FoodThe secret to perfect French crêpes revealed: Butter magic

The secret to perfect French crêpes revealed: Butter magic

There is a way to make delicious pancakes that are thin, flexible, and firm, just like those from a French pan. The secret to their perfection lies in an ingredient found in every refrigerator yet often overlooked—butter!

My grandmother adds this one ingredient to the pancakes. They turn out delicate and very fluffy.
My grandmother adds this one ingredient to the pancakes. They turn out delicate and very fluffy.
Images source: © Adobe Stock

Pancakes are a beloved dish that can be prepared in numerous ways and have won a place in the hearts of food lovers worldwide. However, French pancakes, known as crêpes, are considered the finest. Their secret lies in one surprisingly simple ingredient that each of us has in the fridge. French pancakes are a true art—thin, flexible, and delicate. How can you make them to achieve perfection? Here is a recipe that will transform your approach to pancakes.

French crêpes - the recipe for the best pancakes in the world

Ingredients:

                              
  • 1 full cup (about 120 grams) of wheat flour (preferably low-milled),
  • 3 eggs,
  • ⅔ cup (about 150 millilitres) of milk,
  • 1 cup (about 240 millilitres) of carbonated water,
  • 3 tablespoons of melted butter,
  • A pinch of salt,
  • Optional: a teaspoon of powdered sugar.

How to prepare French pancakes:

  1. Preparing the batter: Sift the flour into a bowl, add salt and powdered sugar if using, and ensure the milk and water are chilled and the melted butter is not hot.
  2. Combining the ingredients: Add the milk, water, and eggs to the flour. Mix everything into a smooth batter with a high-speed mixer, gradually adding the melted butter.
  3. Cooking the pancakes: Heat the pan and lightly grease it with butter. Pour portions of the batter onto the hot pan and spread it evenly over the entire surface. Cook the pancakes until golden on both sides.

The secret to perfect pancakes

The secret to perfect French pancakes is the right proportion of ingredients and the way they are combined. The flour should be sifted to aerate the batter and give it a light consistency. It is also essential that the milk and water are chilled and that the butter is melted but not hot.

All the ingredients should be mixed quickly to obtain a smooth batter without lumps. The batter should have the consistency of cream.

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