
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.
A simple British-inspired breakfast of ultra‑thin crepes served with a bright lemon‑sugar topping and optional maple syrup. Inspired by the creator’s Australian stay, this recipe captures the classic London crepe that’s perfect for a quick, elegant morning treat.
Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist
Everything you need to know about this recipe
London‑style thin crepes, often called "crepes à la London," are a British adaptation of the French crêpe, popularized in the 1960s as a simple, elegant breakfast. They are traditionally served with just lemon juice and granulated sugar, reflecting the British love for modest, sweet‑tart flavors.
In the UK, crepes are usually thin and served with lemon‑sugar, but in Scotland they may be topped with clotted cream and jam, while in Wales you’ll find them paired with bacon and maple syrup for a savory twist.
Authentically, the crepe is rolled or folded, sprinkled generously with granulated sugar, a drizzle of fresh lemon juice, and optionally a light drizzle of maple syrup. It is eaten warm, straight from the pan.
These crepes are a popular weekend breakfast treat and are often served at brunch gatherings, tea parties, and school fairs. They’re also a nostalgic comfort food for family breakfasts.
The authentic recipe uses all‑purpose flour, eggs, milk, water, melted butter, a pinch of salt, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon. Acceptable substitutes include almond milk for dairy‑free versions, gluten‑free flour blends, and powdered sugar instead of granulated sugar.
They pair nicely with a classic English breakfast, smoked salmon, or a side of fresh berries. A cup of strong English tea or a glass of fresh orange juice complements the lemon‑sugar flavor.
Their ultra‑thin texture and the bright lemon‑sugar topping set them apart from the richer French crêpes. The simplicity highlights the quality of the batter and the balance of sweet‑tart flavors.
Common mistakes include using batter that’s too thick, not letting the batter rest, cooking the pan at too low a temperature, and over‑cooking the crepes, which makes them rubbery. Follow the rest time and keep the skillet hot for best results.
Milk adds richness and flavor, while water lightens the batter, helping achieve the ultra‑thin, delicate texture that defines the London style. The combination prevents the crepes from becoming too heavy.
Yes. Cooked crepes can be stacked with parchment paper between each layer and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Re‑heat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
A properly cooked crepe should be almost translucent, with a very light golden edge and no visible batter pockets. It should be flexible enough to fold without breaking.
When the edges start to lift from the pan and the underside is lightly golden (about 30‑45 seconds), the crepe is ready to flip. After flipping, an additional 15‑20 seconds will finish the top side.
The YouTube channel Ha Sisters focuses on fun, relatable family cooking videos, often featuring quick meals, TikTok‑inspired trends, and playful challenges while sharing candid sibling moments.
Ha Sisters blends humor and sibling banter with straightforward, budget‑friendly recipes, often experimenting with viral trends. Their style is less polished than professional chefs, making the cooking process feel spontaneous and accessible.
Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

A fast‑track, restaurant‑style dinner cooked in about 10‑12 minutes. Tender, medium‑rare lamb chops are seared in a hot skillet, finished with garlic‑butter mushrooms, served alongside crispy new potatoes and a bright mint‑creme fraiche pea purée, all drizzled with a smoky chipotle‑mustard vinaigrette.

A show‑stopping, traditional Northern English hot pot made with braised lamb shanks, a rich vegetable‑wine sauce, and layers of ultra‑thin waxy potatoes. The dish is cooked low and slow, then finished in the oven for a golden, caramelised top. Perfect for a comforting dinner that rivals classic French pot dishes.

A savory vegetarian tart featuring deeply caramelized onions, rosemary, and tangy sour cream baked in a buttery puff pastry crust. Inspired by a hand‑pie shop in Edinburgh, this tart delivers rich, buttery flavor with a crisp golden top.

A hearty British cottage pie made with tender chunks of steak, slow‑cooked with classic mirepoix vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting dinner or leftovers.

A budget‑friendly, comforting casserole that layers buttery mashed potatoes with crispy bacon, sweet onions and plenty of melted cheese. Easy to assemble ahead of time and bake straight from the fridge for a quick dinner.

A hearty, comforting classic Shepherd's Pie made with seasoned ground beef, sweet carrots, peas, and a rich, buttery mashed potato topping. Perfect for chilly evenings, this recipe balances savory flavors with a crisp, golden crust.