combined.
Step 3
Once the butter is fully incorporated, it’s time to add in the flour. Whisk until the flour is completely combined with the other ingredients.
Step 4
Add milk gradually to the batter, aiming for a smooth batter that doesn’t contain any lumps. It's time to refrigerate your batter once you’ve achieved the perfect consistency. Cover it up and place it in the fridge for roughly 45 minutes to an hour.
Step 5
Lightly grease a nonstick pan with a bit of butter or cooking spray. Once the pan is heated, pour a half cup of the crepe batter.
Step 6
Take the pan off the heat and give it a swirl, ensuring that your batter coats the bottom in an even layer. If you notice any holes, use a bit of extra batter to fill those in. You’ll know it’s time to flip your crepe over once it’s dried out and has lost its shine.
Step 7
Once both sides of your crepe have cooked through, gently remove it from the pan and place it on a plate.
👩🏽🍳 PRO TIPS
Properly heat the pan: To ensure your crepes cook evenly, ensure your pan is well heated before adding the batter.
Use a ladle or a measuring cup: To get just the right amount of batter on your pan each time, use a ladle or a measuring cup to pour the batter on the pan.
Wait to flip: Wait until the edges of the crepe begin to lift before flipping it. This will help to ensure that the crepe is fully cooked and won’t tear apart when you flip it.
Don’t let the pan dry out: Keep your non-stick pan lightly greased with butter or oil to prevent the crepes from sticking or drying out.
Don’t stack hot crepes: Once they are out of the pan, don’t stack them immediately, as the trapped heat will make them soggy. Allow them to cool down before you start stacking them.
Use a blender: You can use a blender to mix the ingredients. Add the wet ingredients to a blender, then the dry ingredients. Pulse 7 or 8 times and then strain the mixture to ensure no lumps.
📋 VARIATIONS
This crepes recipe is delicious, but if you're looking to customize it, here are some ideas you can try:
- Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate flavor. Serve with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a decadent dessert.
- Fruit: Add sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries to the batter before cooking. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a healthy breakfast or snack.
- Savory: Add chopped herbs and grated cheese to the batter for a flavorful base. Fill cooked crepes with sautéed vegetables, crispy bacon, and a sprinkle of cheese for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Pancake-style: Add baking powder and vanilla extract to the batter for fluffier, thicker crepes that resemble American pancakes. Serve with maple syrup and butter for a classic breakfast meal.
- Gluten-free: Instead of regular all-purpose flour, try gluten-free all-purpose flour keeping all the ingredient ratios the same.
👪 SERVING SIZE
This recipe serves three people.
🍽️ HOW TO SERVE IT
- Sweet and Simple: Dust the crepes with powdered sugar and serve them with a generous dollop of whipped cream and seasonal fruits for a perfect dessert.
- Savory Delight: Use the crepes as a base for a savory filling such as bacon, cheese, and spinach. Roll them up and bake for a few minutes before serving them for an easy and tasty lunch or dinner option.
- Breakfast Variation: Fill your crepes with scrambled eggs, bacon, and avocado for a yummy twist on a classic breakfast dish.
- Chocolate Lovers: Spread a layer of Nutella or chocolate sauce over the crepes, then top with fresh berries and whipped cream for a heavenly dessert.
- Festive Treat: Fill your crepes with cinnamon, sugar, and favorite fruits, such as apples or pears. Warm them up in the oven and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect fall or winter treat.
💬 FAQ
Ensure to heat the pan over medium heat before adding the batter. Brush the pan with butter or oil before adding the batter, and tilt the pan to evenly distribute the batter.
When the edges of the crepe start to lift and the center no longer looks runny, it is ready to be flipped. Use a thin spatula to gently lift the edges of the crepe and flip it over.
Yes, you can store leftover crepes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently heat the crepes in the oven, microwave, or a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Yes, the crepe batter can be prepared 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it.
You can use any non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond, soy, or coconut milk. Just make sure to choose an unsweetened version for the best results.
🌡️ STORING
To store leftovers of this Crepes recipe, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Place them in the refrigerator; they should last up to three days.
To reheat, you can either warm them up in the microwave or heat them up on a skillet over low heat with a bit of butter until they are warm and soft.
Unfortunately, this recipe may not be the best candidate for freezing. Crepes do not store well in the freezer as they become dry and tough when reheated.
📣 MORE RECIPES YOU'LL LOVE
📖 Recipe
Easy Crepes Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- In a bowl, add sugar, vanilla, and the egg. Whisk until combined.
- Add the butter and beat for one minute.
- Add the flour and whisk until combined.
- Add the milk gradually while whisking until you get a smooth lump free batter.
- Cover the batter and refrigerate for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Lightly grease a nonstick pan, add a half cup of crepes, remove the pan from heat and swirl it, so the batter coats the bottom of the pan. If the crepes have holes, pour a small amount from the batter to cover the holes.
- The batter will quickly dry, and the moment it loses its shine, turn it over.
- When the crepes are fully cooked, gently place them on a plate.
Notes
- You can mix the ingredients in a blender to save time. First, add the wet ingredients to the blender, then the dry. Pulse 8 times and then run through a strainer in case of lumps.
- It is essential to refrigerate the batter. The longer, the better.
- Heat the pan before pouring the batter but remove the pan from the stove when pouring the batter.
- Crepes do not freeze well. It's best to store them in the fridge.
- The serving size depends on the size of the pan you are using. I have used an 8" pan.
angiesrecipes
Simple, easy and not to mention that they are yummy 🙂
munatycooking
They are yummy indeed :). Thanks, Angie!
Hollie Burgess
Ohhhh need to give these a go. My son would love them.
munatycooking
Don't forget the Nutella 😉
susan
You had me at Nutella and Strawberry Crepes! I remember a great restaurant in LA that only served crepes, and I miss it so much! I can hardly wait to make some myself! pinned
Nicole Crocker
This brings back warm memories for me. When I was a little girl my grandmother used to make me crepes every time I slept over. It was my absolute favorite breakfast treat! They can be filled with so many yummy fillings but I always end up just simply spreading them with jam and rolling them up or pouring Vermont maple syrup on them. Yum!
munatycooking
That sounds delicious Nicole!
Helen Little
I love how you've given a foolproof crepe recipe here! And all the suggestions for both sweet and savoury dishes. Nutella has to be one of my favourites. On pancake day in the UK, many of us just have lemon and sugar which is simple but good!
munatycooking
Lemon and sugar is amazing on these crepes, but Nutella always wins 🙂
Aditi Wardhan Singh
I had heavenly crepes once but since have been looking to make them at home. This is a great recipe that I'm sure will give me what my heart desires. Thanks for sharing.
Cathy
Nutella and Banana crepes are my absolute favorite! Thank you so much for the recipe - I can't wait to try them at home now!
munatycooking
You are welcome 🙂
Alghalya
Hi!
There used to be a crepe recipe with a saffron sauce.
I can’t find the recipe to the saffron sauce anymore .
Do you mind sharing again?
Muna
Hi Aghalya. Yes, I had that recipe on the blog but I'll be working on it to make it better and then upload it again. If you are a subscriber you will get notifed by email when it is published.