Who doesn’t love a sweet treat? Chocolate Hazelnut Crepes are both delightful and easy to make! In just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious thin pancakes filled with creamy hazelnut spread. Imagine dousing them in whipped cream and fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas. Ready to impress your friends or yourself? Let’s dive into this tasty journey and make breakfast or dessert unforgettable!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The rich combination of chocolate and hazelnuts creates a delightful taste that is both indulgent and satisfying.
- Versatile Garnishing: Top your crepes with fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas, and add whipped cream for a touch of elegance.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
- Impressive Presentation: The folded crepes look beautiful on a plate, making them ideal for special occasions or gatherings.
Ingredients
To make delicious chocolate hazelnut crepes, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for cooking)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- ½ cup chopped hazelnuts (toasted if desired)
- Fresh strawberries or bananas (for garnish)
- Whipped cream (for garnish)
These ingredients blend together to create light and tasty crepes. The flour and eggs form the base, while the milk adds richness. Melted butter gives a nice flavor and helps with cooking. Sugar adds sweetness, and salt balances it out. The star of the show is the chocolate hazelnut spread. It brings a creamy texture and rich taste. Chopped hazelnuts add crunch, and fresh fruits and whipped cream make the dish look pretty and inviting. Enjoy these crepes any time as a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Crepe Batter
To make the batter, start by whisking these ingredients together in a bowl:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Mix until you see a smooth batter. This step is key. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes. Resting helps the flour absorb moisture. This makes your crepes tender and easy to cook.
For a smooth batter, pour the milk slowly while whisking. If you see lumps, whisk more.
Cooking the Crepes
Preheat your skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to coat the surface. Now, pour about ¼ cup of batter into the pan. Quickly swirl it to create an even layer.
Cook for 1-2 minutes. When the edges lift, it’s time to flip. Carefully turn the crepe and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove the crepe and stack it on a plate. Repeat until you use all the batter.
Filling and Serving the Crepes
Take a warm crepe and spread about 2 tablespoons of chocolate hazelnut spread on one half. Sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts over the spread.
To fold, take the crepe and fold it in half. Then, fold it in half again to get a triangle shape. This looks nice and holds the filling well.
Serve the crepes right away. Add fresh strawberries or bananas on the side. Top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra fun. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfectly Thin Crepes
To make great crepes, you need the right technique. Start with a well-mixed batter. A smooth batter helps create thin crepes. Use a non-stick skillet for best results. A small 8-inch skillet works well for perfect circles. Heat it on medium, so it’s hot but not smoking. This ensures a nice cook without burning.
Preventing Sticking
Sticking can ruin your crepe experience. To avoid this, you must butter the skillet. Use a paper towel to spread a thin layer of butter before each crepe. This helps create a non-stick surface. If you prefer, you can also use parchment paper. Place it in the skillet before pouring batter. This adds an extra layer of protection against sticking.
Making Ahead of Time
You can prepare crepes in advance. Store them in a stack, separated by parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together. Keep them in the fridge if you plan to use them within a few days. For longer storage, freeze the crepes. When you’re ready to eat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds. This makes them soft and ready to fill!
Pro Tips
- Rest the Batter: Allowing the crepe batter to rest for 30 minutes helps to achieve a smoother texture and better flavor.
- Temperature Control: Cooking the crepes over medium heat ensures they cook evenly without burning. Adjust the heat as necessary.
- Fillings Variety: Experiment with different fillings such as fruit preserves, cream cheese, or even savory options like cheese and spinach for a twist.
- Presentation Matters: For a beautiful presentation, arrange your filled crepes on a plate, garnish with fresh fruit, and drizzle with chocolate sauce.
Variations
Different Fillings
You can change up the fillings for your crepes. Fresh fruit works well. Berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of flavor. Bananas are also a great choice. They pair nicely with chocolate hazelnut spread. For nuts, try almonds or pecans. They give a nice crunch and extra taste. Mixing in these options can make your crepes fun and unique.
Dietary Modifications
If you need to avoid gluten, use gluten-free flour. This swap works well and keeps the texture light. For a vegan option, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal. Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk instead. You can also use vegan butter for cooking. These changes keep the crepes tasty while meeting dietary needs.
Seasonal Twists
Seasonal fruits can add a fun twist. In fall, try using apples or pears with cinnamon. In winter, you might add pomegranate seeds for a pop of color. For holidays, consider festive spices like nutmeg or ginger. These twists make your crepes special and perfect for any time of year.
Storage Info
Storing Unfilled Crepes
To store unfilled crepes, follow these tips:
- Refrigeration: Stack the crepes with parchment paper between each one. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the crepes. Use parchment paper between each crepe. Place them in a freezer bag. They last up to two months in the freezer.
Storing Filled Crepes
When you fill your crepes, it’s important to store them well:
- Best practices: Place filled crepes in a single layer in an airtight container. If you stack them, use parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Reheating filled crepes: Gently reheat filled crepes in a skillet over low heat. You can also use a microwave for about 30 seconds. Make sure they are heated through but not too hot.
Shelf Life
How long do crepes last?
- In the refrigerator, unfilled crepes last up to three days.
- Filled crepes can stay fresh for about two days.
- When frozen, unfilled crepes last about two months.
FAQs
What is the best way to make crepes not stick?
To keep crepes from sticking, use a non-stick skillet. Make sure to heat it well before adding batter. Butter the skillet lightly before each crepe. You can also use cooking spray for easy release. If you feel the crepes are still sticking, try using parchment paper between them when stacking.
Can I use any type of flour for crepes?
Yes, you can use different types of flour. All-purpose flour is common and gives good results. If you want a gluten-free option, try rice flour or almond flour. Each flour brings a unique taste and texture, so feel free to experiment. Just remember that some flours absorb more liquid than others.
How do I make crepes without eggs?
You can make crepes without eggs by using substitutes. Try using a mixture of flaxseed meal and water. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for one egg. Another option is using mashed banana or applesauce. These will add flavor and moisture to the batter.
You learned how to make tasty crepes from scratch. We covered ingredients, batter tips, and cooking methods. You can fill them with chocolate hazelnut spread, fruits, or nuts. Remember to store them properly to keep them fresh. There are many ways to change up the recipe for taste and diet needs. Now, go ahead and enjoy your delicious crepes!
