Crêpes vs pancakes: what's the difference?

Lulu Grimes

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Explore the key differences between French-style crêpes and classic pancakes, plus expert tips to master perfect crêpes at home every time

Discover the key differences between French-style crêpes and classic pancakes, and master the art of creating perfect crêpes at home. This guide will explore how these two popular breakfast treats differ in texture, ingredients and preparation. Plus, we'll share expert tips for making flawless crêpes every time.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our main pancake recipes and crêpes recipes, plus explore delicious ideas for crêpe fillings in our guide, 10 easy crêpe filling ideas.

Are crêpes and pancakes the same?

Crêpes and pancakes are to some degree interchangeable – crêpe is the French word for a British pancake (not an American or Scotch pancake, both of which use raising agents for a thicker, fluffier pancake).
Crêpe batter tends to be slightly richer than pancake batter, using whole milk or sometimes cream, plus melted butter and a little sugar.
Crêpes and pancakes are made with plain flour, but there are also French crêpes made with buckwheat flour called Breton galettes – these are larger, cooked on flat griddles and are classically served with savoury fillings. If you are looking for gluten- or egg-free crêpes, try our alternative pancake recipes.
Crêpes can be flipped just like pancakes, but flipping is associated with particular days in the year, such as Shrove Tuesday in the UK or La Chandeleur – Crêpe Day – on 2 February in France. Flipping isn’t necessary but, if you'd like to, watch our tutorial to learn how to flip a pancake.

Tips for making the perfect crêpes

The pan you use to cook your crêpes is crucial. You can buy a classic crêpe pan or use a non-stick frying pan (see our selection of the best non-stick frying pans). The size of the pan you use depends on the size of the crêpe you want to make – a 20cm pan is a good size to start with, as the crêpes will be easier to handle and turn.

The first crêpe you make may well stick to the pan as you might not have found just the right temperature yet, but don't worry – eating this is a cook’s perk! As you cook the crêpes, stack them on a board or plate with a strip of baking parchment between each if you are worried about them sticking. If you need to reheat them, microwave them in a stack rather than individually. Once cooked and completely cooled, they can be wrapped and frozen.

What to serve with crêpes

Sweet crêpes

Classic lemon and sugar
Fresh berries with whipped cream
Chocolate spread and sliced bananas
Caramelised apples with cinnamon
Honey and chopped nuts

Savoury crêpes

Ham & cheese
Spinach, feta & pine nuts
Smoked salmon with cream cheese & dill
Roasted vegetables with pesto
Chicken & mushroom in a creamy sauce

Crêpe inspiration

Classic crêpe
Crêpes Suzette
Blood orange crêpe cake
Vegan crêpes
Gravadlax with dill crêpes, chilli & chive cream and pickled onion

Pancake inspiration

Easy pancakes
American blueberry pancakes
Protein pancakes with banana
Savoury pancakes
Fluffy Japanese pancakes
Buttermilk pancakes

Need more pancake inspiration? Check out our top recipes...

5 healthier pancake ideas
How to make fluffy pancakes
Top 5 American pancake recipes
Unusual pancake fillings and flavours

What's your favourite way to serve crêpes? Leave a comment below...

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