Strawberry Cream Breakfast Crepes
Highlighted under: Oven Kitchen
I absolutely love starting my day with these Strawberry Cream Breakfast Crepes. The delicate crepes, filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh strawberries, bring a touch of indulgence to breakfast. Each bite is a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess. What's more, they are quick to whip up, making them perfect for both leisurely weekends and bustling weekday mornings. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them a regular morning treat!
When I first attempted these crepes, I was surprised at how simple they were to make. The key is to let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes, which allows for a lighter, more delicate texture. I love to experiment with different fillings, but the strawberry cream combination has always been a favorite!
Pairing the creamy filling with fresh strawberries adds a refreshing touch, elevating the crepes to something truly special. I recommend using mascarpone for the cream filling if you want an even richer flavor. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Light and delicate crepes perfectly complement the creamy filling
- Fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor and nutrition
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any morning
Mastering the Crepe Technique
Creating delicate crepes is all about achieving the right batter consistency and heat. When whisking your batter, ensure there are no lumps—this is key for a smooth texture. Letting it rest for 30 minutes allows the gluten to relax, which promotes a tender crepe. While cooking, aim for a medium heat; too high can burn the crepes before they're cooked through. You're looking for a lightly golden edge that lifts easily with a spatula—a sign your crepes are ready to flip.
Using a non-stick skillet is crucial for preventing sticking. If you find that your first crepe doesn't come out perfectly, don't fret! Adjust the heat slightly, and remember, the first one is often referred to as the 'sacrificial' crepe. You can also use a bit more butter in the pan if necessary. A flat spatula works best for flipping; it provides the leverage needed to avoid tearing the crepe.
Creating the Perfect Filling
For an irresistibly creamy filling, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will help it blend smoothly with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. If you forget to soften the cream cheese, you can cut it into small chunks and microwave it for 10-15 seconds, checking to avoid melting. The cream should have a glossy and soft texture, perfect for spreading. Adjust sweetness by tailoring the amount of powdered sugar based on your taste or for those who prefer less sweetness.
If you're looking to put a twist on the flavor, consider adding a hint of citrus zest—like lemon or orange—to the cream filling for an added layer of brightness. This can also complement the strawberries beautifully. Plus, if you're in a hurry, you could use store-bought whipped cream or a flavored cream cheese as a shortcut, though homemade provides a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These Strawberry Cream Breakfast Crepes can be served in numerous delightful ways. For an elegant presentation, consider stacking them with layers of additional sliced strawberries and cream. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely glaze to the crepes. Additionally, a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving elevates the dish visually and adds a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.
Feel free to customize the filling with seasonal fruits—blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches work wonderfully, each offering their unique taste profile. For a more decadent option, consider topping with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Lastly, if you're preparing a larger batch, these crepes can be frozen; simply layer parchment paper between them, then store in a zip-top bag. When ready to serve, reheat in a pan or microwave quickly until warmed through.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your delicious crepes.
Crepe Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Cream Filling and Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Additional strawberries for garnish
Make sure to have fresh strawberries as they elevate the dish!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your crepes.
Prepare the Crepe Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, salt, and sugar until smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
Cook the Crepes
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with butter. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges lift slightly, then flip and cook for another minute. Repeat with remaining batter.
Make the Cream Filling
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Crepes
Spread a generous amount of cream filling onto each crepe, top with sliced strawberries, and fold or roll them up. Serve with additional strawberries on the side.
Your Strawberry Cream Breakfast Crepes are now ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate sauce on top before serving, or add a sprinkling of crushed nuts for added texture.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store the crepes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to separate the crepes with parchment paper to prevent sticking. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, flipping once, until they're warmed through. This method helps them retain their delicate texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the crepes for up to 2 months. Ensure they are completely cooled before stacking and wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, maintaining their soft and pliable nature.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your crepes are tearing, it could be due to either overcooking or too thick of a batter. Ensure your batter is thin enough to spread easily in the pan, and try cooking on a slightly lower heat to give them time to set without burning. A gentle, steady hand when flipping is also key; using too much force can lead to tears.
If your crepes are too chewy, it's possible they were cooked too long or at too high a temperature. They should be lightly golden on the edges and set in the center, and cooking them for approximately 1-2 minutes per side should yield the best results.
Ingredient Substitutions
For those watching their gluten intake, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring you check for a blend that provides the same texture. Additionally, almond milk or oat milk can replace regular milk for a dairy-free version of the crepes. Adjust liquid to maintain the right consistency.
If cream cheese isn't available, mascarpone cheese makes for a rich alternative. For a lighter option, low-fat cream cheese can be used, though it may slightly alter the creaminess of the filling. For a vegan option, consider using a cashew cream or silken tofu blended until smooth with sweetener and vanilla.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make the crepe batter in advance?
Yes! The batter can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, thawed frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch.
→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Mascarpone or ricotta cheese can be great alternatives for cream cheese in the filling.
→ How do I store leftover crepes?
Store leftover crepes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Strawberry Cream Breakfast Crepes
I absolutely love starting my day with these Strawberry Cream Breakfast Crepes. The delicate crepes, filled with a luscious cream cheese mixture and topped with fresh strawberries, bring a touch of indulgence to breakfast. Each bite is a delightful balance of sweetness and creaminess. What's more, they are quick to whip up, making them perfect for both leisurely weekends and bustling weekday mornings. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them a regular morning treat!
Created by: Winifred Calder
Recipe Type: Oven Kitchen
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Crepe Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Cream Filling and Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Additional strawberries for garnish
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, salt, and sugar until smooth. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with butter. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges lift slightly, then flip and cook for another minute. Repeat with remaining batter.
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Spread a generous amount of cream filling onto each crepe, top with sliced strawberries, and fold or roll them up. Serve with additional strawberries on the side.
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate sauce on top before serving, or add a sprinkling of crushed nuts for added texture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 6g