Classic French Breakfast

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Classic French crepes made with a simple batter of milk, flour, eggs, and sugar. Quick to prepare and versatile for any sweet filling.
Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:11:50 GMT
A stack of crepes drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream, served on a plate. Pin it
A stack of crepes drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream, served on a plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my favorite crepe recipe that brings a bit of Parisian charm right to your kitchen. I've been making these sweet crepes for years and they never fail to make any morning feel special. The best part? They're so much easier than you might think.

Why These Are Special

There's something magical about watching a simple batter transform into these delicate golden crepes. I love how versatile they are whether we're craving Nutella and strawberries for breakfast or making a fancy dessert with whipped cream and caramel.

What You'll Need

  • All-Purpose Flour: Just regular flour works perfectly here.
  • Milk: I use whole milk but any kind works even almond milk when my dairy-free friends visit.
  • Eggs: These make your crepes nice and tender.
  • Sugar: Just a touch for sweetness.
  • Butter: For flavor and that beautiful golden color.
  • Vanilla Extract: My secret for that extra something special.

Let's Make Some Magic

Mix It Up
I throw everything in my blender it makes the smoothest batter no lumps in sight.
Get Your Pan Ready
A little butter in a warm pan is all you need. I use my trusty non stick skillet.
The Swirl Technique
Here's where it gets fun pour and swirl that pan like you're dancing. It takes a few tries to get it right but soon you'll be a pro.

Fill Them Up

My kids go crazy for Nutella and banana but I love fresh strawberries with whipped cream. Sometimes I mix ricotta with a bit of honey it's heavenly. The possibilities are endless just use what you love.

A neatly stacked plate of thin pancakes dusted with powdered sugar. Pin it
A neatly stacked plate of thin pancakes dusted with powdered sugar. | cookingwithcasey.com

My Best Tips

Trust me on this one a non stick pan makes all the difference. Wait for those little bubbles before you flip and don't worry if the first one isn't perfect. We call that the chef's treat in my kitchen.

Make Life Easy

Sometimes I make the batter the night before it works even better after resting. You can even make a whole batch and keep them warm in the oven while you get everything else ready.

Natural Sweetness

Try swapping the sugar for honey it adds such a lovely flavor. I discovered this by accident one morning when I was out of sugar and now it's one of my favorite variations.

Keeping Them Fresh

On the rare occasion we have leftovers they keep nicely in the fridge. Just warm them up in a pan or the oven and they're almost as good as fresh. Almost.

Party Perfect

When I'm hosting brunch I set up a crepe bar with all the toppings. Everyone loves creating their own combinations and it's so fun watching their faces light up with each bite.

A plate of freshly made golden-brown crepes dusted with powdered sugar. Pin it
A plate of freshly made golden-brown crepes dusted with powdered sugar. | cookingwithcasey.com

Everyone Can Enjoy

My friend with celiac disease loves that these work beautifully with gluten free flour. Just make sure to use a blend that's meant for cup for cup replacement and you're good to go.

The Flip

Don't be scared of flipping I promise it gets easier with practice. I use my fingers sometimes when no one's looking it works better than any spatula.

Perfect Pairings

Nothing beats a lazy Sunday morning with fresh crepes and coffee. Though my kids prefer milk and I've been known to enjoy them with a mimosa for special occasions.

Special Moments

These have become our birthday breakfast tradition. There's something so special about starting the day with a stack of crepes topped with candles and whipped cream.

Finding Your Style

Play around with the batter thickness until you find what you like. I prefer mine on the thinner side but my husband likes them a bit thicker. It's all about personal preference.

A stack of golden crepes is garnished with fresh strawberries and dusted with powdered sugar on a gray plate. Pin it
A stack of golden crepes is garnished with fresh strawberries and dusted with powdered sugar on a gray plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Extra Special Touch

Sometimes I add orange zest to the batter or a pinch of cinnamon. These little extras make each batch unique and my kitchen smells amazing.

Kitchen Helpers

My little ones love helping make crepes. I let them measure ingredients and choose toppings. Sure it gets a bit messy but those are the memories we'll cherish.

Not Just Sweet

While we love them sweet they're amazing with savory fillings too. Just skip the sugar and vanilla and fill them with eggs and cheese for a fantastic lunch.

A Taste of France

Making these takes me back to my first trip to Paris. They might not be exactly the same as those street vendor crepes but they bring that same joy to our kitchen.

Everyone's Favorite

The best compliment is when friends ask for the recipe. It makes me so happy knowing other families are creating their own sweet memories with these crepes just like we do.

A plate of thin, folded pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar and accompanied by a small dish of syrup and fresh strawberries. Pin it
A plate of thin, folded pancakes sprinkled with powdered sugar and accompanied by a small dish of syrup and fresh strawberries. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do you need to tilt and rotate the pan?
Tilting and rotating the pan helps spread the batter evenly into a thin circle, creating that characteristic delicate crepe texture. This technique ensures even cooking.
→ Do I need to butter the pan for each crepe?
No, you only need to butter the pan once before cooking the first crepe. One light coating of butter should be enough for the entire batch.
→ What kind of milk can I use?
You can use any type of milk - non-fat, reduced fat, or whole milk. The choice affects richness but the recipe works with all varieties.
→ How do I know when to flip the crepe?
Cook the crepe for about one minute before flipping. The edges should look slightly dry and the surface should no longer be shiny when it's ready to flip.
→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flour to fully hydrate and can improve the texture.

Conclusion

Classic French crepes are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert. Made with a simple batter of milk, flour, eggs, and sugar, these light and delicate pancakes are quick to prepare and can be filled with a variety of sweet ingredients.

Sweet Crepes

Light and delicate French-style crepes made with a simple batter. Perfect base for sweet toppings and fillings.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 12 Servings (12 crepes)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cups milk (non-fat, reduced fat or whole).
02 1 1/3 cups flour.
03 4 eggs.
04 1/4 cup vegetable oil.
05 1 tablespoon sugar.
06 1/3 teaspoon salt.
07 Butter for greasing pan.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix or blend all ingredients together except butter until well combined.

Step 02

Heat frying pan over medium-high heat and lightly butter the surface.

Step 03

Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto pan. Tilt and rotate pan to spread batter evenly.

Step 04

Cook for about 1 minute per side on medium heat. Repeat with remaining batter.

Notes

  1. Only need to butter pan once at the start of cooking.
  2. Can substitute butter with coconut oil for greasing pan.

Tools You'll Need

  • Frying pan.
  • Blender or mixing bowl.
  • Measuring cup.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy (if using dairy milk).
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 101
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 2 g