Extra Easy Chocolate Crepes

Chocolate Crêpes are an even more delicious variation on the classic French crepes. Quick and easy to make, they're the perfect solution for special breakfasts, indulgent snacks, and hearty Sunday brunches.

They're made by mixing eggs, milk, flour, butter, sugar, and bitter cocoa powder for a more intense and bold flavor. Once a smooth and homogeneous batter is obtained, it's poured, a ladle at a time, into a lightly buttered, hot pan: the result is soft, thin discs, ready to be garnished with whatever your imagination suggests.

What Are Chocolate Crepes?

Chocolate crêpes are a delicious variation of the classic French crêpe, which has been a staple of French cuisine since the 13th century. Traditionally, crêpes are made with a simple batter of flour, eggs, and milk, but the addition of cocoa powder or melted chocolate creates a rich, dessert-style crêpe that has become increasingly popular. The origins of chocolate crêpes likely trace back to France, where chocolate was introduced in the 16th century, blending beautifully with crêpes during the 18th and 19th centuries.

When French immigrants began arriving in the United States in the 19th century, they brought their crêpe-making traditions with them. Initially popular in French-American communities, crêpes eventually gained widespread recognition, particularly in the early 20th century as French cuisine became more fashionable. In the U.S., chocolate crêpes became a favorite in the 1970s and 1980s, thanks to the growing interest in French desserts and the burgeoning trend of international flavors. Today, chocolate crêpes are enjoyed not only as a sweet breakfast or brunch treat but also as a decadent dessert, served with fruits, whipped cream, or even liqueurs, reflecting the fusion of French culinary tradition with American taste.

Pro Tips for The Best Chocolate Crepes

• Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and sugar to ensure a smooth batter without lumps. This helps the crêpes cook evenly and results in a silky texture.
• After mixing, let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender crêpes.
• A non-stick skillet or crêpe pan is essential for easy flipping. Be sure to grease the pan lightly with butter or oil before cooking each crêpe to prevent sticking.
• Keep the heat medium to low. If the pan is too hot, the crêpes will cook too quickly and may become crispy or burn. A gentle heat gives you a soft, tender crêpe with even cooking.
• When pouring the batter into the pan, use just enough to create a thin, even layer. Tilt and swirl the pan to spread the batter out evenly. This ensures each crêpe cooks uniformly.
• Crêpes should only be cooked for about 1-2 minutes per side, just until they are lightly golden. Overcooking can make them dry and tough.

Pancakes Vs. Crepes

Pancakes are thicker, fluffier, and typically leavened with baking powder or soda, making them rise while cooking. In contrast, crêpes are thin, delicate, and do not contain any leavening agents, which gives them a smooth, soft texture.

Pancakes are often stacked and served with syrup, while crêpes can be rolled or folded with a variety of fillings, from sweet to savory, making them more versatile in terms of presentation and flavor options.

What Are Some Variations of Chocolate Crepes?

There are several delicious variations of chocolate crêpes to explore. You can add different fillings such as Nutella, whipped cream, fresh berries, or even peanut butter for a rich and indulgent treat. For a more decadent twist, drizzle the crêpes with chocolate sauce or caramel and top with chopped nuts, marshmallows, or ice cream. For a fruity version, fill them with banana slices or strawberries, and for a savory take, try adding a hint of chili or cinnamon to the batter. The versatility of chocolate crêpes allows for endless creative combinations!

Why is My Batter so Lumpy?

If your butter is lumpy, it could be because it was too cold when you tried to melt or mix it, causing it to clump together. Alternatively, if you're adding cold butter to a hot mixture, the temperature difference can cause the fat to separate and form lumps. To prevent this, try melting the butter slowly over low heat, or bring it to room temperature before using it in your recipe. Stirring continuously when mixing or melting can also help achieve a smooth consistency.

How Long Do Chocolate Crepes Take to Cook?

Chocolate crêpes typically take about 1 to 2 minutes per side to cook. Once the batter is poured into a hot pan, cook the crêpe until the edges begin to lift and the bottom is golden, then flip it and cook for another minute. The exact time can vary depending on your pan's heat, but be sure not to overcook, as crêpes are best when soft and tender.

What Are Some Popular Fillings for Chocolate Crepes?

Cocoa crepes are so versatile that you can fill them with whatever ingredients you like: cocoa and hazelnut spread, fruit jams, pistachio cream, peanut butter, but also custard, whipped cream, and fresh seasonal fruit.

Do I Have to Serve Them Hot or Cold?

Chocolate crêpes are best served warm, as they have a soft, tender texture that is most enjoyable when fresh off the pan. However, they can also be served at room temperature if needed, especially if you're preparing them in advance or assembling them with fillings. Just make sure to warm them slightly before serving if they've cooled, to enhance the flavors and keep them at their best.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make chocolate crêpes ahead of time. Once cooked, let them cool and stack them with a sheet of parchment paper between each crêpe to prevent sticking. Store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a pan for a few seconds on each side or in the microwave, making them soft and ready to serve with your favorite fillings.

Do They Freeze Well?

Yes, chocolate crêpes freeze well. To freeze them, let them cool completely and then stack them with parchment paper between each crêpe to prevent sticking. Wrap the stack tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them gently in a pan or microwave.

How to Store Any Leftovers

To store leftover chocolate crêpes, let them cool completely and then stack them with parchment paper between each crêpe to prevent sticking. Place the stack in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat them in a pan or microwave to soften them up before serving.

How to Make Chocolate Crepes

Melt the butter in the microwave or in a saucepan without frying it.

In a bowl, break the eggs and then add the milk.

Mix the mixture with a fork until it has a smooth consistency.

Sift the flour and cocoa.

Add the sugar and a pinch of salt.

Pour in the now cold butter.

Mix everything together with a hand whisk.

You should get a smooth mixture without lumps. Let the batter rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Grease a non-stick pan with a small knob of butter, then pour in a ladle of mixture.

Swirl the batter so that it covers the entire base of the pan.

Cook for 30 seconds per side, then flip the crêpe using a spatula.

As the crêpes are ready, arrange them one on top of the other on a flat plate, so they will remain soft and warm.

Enjoy with the filling of your choice!