Crepes made in a cast iron skillet (or any skillet)

This crepe recipe, made in a cast iron skillet or any other skillet, is the one we most often make in our home. They don’t stick to the pan and end up being super soft and evenly cooked.


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Two folded crepes on a plate with a jam on top.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Crepes are such a versatile recipe. They can be eaten as a dessert but also as a savory meal for lunch or dinner. Spread some jam or honey, add some fruit, or toast them with some cheese and ham, they always taste delicious.

I’ve made this recipe so many times in different skillets, and they always turn out perfect.

Two folded crepes with a jam on top on a plate with a side of jam and chocolate pieces.

You don’t even need to season the skillet after each crepe because they don’t stick to it. The only time you can add a bit of oil or butter is at the beginning when making the first one, and don’t worry if the first crepe doesn’t turn out well. This always happens.

Making the crepe batter is a breeze. The hot milk with butter makes the batter extra smooth and silky, so don’t skip that step. The flavor of these crepes is so good that you can even eat them without any toppings. They are that good!

Ingredients notes

Ingredients for crepes made in a cast iron skillet.

Flour. You can use all-purpose flour or bread flour.

Butter. It adds flavor and richness to the batter, plus it prevents the crepes from sticking to the pan.

Milk. It adds flavor and the right viscosity.

Vanilla extract. Adds extra flavor.

Eggs. They act as a binder and add richness and flavor to the crepes: more eggs = more flavor.

How to make crepes in a cast iron skillet?

Note! For exact measurements and detailed directions, see the recipe card below.

Step 1: In a saucepan, add the milk, butter, sugar, and salt. Over medium heat, warm the milk until the butter is melted, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat right before it starts to boil.

Step 2: Whisk the eggs. Pour in the hot milk while whisking.

Step 3: Add the flour. Whisk until smooth. Lastly, whisk in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Using a ladle, scoop some of the batter and pour it into the hot cast iron skillet while tilting it to help spread the batter evenly. Cook until the edges and bottom can easily come off the pan and the bottom browns lightly. Transfer to a dish and cover with a kitchen towel to keep the crepes warm.

Recipe Tips

Don’t cook on high heat. Because cast iron gets pretty hot, make sure to cook the crepes on medium heat or even lower. You can get the feel of how high or low to adjust the heat after the first or second crepe. They shouldn’t cook too quickly, as they can burn.

Heat the milk for the batter. For the right texture and soft crepes, heat the milk and the butter before adding them to the eggs.

Additions and substitutions

Make chocolate crepes by substituting 20-30 grams of flour with cacao powder. You can add poppy seeds to the batter for an extra nutty flavor or even sesame seeds. For another level of flavor, you can brown the butter, but make sure to use 20-30 grams more to compensate for the amount lost during browning.

If you’re in the mood for savory crepes, consider adding herbs or spices like curry, spicy seasoning, or herbes de Provence.

In terms of crepe inclusions, the options are endless, but here are some examples:

  • Sweet crepes: honey and chopped walnuts; honey and feta; nut butter and chopped fruits; jam; chocolate spread; pastry cream with fruits or jam, etc.
  • Savory crepes: cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, feta, provolone, blue); cheese and ham or crispy bacon; scrambled eggs; sautéed veggies with or without cheese, etc.

Storage and reheating

Store the crepes at room temperature for a day covered with a lid or plastic bag. Refrigerate well covered for up to 3 days. To reheat the crepes, place one at a time on a hot skillet for a few seconds on each side until warm. You can also grease the skillet with some butter.

Two folded crepes topped with a jam on a plate and a fork on the side.

Recipe FAQ

Make sure you use a good-quality pan. Grease the skillet before making the first crepe. Thereafter, they shouldn’t stick if you have enough fat in the batter.

Overmixing the batter can cause the crepes to become rubbery. Once the batter looks smooth, stop mixing.

Make sure to whisk the batter well. Using hot water also helps to break up the lumps and make a smooth, silky batter. You can also use a blender to mix the ingredients, although it doesn’t guarantee lump-free batter, plus it can make the crepes rubbery if you blend for too long.

I haven’t tried using gluten-free flour for this recipe, but you can give it a try. I can’t guarantee if the texture will be the same.

More recipes to try

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Two crepes on a plate folded with a jam on top and a fork on the side.

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Two crepes folded on a plate with a jam on top and a side of more crepes and jam.

Crepes made in a cast iron skillet

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AuthorMilena M
This crepe recipe, made in a cast iron skillet or any other skillet, is the one we most often make in our home. They don't stick to the pan and end up being super soft and evenly cooked.
Prep Time7 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Servings12 crepes

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams milk, 2 cups
  • 57 grams melted butter, ¼ cup
  • 25 grams sugar, 2 tablespoons
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 eggs, medium size
  • 150 grams all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, or 1/2-1 teaspoon vanilla paste

Instructions

  1. Before you start with the recipe, I highly recommend reading the information provided above the recipe card for additional tips, suggestions, and helpful step-by-step photos.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, butter, sugar, and salt. As the butter melts, whisk a few times until fully incorporated into the milk. Remove from the heat before it starts to boil.
    57 grams melted butter, 500 grams milk
  3. Preheat a 10-inch (26 cm) cast iron skillet or any other skillet over medium heat.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs.
    6 eggs, 25 grams sugar
  5. Pour the hot milk over the eggs while whisking.
  6. Add the flour and whisk vigorously using a balloon whisk until you have a smooth batter.
    150 grams all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  7. Lastly, whisk in the vanilla extract.
  8. Note: If the batter feels a bit thick, add a bit more hot water for the desired consistency.
  9. Using a ladle, pour some of the batter, about ¼-⅓ cup, onto the skillet and swirl to evenly coat the bottom. Cook until it starts to brown on the bottom, flip, and cook for 30-60 more seconds until golden. (If the crepes are browning too fast, turn down the heat a bit, or if they are browning too slowly, turn it up a notch.)
  10. Place the cooked crepes on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm.
  11. Serve with your favorite spread or toppings and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use a kitchen scale to ensure accuracy.
  • For more information about the recipe, additions and substitutions, storage, and process shots, see the post above the recipe card.

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