The mouthwatering French pancakes recipe is a beloved dish in France and worldwide. Most people enjoy this dish for breakfast or teatime. This French pancakes recipe is perfect for anyone looking to start their day with something delicious.
Their light, delicate texture is one of the biggest reasons for their popularity. However, achieving the perfect French pancakes recipe can be tricky. When I was a novice cook, I used to make common mistakes, such as making the batter too thick or uneven. With this guide to the French pancakes recipe, you’ll learn to avoid those pitfalls.
So, I’m writing this piece with love for you. I want you to avoid those common mistakes and enjoy the full delicacy a French pancakes recipe offers. This French pancakes recipe is all about bringing joy to your breakfast table. Let’s get into the details, shall we?
What Is A French Pancake?
French pancakes, often referred to as crêpes, are thin, delicate pancakes originating from France. This classic French pancakes recipe will show you how to make them perfectly every time.
Some people get confused between these crêpes and American pancakes. While American pancakes are fluffy and thick, crêpes are flat and have a smooth, tender texture. This French pancakes recipe highlights their simplicity, made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and a small amount of butter, with the option to add sugar and vanilla for flavor. Their versatility and light texture make them a popular choice for any meal.
How to Make French Pancakes
To make this French pancakes recipe, beat two room-temperature eggs in a large bowl along with the other ingredients.
Then, add 3 tablespoons of sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla essence, and a pinch of salt. Mix all the ingredients until the sugar dissolves. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and gradually add 1½ cups of milk while continuously beating the mixture to achieve a smooth batter.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter into the batter for flavour and texture. Heat a pan and brush with butter, then pour in ⅓ cup of batter. After that, spread it evenly by tilting the pan. Cook each crêpe for about 1 minute per side until golden brown.
French Pancakes Recipe
Why Try This French Pancakes Recipe?
This French pancakes recipe is not only easy to follow but also guarantees delicious results. Whether you’re serving them at breakfast or dessert, they will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- Eggs: 2 (room temperature)
- Sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Vanilla Essence: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: A pinch
- All-purpose Flour: 1 cup
- Milk: 1½ cups (whole milk preferred)
- Butter: 1 tablespoon (for batter) + extra for greasing the pan
Directions
- First, take two eggs (room temperature) in a large bowl. Using eggs at room temperature is important because they blend more easily into the batter to get a smoother mixture. So, take the eggs out of the fridge at least 30 minutes earlier.
- Add 3 tablespoons of sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla essence, and a pinch of salt, and mix the ingredients with a hand beater. I love the vanilla part in the recipe as it adds a warm and sweet flavour that enhance the overall taste of the pancakes. Getting back to the beating part, let’s beat the ingredients until the sugar gets dissolved.
Once you master this French pancakes recipe, you can customize it with various fillings and toppings to suit your taste!
- the sugar is melted, add 1 cup of flour and mix well. I am using all-purpose flour as it has the right balance of protein and starch to create a smooth batter with a light texture, perfect for thin and delicate crêpes.
- In the middle of the mixing, add 1 and ½ cups of milk and start beating the ingredients again. Try to use whole milk for a richer flavour and texture. However, you can also use low-fat or non-fat milk if you prefer a lighter version.
- I suggest you add the milk gradually to inspect the batter’s consistency properly. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the mixture as it adds a rich and savoury flavour to the crêpes. Butter also helps create a smoother batter so the crêpes get soft and slightly crispy at the edges.
- Add the remaining milk to the ingredients and continue mixing with the hand beater. Once you get the runny consistency of the batter as in the picture below, it’s ready for cooking.
- Then, place a pan and heat it first. Brush the pan with butter and pour a ⅓ cup of batter at a time. Make sure you turn the pan in a circular motion to spread the batter properly. Then, cook the batter 1 minute on medium-low flame.
- Once the top part gets dried, use a spatula to flip the pancake. Once the other side is done, it will get a golden colour. You can remove it and place it on the serving plate.
- Make some more French pancakes in the same way and serve with delicious side dishes we’re going to suggest in the next section.
Side Dish Ideas for French Pancakes
French pancakes are versatile enough to pair them with almost any delicious side dish you want. For this French pancakes recipe, I prefer chocolate whipped cream, banana jam, Nutella, french vanilla ice cream, and so on.
French pancakes are versatile enough to pair them with almost any delicious side dish you want. For example, I prefer chocolate whipped cream, banana jam, Nutella, french vanilla ice cream, and so on.
You can also consider berries, bananas, or other fresh fruits. Greek yoghurt, nuts, and seeds also go amazingly with the crêpes.
Chef’s Tips
- Always remember that a small amount of batter is all you need to achieve fluffy crêpes.
- Before pouring in the batter, test the pan with a small amount of batter. If it spreads easily and cooks evenly, the pan is ready. If not, adjust the heat or add a bit more butter.
- For best results, I always use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. This helps cook the crêpes evenly and prevents them from sticking.
- If you’re making a large batch, place a piece of parchment paper between crêpes to prevent them from sticking together.
With this French pancakes recipe, you can also consider berries, bananas, or other fresh fruits. Greek yogurt, nuts, and seeds also go amazingly with the crêpes.
Ultimately, this French pancakes recipe is all about creativity and personal preference!