Are you ready to indulge in a sweet treat that's both simple and delicious? Chocolate hazelnut crepes are a perfect choice for breakfast or dessert. This delightful recipe combines thin, soft crepes with rich chocolate hazelnut spread. I’ll guide you through every step, from mixing the batter to serving your crepes. Let’s bring a touch of joy to your kitchen and impress everyone at the table!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The rich chocolate hazelnut spread paired with toasted hazelnuts creates a decadent treat that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: This crepe recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert without a lot of fuss.
- Customizable: You can easily customize these crepes with different fillings or toppings, such as fresh fruits or whipped cream, to suit your taste.
- Impressive Presentation: The elegant folded crepes topped with powdered sugar and berries make for a visually stunning dish that impresses guests.
Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients
To make chocolate hazelnut crepes, gather these items:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, finely chopped
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh berries (like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for garnish)
Ingredient substitutions
You can swap some ingredients if you need to. Here are some ideas:
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Substitute almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free crepes.
- Replace chocolate hazelnut spread with almond butter or peanut butter.
- For a vegan version, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs.
These swaps can change the flavor slightly, but they work well.
Nutritional information
Each serving of chocolate hazelnut crepes has about:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 10g
These values can vary based on substitutions. Always check labels for precise info. Enjoy your delicious treat while keeping nutrition in mind!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the crepe batter
To start, gather your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- A pinch of salt
Whisk these together until the mix is smooth. Next, slowly add in 1 ½ cups of milk while you whisk. This helps keep the batter lump-free. Then, stir in 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until your batter is completely smooth. Let this rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This step makes your crepes more tender.
Cooking the crepes
Preheat your non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Add a small pat of butter to coat the pan lightly. Now, take a measuring cup and pour about ¼ cup of the batter into the skillet. Immediately tilt and swirl the pan to spread the batter evenly. Cook the crepe for about 1-2 minutes. Watch for the edges to lift and the bottom to turn golden-brown. Carefully flip it using a spatula and cook for another minute. Once done, stack each crepe on a plate.
Filling and serving the crepes
Now it’s time to fill your crepes. Take one crepe and spread 1 cup of chocolate hazelnut spread over one half. Add a few tablespoons of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts on top for extra crunch. Fold the crepe in half, then fold it again to form a triangle. For a sweet touch, dust the crepes with powdered sugar. Serve them warm and add fresh berries for color and flavor. Enjoy this delightful treat!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the perfect crepe texture
To get a great crepe texture, you need a smooth batter. Mix the flour, eggs, and salt well. Pour in the milk slowly while whisking. This helps avoid lumps. After mixing, let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes. Resting makes the crepes tender and easier to cook. When cooking, use a non-stick skillet for best results. Keep the heat medium to avoid burning, and remember to swirl the batter quickly.
Common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is rushing the batter. Take your time mixing it to ensure it’s smooth. Another mistake is not resting the batter. Skipping this step can lead to tough crepes. When cooking, avoid flipping the crepes too soon. Wait until the edges lift and turn golden-brown. Lastly, don't overload the crepes with filling. A little goes a long way!
Recommended tools and equipment
For making crepes, you’ll need a few key tools. A non-stick skillet or crepe pan is essential. A spatula helps to flip the crepes easily. Use a whisk to mix the batter thoroughly. A measuring cup is great for pouring the right amount of batter. Lastly, keep some paper towels handy for wiping the pan between crepes. This helps maintain a clean cooking surface!
Pro Tips
- Rest Your Batter: Allowing the batter to rest for at least 30 minutes helps to relax the gluten, resulting in tender crepes.
- Use a Non-Stick Pan: A non-stick skillet is essential for easy flipping and prevents the crepes from sticking to the pan.
- Control the Heat: Cooking on medium heat ensures that the crepes cook evenly without burning. Adjust the heat as necessary during cooking.
- Experiment with Fillings: While chocolate hazelnut spread is delicious, feel free to try other fillings like fruit preserves or whipped cream for variety.
Variations
Alternative fillings and toppings
You can change up the filling in your chocolate hazelnut crepes. Try using fresh fruits, like bananas or strawberries. They add a nice flavor and texture. You can also use cream cheese or whipped cream for a rich twist. For something fun, try adding a scoop of ice cream. It melts into the warm crepes and tastes amazing! Top your crepes with maple syrup, honey, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon. Each option makes your crepes even more delightful.
Gluten-free options
If you want to make gluten-free crepes, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free mix. Look for a blend that works well for baking. You can also use almond flour or buckwheat flour. Both options give a unique taste and texture. Just remember to check that your chocolate hazelnut spread is gluten-free, too. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty crepes without worry.
Vegan adaptations
To make vegan chocolate hazelnut crepes, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, instead of regular milk. For the butter, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. The chocolate hazelnut spread may also need to be dairy-free. Look for a brand that fits your diet. These steps will help you create delicious vegan crepes that everyone can love.
Storage Info
How to store leftover crepes
To keep your leftover crepes fresh, stack them with parchment paper between each one. Place them in an airtight container. This method helps prevent sticking and keeps them soft. Store the container in the fridge for up to three days. If you need to keep them longer, consider freezing them, which I will explain next.
Reheating tips
Reheating crepes is easy. You can use a skillet or a microwave. For the skillet, heat it over medium-low. Add a tiny bit of butter and place a crepe in the pan. Warm it for about 30 seconds on each side. If you prefer the microwave, put a crepe on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for about 20 seconds. This keeps the crepe soft and moist.
Freezing crepes for later use
Freezing crepes is a great way to save time. Stack them with parchment paper in between, just like storage in the fridge. Wrap the whole stack tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped stack in a freezer bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you want to use them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your crepes anytime!
FAQs
How to make thin crepes?
To make thin crepes, you need a smooth batter. Start with a mix of flour, eggs, and milk. Make sure to whisk until there are no lumps. Thin crepes need less batter. Use about ¼ cup for each crepe. Swirl the pan to spread the batter evenly. Cook on medium heat until the edges lift. Flip and cook again for a minute. This technique gives you the perfect thin crepes.
Can I make the batter in advance?
Yes, you can make the batter in advance. After mixing, cover the bowl and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 24 hours. Just remember to whisk it again before cooking. Allow it to come to room temperature for best results. This way, you can enjoy fresh crepes without extra prep time.
What to serve with chocolate hazelnut crepes?
You can serve chocolate hazelnut crepes with many tasty options. Fresh berries add color and flavor. Try strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries on top. A dusting of powdered sugar makes them look pretty too. Whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream can be great additions. You can even drizzle more chocolate hazelnut spread for extra sweetness. Choose what you love to make your crepes shine!
In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious crepes step by step. You learned about the key ingredients, how to prepare and cook them, and many tips for the best texture. We also explored fun filling options and how to store leftovers for later. Remember, making crepes is easy and fun! With practice, you can impress anyone with your skills. Don’t be afraid to try different variations and make them your own. Enjoy your crepe-making journey!
