Strawberry Buttermilk Crepes: A Sweet and Light Breakfast Delight
Crepes are one of those dishes that instantly bring a smile to anyone’s face. Whether enjoyed as a sweet breakfast, a delightful dessert, or even as a savory snack, they offer a versatile and elegant option for any occasion. If you love the idea of a delicious, light, and airy breakfast to start your day, strawberry buttermilk crepes are a perfect choice. With their thin, delicate texture and the burst of fresh, juicy strawberries, these crepes are sure to become a go-to favorite in your breakfast repertoire.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 8 crepes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Western, French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour (or bread flour): The foundation of any crepe batter is the flour, which provides structure and texture. Using all-purpose flour gives these crepes the right balance of tenderness and lightness. If you want a slightly heartier texture, you can substitute with bread flour for a chewier bite.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances out the sweetness. It’s a key player in making sure the crepes aren’t too bland.
- Sugar: The sugar in the batter contributes just the right amount of sweetness to the crepes themselves, ensuring that they pair beautifully with the fresh strawberries and any added toppings like whipped cream or syrup.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is what gives these crepes their distinctive flavor. The tangy richness of the buttermilk brings a depth of taste that sets them apart from typical pancakes or waffles. It also helps the batter become smooth and silky, contributing to the light texture of the crepes.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients together and providing structure to the crepes. They also contribute to the tenderness and richness of the crepes.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla extract infuses the crepes with a warm, comforting aroma that elevates the overall flavor profile. It complements the sweetness of the strawberries and adds an extra layer of depth.
- Cold water: Water is added to thin out the batter and create the perfect consistency for spreading the batter thinly across the pan. It helps make the crepes light and airy.
- Vegetable oil: A small amount of vegetable oil adds moisture to the batter, ensuring that the crepes are soft and not dry.
- Butter (melted and cooled): Butter adds a rich flavor and contributes to the smoothness of the batter. It also helps with cooking the crepes to a golden-brown perfection.
- Fresh strawberries: The star of the dish! Fresh strawberries bring a burst of natural sweetness and juicy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy and delicate crepes. You can adjust the quantity based on your preference, adding more if you like a fruitier topping.
Instructions
Step 1: Mixing the Batter
The first step to creating the perfect crepes is making the batter. In a medium to large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. These ingredients form the base of the batter, and once combined, they’ll provide the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Next, add ⅔ cup of buttermilk, two large eggs, and two teaspoons of vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Whisk everything together until it forms a smooth batter. At this point, the batter might be a little thick, but don’t worry—it will loosen up as we add the remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Adding the Liquid Ingredients
Now, add the remaining ⅓ cup of buttermilk, 1 cup of cold water, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to the batter. Whisk again until everything is fully combined. The result should be a smooth, silky batter that’s fairly thin. This is exactly what you want, as the thinness of the batter allows for the crepes to cook up light and delicate. After the batter is prepared, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the flour absorb the liquid and results in a smoother texture when cooking.
Step 3: Cooking the Crepes
Once the batter has had time to rest in the fridge, it’s time to cook the crepes! Heat an 8-inch non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. If you have a crepe pan, this is the perfect time to use it, as its low sides and flat surface help make flipping the crepes easier.
Before adding the batter, lightly grease the pan with a small amount of butter or vegetable oil. Once the pan is hot, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the center of the pan. Immediately, tilt the pan in a circular motion to spread the batter evenly and thinly across the bottom. The key to a perfect crepe is having a thin, even layer of batter, so don’t worry if the first one isn’t perfect—it takes a little practice to get the technique right.
Cook the crepe for about a minute on the first side, then use a rubber spatula to gently loosen the edges. Flip the crepe and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute on the second side until it’s golden brown. Once done, transfer the crepe to a plate and continue with the rest of the batter. Keep the cooked crepes warm by covering them with a clean kitchen towel while you finish cooking the rest.
Step 4: Assembling the Crepes
Once all your crepes are cooked, it’s time to assemble them! To serve, simply place a crepe on a plate and fill it with fresh sliced strawberries. You can add as many strawberries as you like, depending on how fruity you want your crepes to be. For an extra indulgent touch, you can drizzle whipped cream or maple syrup over the top. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive and sweet finishing touch.
Step 5: Enjoying Your Strawberry Buttermilk Crepes
Now that your strawberry buttermilk crepes are ready, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the deliciousness. The thin, light texture of the crepes pairs perfectly with the juicy sweetness of the strawberries, and the creamy richness of the buttermilk batter enhances every bite. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a light dessert, these crepes are sure to please everyone at the table.
Notes
- Rest the batter: Don’t skip the step of refrigerating the batter. This helps the flour fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a smoother texture and better-tasting crepes.
- Use fresh strawberries: While frozen strawberries will work in a pinch, fresh, in-season strawberries bring the best flavor and juiciness. If strawberries aren’t in season, consider using other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even a combination of fruits.
- Adjust sweetness: If you like your crepes a bit sweeter, you can increase the amount of sugar in the batter. Likewise, you can make them more savory by reducing or omitting the sugar entirely.
- Customize toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings! In addition to strawberries, try adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a handful of toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.