If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant breakfast or a flexible meal idea, this ultimate easy crepes recipe is one you’ll want to keep forever. These crepes are thin, golden, and lightly buttery, with a soft texture that works beautifully for both sweet and savory fillings. Whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend brunch, a quick weekday breakfast, or a light dinner, crepes always feel special without requiring much effort.
Made with basic pantry ingredients, this recipe is approachable for beginners but reliable enough for experienced home cooks. Best of all, these crepes are easy to customize, making them perfect for families with different tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Crepes Recipe
- Quick and easy: The batter comes together in minutes with no special equipment
- Light yet satisfying: Thin, delicate crepes that don’t feel heavy
- Versatile: Works with sweet or savory fillings for any time of day
- Family-friendly: Simple ingredients and endless topping options
- Great for meal ideas: Breakfast, brunch, snack, or light dinner
Once you master this basic crepes recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few everyday staples to make these classic crepes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients create a thin, pourable batter that cooks into soft, flexible crepes with lightly crisp edges.
How to Make Crepes (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add the milk, water, and vanilla extract, whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The batter should be thinner than pancake batter—almost like heavy cream.
Step 2: Rest the Batter
Let the batter rest for about 10–15 minutes. This allows the flour to fully hydrate and helps create tender crepes that won’t tear when flipping.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with a small amount of butter or oil, wiping away any excess.
Step 4: Cook the Crepes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the pan. Immediately swirl the pan in a circular motion to spread the batter thinly across the surface. Cook for about 30–45 seconds, until the edges lift and the bottom is lightly golden.
Step 5: Flip and Finish
Carefully flip the crepe and cook the second side for about 15–20 seconds. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter.
Tips & Variations
- For sweeter crepes: Add a teaspoon of honey or sugar to the batter
- For whole-grain crepes: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour
- Dairy-free option: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk
- Savory twist: Skip vanilla and fill with eggs, cheese, or sautéed vegetables
- Make ahead: Stack cooked crepes with parchment paper in between
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve these crepes warm with fresh fruit, yogurt, nut butter, or a drizzle of honey for breakfast. For savory meals, fill them with scrambled eggs, cheese, mushrooms, or vegetables for a satisfying dinner option.
Leftover crepes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Ultimate Easy Crepes Recipe for Any Meal
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 crepes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Golden, buttery, and irresistibly thin—these classic crepes are a quick breakfast, easy brunch, or versatile light dinner. Fill them with fruit and yogurt, chocolate, or savory options like eggs and cheese for a family-friendly meal any time of day.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Whisk together the flour and salt in a medium bowl.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk, water, and vanilla until the batter is smooth and thin (like heavy cream).
3. Rest the batter for 10–15 minutes.
4. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
5. Pour about 1/4 cup batter into the pan and swirl to coat the bottom in a thin layer.
6. Cook 30–45 seconds until the edges lift and the bottom is lightly golden.
7. Flip and cook the second side 15–20 seconds.
8. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed.
Notes
For sweeter crepes, add 1 tsp sugar or honey to the batter.
For dairy-free crepes, use almond milk or oat milk.
For savory crepes, omit vanilla and fill with eggs, cheese, and sautéed vegetables.
Storage: refrigerate up to 3 days (stack with parchment). Freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crepe
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~110 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
Final Thoughts
This ultimate crepes recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you enjoy them sweet or savory, crepes are a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish that fits beautifully into busy mornings or relaxed weekend meals. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a regular part of your kitchen routine.