How To Make Lemon Crepes
How To Make Lemon Crepes is a easy French recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by FoodTokWithSherin on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 27 min
Cost: $1.81 total, $0.45 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 Egg (large, room temperature)
- 1 cup Milk (whole or 2% milk)
- 2 tablespoons Caster Sugar (fine granulated sugar; powdered sugar works as well)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence (pure vanilla extract preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (zested from a fresh lemon)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (for greasing the pan; optional if using non‑stick spray)
Instructions
Gather Ingredients
Measure out all ingredients and have them within arm’s reach.
Time: PT2M
Combine Wet Ingredients
Crack the eggs into the mixing bowl, add the milk, caster sugar, vanilla essence, lemon zest, and whisk until fully blended.
Time: PT2M
Add Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour over the wet mixture, add a pinch of salt, and gently fold it in.
Time: PT2M
Incorporate Lemon Juice
Pour the fresh lemon juice into the batter and whisk just until combined.
Time: PT1M
Rest the Batter (Optional)
Let the batter sit for 5 minutes to allow the flour to hydrate.
Time: PT5M
Heat the Skillet
Place the non‑stick skillet over medium‑high heat and melt a thin layer of butter.
Time: PT2M
Cook the Crepes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the pan, swirl to spread thinly, cook 30‑45 seconds until edges lift, flip and cook another 20‑30 seconds.
Time: PT8M
Serve
Stack the finished crepes on a plate, drizzle with honey or dust with powdered sugar, and enjoy warm.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 4 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Eggs, Milk, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Egg: Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Caster Sugar: Granulated sugar, Powdered sugar
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Cake flour (for lighter texture)
- Instead of Vanilla Essence: Vanilla paste, Maple extract
- Instead of Lemon Zest: Lemon extract (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Vegetable oil spray, Margarine
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Microplane Zester (optional)
- Non‑Stick Skillet
- Spatula
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Add lemon juice after the flour to prevent the batter from splitting.
- Ensure the skillet is properly heated before pouring batter.
- Whisk the batter until smooth to avoid lumps.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra fluffiness, whisk the batter with a hand mixer for 30 seconds.
- Add a tiny pinch of baking powder for a slightly puffier texture.
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced breakfast.
Troubleshooting
Batter is too thin and runs off the pan.
Add an extra tablespoon of flour and whisk until smooth.
Batter is too thick and forms lumps.
Thin with a splash of milk, adding a little at a time.
Crepes are tearing or sticking.
Make sure the pan is hot enough and lightly buttered; use a non‑stick surface.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store cooked crepes in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Layer crepes with parchment paper and freeze for up to 1 month; reheat in a skillet.
Room temperature: Leave at room temperature for no more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The batter can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Cooked crepes freeze well; separate layers with parchment paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of lemon crepes in French cuisine?
Crepes originated in Brittany, a region of France, where they have been a staple since the Middle Ages. Adding lemon zest and juice is a modern twist that highlights the French love for bright, citrus flavors in breakfast dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of crepes in French cuisine?
In Brittany, savory buckwheat galettes are common, while sweet crepes are often served with sugar, jam, or Nutella. Some regions add orange zest, Grand Marnier, or fruit purées for a fragrant twist, similar to the lemon version presented here.
How are lemon crepes traditionally served in France?
They are usually rolled or folded and dusted with powdered sugar, sometimes accompanied by a drizzle of honey or a squeeze of fresh lemon. They can also be paired with a glass of cider, a classic French breakfast beverage.
What occasions or celebrations are lemon crepes associated with in French culture?
Crepes are popular for Candlemas (La Chandeleur) on February 2nd, a day dedicated to eating crepes. While lemon crepes are not a historic variant, they fit perfectly into the celebration as a fresh, seasonal option.
What other French dishes pair well with lemon crepes?
A light mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, a side of fresh berries, or a serving of French apple cider complement the bright flavor of lemon crepes nicely.
What makes lemon crepes special or unique in French cuisine?
The addition of fresh lemon zest and juice gives the classic buttery crepe a bright, aromatic profile that balances sweetness with a gentle tartness, offering a refreshing twist on a timeless dish.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making lemon crepes?
Common errors include adding lemon juice too early, which can cause the batter to curdle, using a pan that isn’t hot enough, leading to soggy crepes, and over‑mixing, which creates a tough texture.
Why does this lemon crepe recipe add lemon juice after the flour instead of directly to the milk?
Adding lemon juice after the flour prevents the acid from curdling the milk proteins, ensuring a smooth batter that spreads evenly without separating.
Can I make lemon crepes ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 2 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Cooked crepes can be stacked with parchment paper and stored in the fridge for 2 days or frozen for up to a month.
What does the YouTube channel FoodTokWithSherin specialize in?
The YouTube channel FoodTokWithSherin focuses on quick, TikTok‑style recipes that are easy to make at home, often featuring breakfast and snack ideas with a modern twist.
How does the YouTube channel FoodTokWithSherin's approach to French-inspired breakfast recipes differ from other cooking channels?
FoodTokWithSherin emphasizes ultra‑short, visually engaging videos that break down each step in under a minute, making classic French dishes like crepes accessible to busy home cooks, whereas many other channels provide longer, more detailed tutorials.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
