The Best Lemon Sugar Crêpes Recipe

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Lemon sugar Crêpes (Crêpes Citron Sucre) is one of my favorite treats in France. One bite and I am immediate transported to this little Crêperie in the old town of Nice. The zing of the lemon matched with the sweetness of the sugar and the heavenly buttery richness of the Crêpe is the perfect combination. Here is the best, and easiest, Lemon Sugar Crêpes recipe so that you can have that French Crêperie experience at home, where ever you live in the world.

On February 2nd, the French observe La Fête de la Chandleur, or Candlemas, which is celebrated by eating crêpes. You will also enjoy my super simple Easy French Crêpes Recipe.

You do not need to have a fancy pan or equipment to make delicious crêpes! Nor do you have to let your batter sit overnight. This recipe is so simple. If you have a non-stick frying pan you will be able to make amazing crêpes!

lemon sugar crepes up close with powdered sugar — Lemon Sugar Crêpes

Equipment Needed

A Crêpe pan (with a shallow rim) is ideal, but a regular non-stick frying pan works well too.

A thin spatula like this one is so helpful for flipping the Crêpes.

Easiest French Crêpes Recipe Ever!

My grandmother's French Crêpes are truly as easy to make as 1-2-3. Here is the base recipe to make sweet crepes. This recipe makes about 8-10 small Crêpes. I recommend doubling the recipe for a family of 4.

Ingredients

1 cup of Flour (sifted)
2 cups of Milk
3 large eggs
butter for greasing the pan (about 3 tbsps)

For lemon Sugar Crêpes:

zest of one lemon and add to the batter.

To Garnish:

8 teaspoons of granulated sugar (1 teaspoon per crêpe)
2 lemons for squeezing
powdered sugar

Instructions

Whisk the eggs in a large mixing bowl with the milk. Sift 1 cup of Flour into the egg & milk mixture. Whisk together until smooth. For flavor I like to add in some lemon zest.

There is no need to let the batter rest. Most times I whip up the Crêpe batter right before eating.

Making Crêpes is a great learning exercise for kids, my daughter has been making these crêpes since she was 2 years old.

How to cook the Crêpes

Prepare a Crêpe pan (or simply a non-stick frying pan) with a pat of butter on medium-low heat and then spoon a small ladle full of batter onto the pan as you swirl the pan around to make a thin, round Crêpe. There should be just a paper thin layer of batter over the pan.

When the batter starts to bubble, it is time to give a quick flip with a spatula. Cook until golden. I like to have 2 pans going at the same time for efficiency . Pile up the cooked Crêpes as you go on a cookie sheet in the oven (set to the lowest heat possible) so that they stay hot. I like to add a fresh pat of butter to the pan for each Crêpe.

This recipe makes about 8-10 small Crêpes and can easily be doubled or tripled. I recommend doubling the recipe for a family of 4 Crêpe lovers like mine!

How to Serve the Lemon Sugar Crêpes

lemons surround a plate of fresh made crêpes with powdered sugar

Serve once you have made Crêpes with all the batter so that you can actually sit and enjoy with your family. To make the lemon sugar Crêpes I recommend laying the Crêpe flat on the plate, sprinkling one teaspoon of granulated sugar over the top as well as a squeeze of lemon juice.

Fold the Crêpe in in half, then in half again to make a triangle shape. Shake powdered sugar over the top and serve with a lemon wedge.

Le Chef's Wife Tip* Wait until the Lemon Sugar Crêpe has been served before squeezing more lemon juice on the top - it will melt the icing sugar and not look as pretty.

Chantilly cream over strawberry crepes — Variation: Crêpes with Chantilly Cream

FAQS

Do you need a Crêpe pan to make French Crêpes?

No - Crêpes can easily be made in an everyday non-stick pan. A Crêpe pan is useful for getting even, round Crêpes. I usually fold my Crêpes when serving so there is no need for an even shape and perfectly round edges anyways!

Does Crêpe batter have to sit overnight?

Not with this recipe! You can make the Crêpes as soon as the inspiration hits and begin cooking immediately.

How long do Crêpes keep in the fridge?

Crêpes can be made in advance and kept in the fridge up to 2 days. I would recommend placing a sheet of Parchment paper between each Crêpe to keep them from sticking together. The advantage of using Parchment paper is that you can keep the paper between the Crêpes while warming in the oven.

What is la Fête de la Chandeleur?

On February 2nd, the French observe La Fête de la Chandeleur, or Candlemas, which is celebrated by eating crêpes. It is also called the festival of light and is considered the last day of Christmas. You will also enjoy my super simple Easy French Crêpes Recipe.

young boy squeezes lemon onto a lemon sugar crepe

Other Le Chef's Wife Recipes you will enjoy:

Easy French Crêpes

Fresh Fruit Compote

Mousse au Chocolat

Baking Baguettes for Beginners

Crème Brûlée

homemade creme brulee that has a bite out of it - sugar crackly crust

Have you made this recipe? Please let me know by leaving a comment and a star recipe below. I LOVE hearing from you.

ABOUT LE CHEF'S WIFE

Le Chef's Wife in her kitchen in front of a row of pots and pans with a bowl of Soup

Bonjour! I am Anina Belle. I translate the fancy cooking of my Michelin-star trained French Chef Husband, Le Chef, into easy to make dishes that busy people with no culinary training (like me!) can make at home. We have two young kids (5 and 2) and I have a full time job in hospitality in addition to this blog. I strongly believe that even busy people deserve to eat well at home.

We were just recently featured on the TODAY SHOW for our recipes of French Onion Soup Gratinée and Moelleux au Chocolat. You Can watch our full segment here: