Name: The Best Crepes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups whole milk; 4 large eggs; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup butter, melted (for the batter); 1/2 cup butter, for cooking the crepes; 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block), softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons whole milk, more or less to taste; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 and 1/2 pounds strawberries, sliced or quartered; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons strawberry jam; Fresh lemon juice with powdered or granulated sugar; Nutella; Mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries); Cinnamon sugar (2-3 teaspoons cinnamon combined with 1/3 cup sugar); Whipped cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 7 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for The Best Crepes Recipe, look no further because this one will absolutely blow your mind and transport your taste buds straight to a cozy Parisian café. These crepes are wonderfully thin, delightfully flexible, and with a buttery golden finish that is just perfect for wrapping your favorite fillings or dusting with simple sugar and lemon. Whether you enjoy them sweet or savory, making this recipe at home will have you questioning why you ever settled for store-bought. Get ready to dive into one of the most satisfying and versatile dishes that feel fancy but are incredibly simple to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a pale yellow, smooth batter with a few small bubbles on the surface sits on a white marbled table. Behind the bowl, there is a small white bowl containing several broken white eggshells with their insides visible. To the right of the batter bowl, there is an empty clear glass bowl. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface, well lit with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All you need for The Best Crepes Recipe are simple, ordinary ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistibly tender, silky texture and subtle sweetness that makes crepes so special. The balance of eggs, milk, flour, and butter ensures your batter turns out smooth and easily spreadable, while just the right touch of sugar and vanilla gives that classic crepe flavor with a delicate aroma.

2 cups whole milk: Whole milk adds richness and creaminess, so avoid low-fat for best results.
4 large eggs: Eggs lend structure and help bind the batter together.
3 tablespoons sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness; you can omit or adjust for savory versions.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma to your sweet crepes.
1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Spoon and level to avoid too much flour and keep crepes light.
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
1/4 cup melted butter (for batter): Makes the batter luscious and helps with the golden texture.
1/2 cup butter (for cooking): Keeps your crepes from sticking and adds flavor while cooking.
8 ounces cream cheese (optional filling): Creates a dreamy, creamy filling that pairs beautifully with fruit.
Strawberries and sugar (for topping): Fresh, sweet, and slightly macerated for vibrant freshness.

How to Make The Best Crepes Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Strawberry Filling

Start by washing, hulling, and slicing about 1 and 1/2 pounds of fresh strawberries. Toss them with a quarter cup of granulated sugar and two tablespoons of strawberry jam in a bowl. Let this sit for about 20 minutes so the strawberries release their juices and get beautifully macerated—a juicy topping that bursts with flavor when paired with savory crepes or creamy fillings.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

This filling is a total game changer and totally worth the extra step. Beat a block of softened cream cheese with half a cup of powdered sugar, a couple of tablespoons of whole milk, half a teaspoon of vanilla, and a pinch of salt until silky smooth. This luscious mixture complements the crepes perfectly, especially when combined with fresh strawberries or other berries.

Step 3: Make the Crepe Batter

Pop the eggs and milk into a blender, then add sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt. Blend everything until perfectly smooth. While it’s running, drizzle in the melted butter to give the batter a tender, buttery richness. This batter should be thin and pourable, perfect for swirling in the pan. If it feels thick, gently thin it with a splash more milk.

Step 4: Cook the Crepes

Heat an 8-inch pan over medium heat until very hot, then melt a little butter and swirl it around to coat the pan fully. Pour about 3 to 4 tablespoons of batter into the center, quickly tilting and swirling the pan so the batter spreads thinly and evenly. Cook for about a minute until the surface dries and the bottom is lightly golden. Carefully flip using a spatula or chopsticks and cook the second side for 10 to 20 seconds—your crepes should be tender and flexible, not crispy. Stack them on a plate as you go and enjoy the anticipation!

Step 5: Fill and Fold

Once cooked, the crepes are ready to be filled. Whether you’re spooning on the cream cheese and strawberry filling or experimenting with other ideas like Nutella or cinnamon sugar, this step lets your creativity— and taste buds—run wild. Roll them into burritos or fold into quarters and serve immediately for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

How to Serve The Best Crepes Recipe

A white plate holds a stack of four thin crepes, each folded into a triangle and lightly dusted with white powdered sugar. On top of the crepes is a small pile of bright red, sliced strawberries that contrast with the light beige color of the crepes. Around the plate, there are whole strawberries with green tops for decoration. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, and in the background, a small bowl with a creamy white topping is visible out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Creamy dollops of whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of warm honey elevate these crepes to brunch-star status. Fresh herbs like mint can add a surprising freshness, especially when using fruit fillings. The options are endless and each garnish adds a special touch that makes the dish uniquely yours.

Side Dishes

Crepes pair beautifully with light sides that don’t overshadow their delicate flavor. Think fresh fruit salads, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for savory options, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you are feeling indulgent. A hot cup of coffee or rich tea is the perfect partner, rounding out any meal featuring these delectable crepes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, try rolling your crepes into neat tubes and standing them up in a tall glass or stacking them with layers of filling exposed. Folding into quarters and arranging in a circular pattern on a large plate creates a gorgeous visual. And, of course, try filling the crepes with bold surprises like lemon and sugar for a zesty punch or cinnamon sugar and whipped cream for a cozy treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any crepes left over, don’t worry because they keep beautifully in the fridge. Just stack them on a plate, cover well with plastic wrap, and they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes for a super quick breakfast or snack on busy days.

Freezing

To store crepes longer, freeze them in a tightly sealed container or bag. You can separate each crepe with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen crepes keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when needed for a last-minute treat.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the crepes gently in a hot skillet or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them soft and flexible. Avoid overheating or they might get tough—just a few seconds and they’ll be perfect for filling and enjoying again.

FAQs

Can I make this crepe batter ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter up to 2-3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated in a sealed container. Just give it a good stir before cooking, and add a splash of milk if it feels too thick when you’re ready to use it.

What’s the secret to flipping crepes without tearing them?

The key is patience and a hot enough pan. Let the crepe cook until the edges start to lift easily, then gently loosen with a spatula and flip quickly but confidently. Thin, flexible crepes are delicate but practice helps you get the hang of it.

Can I make savory crepes using this recipe?

Yes! Just omit the sugar and vanilla from the batter and feel free to fill your crepes with cheese, sautéed veggies, or ham. The batter’s richness still makes for perfect, tender crepes no matter the filling.

Why are my crepes tearing or too thick?

If your crepes tear, the batter might be too thick or you’re using too much in the pan. Use less batter next time and swirl quickly to create a thin layer. Also make sure your pan is very hot before adding the batter.

What fillings work best with The Best Crepes Recipe?

Sweet fillings like fresh fruits, cream cheese mixtures, Nutella, or lemon sugar are classic and delicious. For savory, think spinach and cheese, mushrooms, or smoked salmon. The thinness of these crepes means they pair well with just about anything.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough how delightful it is to make and enjoy The Best Crepes Recipe right at home. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a delicious weekend brunch, these crepes bring warmth, elegance, and a little bit of magic to your table. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how easy and versatile crepes can be, and you might just find yourself making them again and again!