How to Make Crepes: The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Thin Pancakes

Updated by Jamielyn Nye

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Crepes are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. This crepe recipe is your ticket to creating perfectly thin, delicate pancakes right in your own kitchen. With a buttery crisp edge and a surprisingly easy blender method, these crepes are set to become your new favorite. Whether you’re planning a special breakfast, a sophisticated brunch, or a delectable dessert, mastering How To Make Crepes will elevate your culinary skills and impress your family and friends.

If you’re a crepe enthusiast, you’ll also want to explore these related recipes: crepe filling ideas, savory crepe recipes, and a quick version using crepe with pancake mix.

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The Best Crepe Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Crepes have always held a special place in my heart, perfect for those leisurely breakfasts or elegant brunches. These French-style thin pancakes might seem intimidatingly fancy, but believe me, they are incredibly simple to make at home. We love experimenting with various flavors and types, from classic strawberry crepes to zesty lemon crepes, comforting apple crepes, and even impressive crepe cakes.

After years of experimenting with countless recipes, I can confidently say that this is the best crepe recipe out there. The batter is designed to produce thin crepes that are sturdy enough to hold fillings without tearing. They are incredibly versatile, making them ideal for a breakfast treat, a dessert indulgence, or even a savory dinner option.

For sweet crepes, the possibilities for fillings are endless. Think fresh berries, luscious cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also get creative with variations like rich chocolate crepes or decadent Nutella crepes.

Rave Reviews

“My family absolutely adores these crepes, and my husband has declared them a Saturday morning tradition! I was amazed at how easy crepes are to make – this recipe is a complete winner!”

– Ali W

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Crepes

Find the complete, printable recipe at the end of this post. For this specific batter, ingredient substitutions are not recommended to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Butter: Melted butter is crucial for creating tender crepes with those desirable crisp edges. Allow the melted butter to cool slightly before incorporating it into the batter to prevent cooking the eggs.
Milk: I typically use 2% milk, but whole milk can be used for a richer, more decadent flavor.
Eggs: Fresh eggs are essential as they provide structure and richness to the crepes.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds a subtle sweetness to the batter, balancing the other flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile. For savory crepes, simply omit the vanilla.
All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly in this classic crepe recipe, providing the right texture.

Quick Tip:

For an even simpler approach, try making crepes using pancake mix! Check out my recipe for crepes with pancake mix. You’ll only need pancake mix (either store-bought or homemade pancake mix), milk, eggs, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Crepes

Making crepe batter is incredibly quick, and cooking them only takes a few minutes per crepe. Follow these simple steps to learn how to make crepes like a pro.

Blend the Batter: In a blender, combine all the batter ingredients. Blend for 15-20 seconds until smooth. Alternatively, you can whisk the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight. This resting period is key for achieving the best texture.
Cook on a Hot Skillet: Lightly spray an 8-inch non-stick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-low heat. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of crepe batter into the hot pan. Immediately tilt and swirl the pan to spread the batter into a thin, even circle. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on the first side, until the edges start to look lightly golden and the crepe easily lifts from the pan. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until lightly browned.
Stack and Keep Warm: As you cook each crepe, stack them on a plate. To keep them warm while you finish cooking the batch, you can place the stack in a 175°F oven on a baking sheet.
Serve with Your Favorite Toppings: The fun part is choosing your toppings! Whether you prefer sweet or savory, the options are limitless. Explore some delicious topping ideas below.

Top Tips for Crepe-Making Success

The secret to truly exceptional crepes lies in letting the batter rest. Refrigerating the batter for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight, is crucial. This allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in crepes that are light, airy, and perfectly tender. Planning ahead and making the batter in advance is a great way to streamline the cooking process.

Delightful Crepe Fillings and Toppings

One of the best things about crepes is their versatility. You can customize them with a wide array of fillings and toppings to create both sweet and savory masterpieces. My personal favorite sweet combination is Nutella, sliced bananas, and fresh berries, topped with a dollop of whipped cream!

Sweet Crepe Filling Ideas:

Nutella and bananas
Fresh berries and whipped cream
Lemon curd and powdered sugar
Peaches and cream
Apple pie filling and caramel sauce
Chocolate sauce and ice cream
Peanut butter and jelly

Savory Crepe Filling Ideas:

Sautéed vegetables and scrambled eggs
Caprese filling (fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil)
Ham and cheese crepes
Scrambled eggs and crispy bacon
Spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese
Pesto, grilled chicken, and mozzarella
Sausage and apples or homemade apple butter

Creative Ways to Fold Your Crepes

There are several elegant ways to fold crepes, each offering a different presentation and eating experience.

Fold in Half: This is the simplest method, similar to folding an omelette. You can add fillings before folding or after, topping the folded crepe.
Triangle Fold: Fold the crepe in half, and then fold it in half again to create a triangle. Stack these triangles for an appealing presentation. Fillings can be added before folding or on top.
Crepe Rolls: For a burrito-style crepe, spread your filling evenly over the crepe, leaving a small border. Fold one side over the filling towards the center, then fold the opposite side completely over to create a roll.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

While crepes are best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in a zip-top bag with parchment or wax paper between each crepe to prevent sticking. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Crepes freeze exceptionally well. Double your batch and freeze half for a quick treat later. Freeze them for up to 1-2 months, and reheat in the microwave or skillet until warm. You can even enjoy them cold if you prefer!

Looking for more delicious breakfast recipes? Try these: Belgian waffles, classic French toast, easy one-hour cinnamon rolls, and fluffy German pancakes.

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Crepe Recipe

Rated 4.99 stars by 737 readers

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Author: Jamielyn Nye

This is truly the best crepe recipe for any occasion! These crepes are incredibly easy to make, especially using a blender. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Refrigeration: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 14 crepes

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Video Tutorial

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Ingredients

2 cups milk (I use 2%)
4 large eggs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, sifted if desired

Serving Suggestions: berries, syrup, Nutella, bananas

Instructions

In a blender, combine milk, eggs, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and flour. Blend for 15-20 seconds until the batter is smooth. Alternatively, whisk in a bowl until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
Heat an 8-inch frying pan or crepe pan over medium-low heat. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the hot pan, immediately tilting the pan to spread the batter evenly in a circle. Cook for about 1 minute per side, or until lightly browned. Remove from heat and stack. Repeat with remaining batter.
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, jams, pudding, Nutella, whipped cream, and nuts.

Recipe Notes

Make-Ahead Instructions: The crepe batter can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Cooked crepes can be made up to 3 days in advance.

Storage: Store leftover crepes in a zip-top bag or airtight container, layering parchment paper between each crepe. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Reheat crepes in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also warm them in the oven at 175°F for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: French

Did you try this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a star rating below!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crepes

Are crepes and pancakes the same? No, crepes are much thinner than traditional pancakes. Pancake batter typically includes baking powder, like in recipes for buttermilk pancakes, which makes them rise and become fluffy. Crepe batter does not contain baking powder, resulting in thin, delicate pancakes.

What exactly is a crepe? Crepes are thin, French-style pancakes known for their delicate yet sturdy texture. This easy crepe recipe is made from a simple batter of milk, eggs, melted butter, sugar, and flour, often with vanilla and salt for added flavor.

How do you know when crepes are cooked properly? Crepes are ready to flip when small bubbles begin to appear on the surface and the edges start to turn a light golden brown. They cook quickly, so watch them closely!

What should the texture of crepes be? Properly made crepes should be soft and tender, with a slightly crispy edge. They should be thin enough to fold easily but sturdy enough to hold fillings without tearing.

Categories: Breakfast Recipes, Desserts, Freezer-Friendly Recipes, Make-Ahead Breakfasts, No-Bake Desserts, Nut-Free Recipes, Reader Favorites, Savory Breakfast Ideas, Stovetop Recipes, Sweet Breakfast Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes

Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator behind I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and is passionate about sharing easy, family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.

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