Simple Homemade French Crepes

These Simple Homemade French Crepes are a deliciously easy breakfast. Top them off with a variety of toppings and fillings the whole family will love!

Our daughter, Emma, has been wanting to make crepes for a while, so for Christmas, she decided to buy Jim a crepe pan. Brilliant idea! Jim made these Simple Homemade French Crepes and they have been a huge hit with all the family! Stuff them with your favorite fillings and toppings and you are going to love them too!

What is a crepe?

A crepe is a very thin pancake. Crepes originated in Brittany, a region west of France and have become popular world wide. Crepes can be sweet or savory and filled with a variety of fillings and toppings.

The crepe below is filled with Nutella and topped with fresh strawberries, whipped cream and powdered sugar.

What is the difference between a crepe and a pancake?

Unlike pancakes, that are light and fluffy in texture, crepes are flat, thin and pliable. The difference? Pancakes require a raising agent like baking soda or baking powder whereas for crepes, there is no raising agent.

What is the difference between a sweet and savory crepe?

For sweet crepes, like the one I have used in the following recipe, sugar and vanilla are added to the batter. In addition, sweet fillings and toppings are added to complete a sweet crepe. For a savory crepe, omit the sugar and vanilla and add 1/4 tsp salt to your batter. Top with cheeses, vegetables and meats.

The crepe below is filled with Nutella and topped with bananas, thick chocolate sauce and powdered sugar.

What kind of pan should I use to make crepes?

For best results when making crepes, use a non-stick pan or crepe pan. The Cuisinart 623-24 Chef’s Classic Nonstick Hard-Anodized 10-Inch Crepe Pan, is the one we bought for Jim. It’s great for beginners and relatively inexpensive.

What kind of fillings and toppings can I use in a sweet crepe?

Nutella

Chocolate spread

Cannoli filling

Raspberry, apricot, berry preserves

Whipped cream

Chocolate sauce

Vanilla or chocolate ice cream

Caramel sauce

Strawberries, bananas, peaches, mangos, etc.

Pecans, peanuts, walnuts, etc.

For savory fillings try:

Bacon and eggs

Ham and cheese

Gruyére, brie, or other cheeses

Mushrooms, asparagus, or other vegetables

Potatoes and onions

What do I do with leftover crepes?

If you have any leftover crepes, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven or in a pan, then add your favorite fillings and toppings.

Simple Homemade French Crepes-Ingredients

• eggs
• whole milk
• water
• flour
• sugar
• vanilla
• butter to grease the pan

How to make Simple Homemade French Crepes

• Combine eggs, milk, water, flour, sugar and vanilla in bowl.
• Blend in a blender or whisk in bowl until smooth and there are no lumps.
• Heat the pan on medium heat.
• Use the butter to coat the pan.
• Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan.
• Let set, using a spatula or your fingers, flip when the edge is firm, about 2-3 minutes

• Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from the pan to a plate. Crepes can be stacked.
• Repeat until the batter is gone.
• Add fillings and toppings.

• Enjoy!

For additional sweet breakfast ideas try:

Banana Bundt Cake with Nutella Frosting

Banana Cake Bars

Blueberry Coffee Cake

Overnight Baked French Toast Casserole

Raspberry Bundt Coffee Cake

For other French recipes try:

Bacon, Egg and Cheese Crescent Rolls

Fresh Cherry Tart

Summer Fruit Tart

Rustic Peach Galette

Plum and Raspberry Galette

Potatoes Au Gratin

Zucchini and Tomato Au Gratin

Fresh Zucchini and Tomato Tart