How to make Lemon Crepes or Crepe au Citron + (Lactose Free)

How to make Lemon Crepes or Crepe au Citron + (Lactose Free) is a medium British recipe that serves 2. 400 calories per serving. Recipe by Avery Raassen - Curious about Food on YouTube.

Prep: 55 min | Cook: 17 min | Total: 1 hr 27 min

Cost: $6.76 total, $3.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 25 g Vegetable Spread (Lactose‑free, melt slightly before adding)
  • 140 g Plain Flour (All‑purpose flour, sifted)
  • 5 g Table Salt (Fine sea salt, pinch)
  • 2 Eggs (Large, room temperature)
  • 200 ml Lactose Free Milk (Can use any lactose‑free dairy milk or plant‑based milk)
  • 1 Lemon (Fresh juice and zest; juice strained through sieve to remove seeds)
  • 25 g Granulated Sugar (For sprinkling on each crepe before finishing)
  • 30 g Mrs. Bridges Lemon and Lime Marmalade (Optional, seed‑free if possible; adds extra lemony sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Gather and Measure Ingredients

    Set the kitchen scale to zero, weigh 25 g vegetable spread into a bowl, then zero the scale again and weigh 140 g plain flour, 5 g salt, 2 eggs, 200 ml lactose‑free milk, and juice of one lemon (strained through a sieve).

    Time: PT10M

  2. Melt the Vegetable Spread

    Microwave the 25 g spread in 10‑second bursts, stirring until just softened.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Sift Flour and Salt, Create a Well

    Place the sieve over the mixing bowl, sift the flour and salt together, then use a spoon to make a well in the centre.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Add Eggs

    Break the two eggs into a separate bowl, whisk lightly, then pour into the flour well and stir to combine.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Incorporate Half the Milk and Lemon Juice

    Pour half of the milk (100 ml) and half of the lemon juice over the sieve into the bowl, whisk until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add Remaining Milk

    Stir in the remaining 100 ml milk until the batter is uniform.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Stir in Melted Spread

    Fold the softened vegetable spread into the batter, whisking until no lumps remain.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Rest the Batter

    Cover the bowl with cling film and let the batter rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.

    Time: PT30M

  9. Heat the Pan

    Place a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Test the heat by hovering your hand a few inches above the surface; you should feel gentle warmth.

    Time: PT3M

  10. Cook the First Crepe

    Lightly spray the pan with oil, pour a ladleful of batter, and swirl the pan so the batter coats the surface in a thin, even layer. Cook until the edges lift and the surface feels dry to the touch, then flip and cook the other side briefly.

    Time: PT4M

  11. Finish the Crepe

    Immediately sprinkle a generous pinch of sugar over the hot crepe, drizzle a little fresh lemon juice, and grate a fine amount of lemon zest using a microplane. If desired, add a dollop of lemon‑lime marmalade and fold the crepe into a loose envelope.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Repeat for Remaining Crepes

    Repeat steps 10‑11 until the batter is used up, adjusting heat as needed to keep a light golden colour.

    Time: PT8M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
400
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Lactose Free, Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Milk (lactose‑free dairy), Wheat (gluten), Soy (possible in vegetable spread)

Last updated: April 11, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

How to make Lemon Crepes or Crepe au Citron + (Lactose Free)

Recipe by Avery Raassen - Curious about Food

A light, airy crepe made without dairy, featuring fresh lemon juice, zest, and a sweet drizzle of lemon‑lime marmalade. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a light dinner, this recipe is adapted from BBC Good Food and keeps the classic French technique while staying lactose‑free.

MediumBritishServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 3m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 20m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.76
Total cost
$3.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mixing the batter until smooth
  • Resting the batter for 30 minutes
  • Heating the pan to the correct temperature
  • Flipping the crepe at the right moment when the surface feels dry

Safety Warnings

  • The pan and oil become very hot; use oven mitts when handling.
  • Lemon juice can cause skin irritation; avoid prolonged contact with eyes.
  • When flipping, keep fingers clear of the pan edge to prevent burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of lemon crepes in British cuisine?

A

Lemon crepes, while originally a French specialty, became popular in Britain after the post‑war rise of continental cafés. The bright lemon flavor offers a light, refreshing twist that fits British tea‑time and weekend brunch traditions.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of lemon crepes in French cuisine compared to this British‑style lactose free version?

A

In France, crepes are often served with simple sugar or Nutella, and dairy‑rich batters are common. The British‑style version swaps butter for a lactose‑free vegetable spread and adds a lemon‑lime marmalade topping, catering to dairy‑intolerant diners.

cultural
Q

How is lemon crepe traditionally served in the United Kingdom?

A

In the UK, lemon crepes are typically folded into a triangle or rolled, sprinkled with caster sugar, and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. They are enjoyed as a sweet snack with tea or as a light breakfast.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is lemon crepe traditionally associated with in British culture?

A

Lemon crepes are popular at weekend brunches, garden parties, and during festive tea‑time gatherings. Their bright flavor also makes them a favorite for Easter brunches and summer picnics.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in classic lemon crepes and what are acceptable substitutes in this lactose free recipe?

A

Classic recipes call for wheat flour, eggs, milk, butter, and fresh lemon. In this lactose free version, butter is replaced with a lactose‑free vegetable spread, and regular milk can be swapped for any lactose‑free dairy or plant‑based milk without compromising texture.

cultural
Q

What other British dishes pair well with lactose free lemon crepes?

A

Lemon crepes pair nicely with a pot of English breakfast tea, a side of fresh berries, or a light fruit compote. For a savory twist, serve them alongside smoked salmon and a dollop of crème fraîche (lactose‑free if needed).

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making lactose free lemon crepes?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter (which creates gluten and makes crepes tough), using a pan that’s not hot enough (causing sticking), and flipping too early before the surface dries. Resting the batter and testing pan temperature prevent these issues.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a vegetable spread instead of butter for the lactose free lemon crepes?

A

The vegetable spread provides the necessary fat for tenderness while keeping the batter completely lactose‑free. Butter would introduce lactose, which the creator aims to avoid for dairy‑intolerant diners.

technical
Q

Can I make the lactose free lemon crepes ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, the batter can be prepared up to a day ahead and refrigerated. Cooked crepes can be stacked with parchment paper and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for two days, or frozen for up to a month and reheated in a skillet.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Avery Raassen - Curious about Food specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Avery Raassen - Curious about Food focuses on exploring food science, adapting classic recipes for dietary restrictions, and sharing practical cooking tips for home cooks who love to experiment.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Avery Raassen - Curious about Food's approach to dairy‑free cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Avery Raassen emphasizes clear, step‑by‑step explanations, often incorporating scientific reasoning behind ingredient swaps, whereas many channels simply substitute ingredients without explaining the impact on texture or flavor.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Lactose-Free Crepes
16

Lactose-Free Crepes

Fluffy, light, lactose-free crepes made with plant milk and neutral oil. Ideal for breakfast or a snack, they suit lactose-intolerant people while keeping the traditional taste of French crepes.

56 minServes 4$2
French
Crepes with Blueberry Jam & Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze
7

Crepes with Blueberry Jam & Lemon Cream Cheese Glaze

Light, airy crepes topped with a sweet‑tart blueberry compote and a silky lemon‑vanilla cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

1 hr 20 minServes 2$5
American
Lemon Crepes with Mascarpone Filling: Gluten-Free Delight
5

Lemon Crepes with Mascarpone Filling: Gluten-Free Delight

Delicate, thin French‑style crepes filled with a light, citrus‑bright mascarpone cream. Perfect for a refreshing summer brunch, lunch, or a sweet breakfast treat.

1 hr 3 minServes 4$9
French
Gluten Free Crepe with Fresh Thyme and Lemon Zest
8

Gluten Free Crepe with Fresh Thyme and Lemon Zest

Light, pliable, and slightly lemon‑thyme scented crepes made with a blend of white rice flour and chickpea flour. Completely gluten‑free, these savory crepes are perfect for breakfast wraps, ham and cheese sandwiches, or as a side for veggies and steak.

50 minServes 4$18
American
IHOP Lemon Ricotta Crepes (Better Than the Restaurant!)
23

IHOP Lemon Ricotta Crepes (Better Than the Restaurant!)

Fluffy, thin crepes filled with a silky lemon ricotta cream and topped with fresh blueberries. Inspired by IHOP's copycat recipe, this brunch favorite is easy to make at home with pantry staples and a few special ingredients.

1 hr 7 minServes 4$7
American
Crepes with Lemon Yogurt Filling
8

Crepes with Lemon Yogurt Filling

A light and airy French crepe made with a silky batter blended in a Vibe blender, filled with a sweet-tart lemon yogurt mixture. Perfect for a quick dessert or elegant breakfast, this recipe requires minimal dishes and can be prepared ahead of time.

1 hr 48 minServes 4$3
French