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These tender crepes for two are just the right amount for a cozy breakfast or a sweet treat without any leftovers. Made with simple pantry ingredients, the batter blends smoothly and cooks quickly on the stovetop, delivering thin, golden crepes that you can fill with your favorite sweet or savory toppings. This recipe is ideal when you want something light, elegant, and homemade in under half an hour.
I first made these when craving a simple yet elegant breakfast, and now they are my go-to when I want to impress with minimal effort. They turn out consistently tender and are super versatile for whatever filling mood I’m in.
Ingredients
- Milk: One cup (2 percent or whole milk works best for richness and tenderness)
- Egg: One large egg for binding and structure
- Granulated sugar: One tablespoon to lightly sweeten the batter
- All-purpose flour: Half a cup as the base that keeps the crepe thin and pliable. Sift if you want an extra smooth texture
- Salt: An eighth teaspoon to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor
- Unsalted butter: Two tablespoons melted and divided. Use high quality for the best buttery flavor and to prevent sticking while cooking
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Batter:
- Combine the milk, egg, sugar, flour, salt, and two teaspoons of the melted butter in a blender. Blend on high for about 30 seconds to create a silky smooth batter without lumps. This step is key to achieving those delicate crepes.
- Blend and Rest:
- Let the batter rest for five minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate fully, improving the texture and preventing the batter from tearing when cooking.
- Heat the Pan:
- Warm a crepe pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Brush it lightly with some of the reserved melted butter. This light butter coating prevents sticking yet keeps the surface smooth.
- Pour the Batter:
- Ladle about half a cup of batter into the pan. Immediately tilt and swirl the pan so the batter spreads thinly and evenly across the surface. This thin layer is what makes crepes so delicate.
- Cook First Side:
- Cook until you notice the edges lifting and the crepe easily releases from the pan when you slide a spatula under. This usually takes a minute or two, depending on your heat. This is the sign it’s ready to flip.
- Flip the Crepe:
- Carefully flip the crepe using a spatula. Smooth out any wrinkles gently with the spatula. Cook on the other side until golden brown spots appear, usually under a minute.
- Finish Cooking:
- Remove the cooked crepe and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess butter. Repeat with the remaining batter to make two more crepes.
- Serve or Store:
- Serve your crepes warm with sweet or savory fillings such as fresh fruit, Nutella, cheese, or ham. To store, stack the crepes with paper towels between them, seal in a plastic bag, and freeze for later. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the pan or microwave.
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I particularly love the way the butter adds a subtle richness without overwhelming the batter. I have fond memories of making these with my partner on lazy weekend mornings, enjoying the process as much as eating the results.
Storage tips
Store any leftover crepes stacked with paper towels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them stacked with parchment or paper towels in between, then sealed in a freezer bag. When reheating, go low and slow on the stove to keep them soft without drying out.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have dairy milk, you can use almond or oat milk, but note it may slightly change the batter’s texture and flavor. For a dairy-free butter alternative, try coconut oil but use less as it can be more robust in flavor. Using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour will make your crepes even more delicate and tender.
Serving suggestions
These crepes are fantastic with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a simple and sweet breakfast. On the savory side, try ham and gruyère cheese with a sprinkle of chives for a classic French twist. They also make a great base for a breakfast wrap with eggs and veggies.
Cultural context
Crepes are a staple of French cuisine, often enjoyed as street food or at festive occasions. The thin, tender texture allows the crepes to be as simple or elaborate as you like, making them a beloved canvas for both sweet and savory dishes. Making crepes at home connects you to a centuries-old tradition that celebrates flexibility and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What pan works best for cooking crepes?
A non-stick or well-seasoned crepe pan is ideal to prevent sticking and help achieve evenly cooked, tender crepes.
- → Why should the batter rest before cooking?
Resting allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a smoother batter and more tender finished crepes.
- → How do I know when it’s time to flip the crepe?
The crepe edges start to lift and it easily releases from the pan when ready to be flipped.
- → What are good fillings for these crepes?
Fresh fruits, Nutella, cheese, ham, or sweet preserves all complement the delicate crepes beautifully.
- → Can I prepare crepes in advance and freeze them?
Yes, stack crepes with paper towels between layers, place in a sealed bag, freeze, and thaw in the fridge before gentle reheating.