Name: JB’s Crêpes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 2/3 cups plain flour / all-purpose flour, sifted; 3 tbsp caster sugar / superfine sugar; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 3 large eggs (55g/2oz each, cold from fridge); 2 cups full fat milk (lite milk also works); 1/3 cup water; 2 tbsp vegetable oil or other neutral flavoured oil; 45 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (for cooking); Icing sugar (simple French home style); Berries, whipped cream, melted chocolate or Nutella; Other topping ideas as desired (see article for extra inspiration)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 3 reviews

JB’s Crêpes Recipe is an absolute delight that brings classic French elegance right into your kitchen with minimal fuss. These crêpes are perfectly thin, soft, and flexible, making them the ideal base for everything from simple dustings of icing sugar to decadent chocolate spreads and fresh berries. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast, a light dessert, or a versatile snack, this recipe delivers on flavor and texture every single time. The beauty of JB’s Crêpes Recipe lies in its simplicity and foolproof technique, promising mouthwatering results that keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A stack of thin, golden-brown crepes with slightly crispy edges rests on a white plate. There are about ten layers, each showing light and darker brown spots from cooking. Above the crepes, a woman's hand holds a small metal sieve, dusting fine white powdered sugar over the top and sides of the stack, creating a soft blanket of sugar falling gently. The plate is placed on a rustic wooden surface with a blurred dark brown background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for JB’s Crêpes Recipe are straightforward but carefully chosen to create that flawless balance of lightness and richness. Every element contributes to the texture, flavor, or golden appearance that makes these crêpes special and truly irresistible.

1 2/3 cups plain flour / all-purpose flour, sifted: Provides the necessary structure for tender yet sturdy crêpes.
3 tbsp caster sugar / superfine sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that enhances the taste without overpowering.
1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt: Balances flavors and intensifies the sweetness.
3 large eggs (55g/2oz each): Eggs bind the batter and give it richness.
2 cups full fat milk: Provides creaminess and moisture; you can use lite milk for a lighter version.
1/3 cup water: Lightens the batter, helping it spread thinly in the pan.
2 tbsp vegetable oil or neutral-flavored oil: Keeps the crêpes soft and prevents sticking.
45 g (3 tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes for cooking: Adds buttery flavor without overwhelming the crêpe’s delicacy.

How to Make JB’s Crêpes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by sifting the flour into a large mixing bowl and adding the sugar and salt before whisking them together. Make a well in the center and gently crack in the eggs, whisking slowly while incorporating just some of the flour to create a thick paste. Next, add the milk gradually, whisking constantly to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth, pourable batter. Stir in the water and oil until the batter shines and coats the back of a spoon lightly—just the right consistency for spreading thin and even crêpes. Cover the bowl and let it rest at room temperature for about an hour to develop flavor and improve texture.

Step 2: Heat the Pan and Prepare for Cooking

Warm a 24cm (9.5 inch) non-stick crêpe pan over medium to medium-high heat, adjusting based on your stove’s quirks. Melt a small amount of butter—about half a teaspoon—in the pan, then wipe off excess with a paper towel to ensure just a thin buttery layer remains. This thin coating is crucial as too much butter can prevent the batter from spreading evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Crêpes

Using a ladle, scoop approximately ¼ cup of batter and pour it into the center of the pan once it’s off the heat. Immediately swirl the pan to evenly coat the surface with a thin layer. After some swirling, fill any empty spots with the remaining batter on the ladle before placing the pan back on the heat. Cook for about 45 to 60 seconds until the underside turns lightly golden, then flip carefully using a long, narrow spatula and cook the other side for another 30 seconds. Slide the finished crêpe onto a plate and repeat the process, adding a touch of butter between each crêpe to keep them tender and non-stick.

How to Serve JB’s Crêpes Recipe

The image shows three thin, folded crepes arranged on a white plate. The crepes are light golden brown with a soft texture, each folded into a triangle and layered slightly overlapping. On top of the crepes there are dollops of white cream, fresh red strawberries sliced and whole, dark blue blueberries, and bright red raspberries. A dark brown chocolate sauce is drizzled over the crepes and fruit in thin lines. A light dusting of white powdered sugar is sprinkled over the whole dish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The simplest and perhaps most traditional way to enjoy JB’s Crêpes Recipe is with a dusting of icing sugar, capturing that quintessential French home-style vibe. For an extra indulgent treat, top with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, melted chocolate, or luscious Nutella. Each garnish adds its own sparkle, making these crêpes endlessly customizable and crowd-pleasing.

Side Dishes

Pair your crêpes with a fresh fruit salad, a drizzle of honey, or even savory accompaniments like smoked salmon and crème fraîche for a boutique brunch feel. Light, fresh sides complement the crêpes without overshadowing their delicate flavor and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

JB’s Crêpes Recipe lends itself beautifully to both casual and formal presentations. Fold them into neat quarters for an elegant plate or roll them burrito-style with fillings tucked inside for portable, fun eating. Layer multiple crêpes with spreads in between to create a stunning crêpe cake that’s bound to impress at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover crêpes, which is rare because they vanish so quickly, cool them completely and place a small piece of baking paper between each crêpe to prevent sticking. Wrap the stack tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep fresh for 2 to 3 days.

Freezing

JB’s Crêpes Recipe freezes beautifully. Stack the cooled crêpes with parchment paper in between, wrap securely, and place in the freezer. They’ll last well up to a month without losing flavor or texture, making for a perfect make-ahead breakfast or dessert solution.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm crêpes in a non-stick pan over low heat or briefly in the microwave for a few seconds until flexible and warm. Avoid overheating to keep them tender and pliable, just as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of plain flour in JB’s Crêpes Recipe?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but the crêpes will be denser and less delicate. Mixing half whole wheat with half plain flour is a good balance to maintain tenderness.

Why does the batter need to rest for an hour?

Resting allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid and the gluten to relax, resulting in smoother, thinner, and more flexible crêpes that are easier to cook and fold.

Is it necessary to use a non-stick pan?

A non-stick pan makes cooking and flipping delicate crêpes much easier, but a well-seasoned stainless steel or cast iron pan can work as long as you use sufficient butter and adjust the heat carefully.

What if my crêpes tear when flipping?

The first crêpe often acts as a “test crêpe” to gauge heat and batter consistency. Using a long, thin spatula helps, and practicing the flip will improve results. If your crêpes still tear, try adding a little more milk to thin the batter and ensure the pan isn’t too hot.

Can I make savory crêpes with JB’s Crêpes Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe forms a fantastic base for savory fillings as well. Simply omit or reduce the sugar, and fill with cheese, ham, sautéed veggies, or eggs for a delicious savory dish.

Final Thoughts

JB’s Crêpes Recipe is more than just a stack of thin pancakes—it’s a celebration of simple ingredients turning into something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe invites you to embrace the joy of cooking and sharing beautiful, delicate crêpes. Give it a go, and watch as these irresistible crêpes bring smiles around your table time and time again.

JB’s Crêpes Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need