Basic Crepe Recipe

Prep: 120 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: French

Delicate and versatile crepes with a slightly crispy edge, perfect for sweet or savory fillings. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or light desserts, appealing to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cup plain flour
  • 1/2 cup self-rising flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup cold water

Instructions

  1. Put the liquids, eggs, and salt into a blender, then add the flours and blend at top speed for 1 minute.
  2. If bits of flour stick to the sides of the jar, push down with a rubber spatula and pulse 3 to 4 times.
  3. The batter should be a very light cream, just thick enough to coat a wooden spoon.
  4. If it is too thick, pour in additional water to reach the desired consistency.
  5. Cover and chill for 2 hours.
  6. Brush a 7-inch bottom diameter skillet with oil and set over moderately high heat until the pan is just beginning to smoke.
  7. Remove from heat and pour about 1/4 cup of the batter into the middle of the pan.
  8. Quickly tilt the pan in all directions so batter covers the bottom in a thin film.
  9. Pour any excess batter that does not adhere immediately back into the bowl.
  10. Return the pan to the heat and cook for 60 to 80 seconds.
  11. Toss the pan to loosen the crepe and, with a spatula, lift the edge; grasp with fingers and roll toward the center and gently flip to brown the other side for 30 seconds.
  12. Grease the skillet again by rubbing the surface with a paper towel dipped in a small amount of oil. Continue preparing remaining batter.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, let the batter rest longer than 2 hours, ideally overnight. If you don't have self-rising flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour and add 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder. Ensure your pan is adequately heated to achieve the perfect golden color, and remember to grease it between batches for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these crepes with a variety of fillings, such as fresh fruits, whipped cream, or Nutella for a sweet treat. For a savory option, try filling them with sautéed mushrooms or spinach. They pair beautifully with Strawberry Malakoff for dessert or can be used as a base for savory dishes like Sea Scallops Or Shrimp With Sweet Peppers And Snow Peas.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover crepes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat for about 30 seconds on each side or microwave them for 10-15 seconds until warmed through. You can also freeze crepes by placing parchment paper between them.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Basic Crepe Recipe contains roughly 636 calories, with 11g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (37% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2189mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).

636 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.8g 22% DV
Total Fat 12.5g 16% DV
Carbs 121.8g 44% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 27.6g 55% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2189mg 95% DV
Potassium 662.5mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 235.8mg 79% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 169.5mcg 19% DV
Vitamin C 9.6mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 476.4mg 37% DV
Iron 5.5mg 31% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator. This resting time can enhance the flavor and texture of the crepes, making them even better when cooked.

What can I use if I don't have evaporated milk?

You can substitute evaporated milk with a mixture of regular milk and heavy cream in equal parts, or use a combination of milk and a little sugar to mimic the sweetness. Almond milk or soy milk can also work if you're looking for dairy-free options.

How do I keep my crepes from sticking to the pan?

Make sure your skillet is well-greased before pouring in the batter, and re-grease it between batches. If your crepes are sticking, your pan may not be hot enough, so increase the heat slightly for better results.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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