How To Make Crepes Recipe Video

I originally published this recipe in 2015 and have since added new photos, a video tutorial, and more helpful success tips. Have you ever made these before? Though it may seem complicated, making restaurant-quality crepes at home isn’t very difficult. Today I’m walking you through the entire process including crucial success tips, the best 8 ingredients to use, why I use a blender, and a multitude of filling ideas. I began making these a few years ago, and have eaten my fair share at cafes, restaurants, farmers’ markets, and catered events, learning A LOT along the way. My recipe hasn’t changed, but my method has improved. Consider this your Ultimate Guide to Crepes!

What Are Crepes?

Crepes are thin and delicate French-style pancakes made without any leavener. When made correctly, they’re as thin as lace with irresistible buttery crisp edges. Crepes are popular at restaurants and catered events and I’ve even seen crepe stations at wedding receptions, too! Though they’re usually a breakfast or brunch option, crepes are welcome any time of day, including dinner or dessert. Filled with anything from whipped cream and berries to meats, sauce, and vegetables, crepes aren’t picky about when you enjoy them. 😉 Crepe recipes vary, but most include flour, liquid (milk and/or water), and salt. Restaurants usually make them with a specialty pan, but a regular skillet works in any home kitchen. Why are they a favorite? Crepes are popular because their versatility makes them FUN to eat. Rolled up or folded, you can stuff and top them with virtually anything. Nutella, whipped cream, and berries is a common choice, but savory fillings work just as well. Fold or roll them up and enjoy trying a variety of fillings and flavors. You’re definitely not limited!

You can also make crepe cake!

Overview: How to Make Crepes

How to Make Crepes Ahead of Time

You can make the crepe batter up to 1 day in advance. Seal tightly in your blender or pour into a mixing bowl and cover tightly, then prepare crepes the next day. Crepes are best enjoyed right away, but you can make a batch and store in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 days. Reheat in the microwave or arrange on a lined baking sheet (they can overlap). Cover with aluminum foil and warm in a 275°F (135°C) degree oven for 10 minutes. You can also freeze crepes—see instructions below.

Key Ingredients

The recipe is written out below, but it’s important you understand why each ingredient is used. This is a delicate batter, so substitutions aren’t recommended.

Unsalted Butter: Butter is a key ingredient. Have extra butter handy for the skillet. All-Purpose Flour: Flour is another key ingredient, providing the overall structure. I haven’t tried any successful gluten-free alternatives, but let me know if you do! Granulated Sugar: These are lightly sweetened; you only need 1 Tablespoon of sugar. Salt: A pinch of salt adds flavor. Whole Milk & Water: Crepe batter needs liquid. Using all water created a limp and lacking crepe, while using all milk created a heavy crepe. For the best texture, use a mix of both. Eggs: As they do in pancake batter, eggs provide structure and bind all the ingredients together. Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor—you’ll definitely smell the vanilla as you cook these on the stove! Feel free to leave it out if you make savory-style crepes.

By themselves, crepes aren’t heavily flavored at all. That’s why the texture is crucial (keep them thin!).

Crepes Success Tips

Crepe Fillings & Toppings

Crepes are a blank canvas for many different fillings and toppings. Though I’m all about going overboard with toppings like Nutella & bananas or apple pie filling & melted peanut butter, sometimes it’s nice to keep things simple! Pictured is my favorite whipped cream flavored with fresh orange juice. You could use a splash of orange liqueur if you have some, too. Whip into medium peaks before filling or topping your crepes. I also serve these with tons of fresh berries. Lightly sweetened, the burst of fruit and citrus is a welcome refresher! With such a simple accompaniment, the crepes themselves truly shine. Plenty more crepe filling inspiration for you: Or try the always delicious Crepes Suzette!