Crepes made in a cast iron skillet are not only easy to make but also quicker compared to some other skillets. 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 fruits, or toast them with some cheese and ham, they always taste delicious.

Since I made crepes in a cast iron skillet, I never used another type of pan. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly they cook, and the texture is so much better. With some other pans, the crepes turn out somehow rubbery and the edges too crispy, while with the cast iron, you get evenly cooked crepes that are soft, light, and not rubbery.

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. Basically, all you need to do is whisk all the ingredients, or you can use a blender instead of a hand whisk. The addition of hot water makes the batter extra smooth and silky. 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.

Hot water. Ensure the water is very hot when adding it to the batter. The hot water makes the crepes lighter and more delicate.

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: Whisk the eggs and sugar. Pour in the warm milk while whisking.

Step 2: Add the flour, salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth, then pour in the hot water while whisking.

Step 3: Add the melted butter and hot water, and whisk once more until the batter is smooth.

Step 4: 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.

Use hot water for the batter. For extra delicate and soft crepes, use very hot water.

Make-ahead crepe batter. If you would like to make the batter the night before and cook the crepes in the morning, for this recipe, I suggest holding on to the hot water and adding it right before cooking. Whisk everything very well, but don’t overmix.

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 make the crepe batter the night before and refrigerate it until the morning. This will give the batter time to hydrate. Although I suggest holding on to the hot water and adding it right before making the crepes. Whisk the batter very well before scooping.

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 try using gluten-free flour for this recipe, but you can give it a try. I can’t garanty 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
Crepes made in a cast iron skillet are not only easy to make but also quicker compared to some other skillets, and it's better for your health. They don't stick to the pan and end up being super soft and evenly cooked.
Prep Time7 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Servings17 crepes

Ingredients
  

  • 113 grams melted butter, 1/2 cup
  • 480 grams milk, 2 cups
  • 3 eggs, ~170 grams
  • 3 tablespoons sugar, 36 grams
  • 260 grams all-purpose flour, 2 cups
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, or 1/2-1 teaspoon vanilla paste
  • 150 ml boiling water, 2/3 cup

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter and warm the milk. Set aside.
    113 grams melted butter, 480 grams milk
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar.
    3 eggs, 3 tablespoons sugar
  3. Pour the warm milk over the eggs while whisking.
  4. Add the flour, salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract, and whisk vigorously using a balloon whisk until you have a smooth batter.
    260 grams all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  5. Boil the water.
    150 ml boiling water
  6. Pour in the melted butter and boiling water over the batter, and whisk again until smooth. Alternatively, you can mix all the ingredients in a blender.
  7. Preheat a 10-inch (26 cm) cast iron skillet on medium heat.
  8. Using a ladle, pour some of the batter, about ¼-⅓ cup, onto the skillet and swirl to evenly coat the bottom. Cook until small holes form on the surface and 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 slow, turn it up a notch.)
  9. Place the cooked crepes on a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm.
  10. Serve with your favorite spread or toppings and enjoy.

Notes

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. 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 (mozzarela, cheddar, feta, provolone, blue); cheese and ham or crispy bacon; scrambled eggs; sautéed veggies with or without cheese, etc.
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 make the crepe batter the night before and refrigerate it until the morning. This will give the batter time to hydrate. I suggest holding on to the hot water and adding it right before making the crepes. Whisk the batter very well before scooping.

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