Thin, delicate crepes folded over tender, spiced apple slices and drizzled generously with rich caramel sauce. This dessert offers a perfect balance of buttery crepes, warm cinnamon apples, and sweet, luscious caramel—ideal for a cozy brunch or a satisfying dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines classic French crepes with the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and smooth caramel sauce. It is simple to prepare yet impressive to serve, making it perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat. The contrast between the soft crepes and the slightly caramelized apples creates a delightful texture, while the caramel sauce adds a luscious sweetness that ties everything together.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large apples, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing apples)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup brown sugar
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, milk, water, melted butter, sugar, and salt until the batter is smooth. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Cook until the edges begin to lift and the bottom is golden, approximately 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 30 seconds. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- In another skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 8 minutes.
- Place the cooked crepes on plates. Spoon the sautéed apples over half of each crepe, then fold the crepes over the filling.
- Drizzle generously with caramel sauce and sprinkle chopped nuts if desired. Serve warm.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 crepes, serving 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Substitute the apples with pears or peaches for a different fruity twist.
- Add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture for extra depth of flavor.
- Use homemade caramel sauce for a richer taste or try salted caramel for a sweet and salty contrast.
- For a dairy-free option, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream before serving for added indulgence.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover crepes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly until heated through. It is best to add caramel sauce and nuts fresh before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
FAQs
How do I make the crepes thinner?
Use a slightly thinner batter by adding a little more milk or water to the mixture and swirl the batter quickly in the pan to spread it evenly.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, the batter can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated. Bring it back to room temperature and stir gently before cooking.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well when cooked and provide a nice balance to the sweetness.
Can I freeze the crepes?
Yes, crepes can be frozen with parchment paper between them. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is it necessary to rest the batter?
Resting the batter allows the flour to hydrate fully and results in more tender crepes.
How do I prevent crepes from sticking?
Ensure the pan is well-heated and lightly greased. Using a non-stick skillet helps significantly.
Can I make caramel sauce from scratch?
Yes, homemade caramel sauce can be made by melting sugar until golden and mixing with butter and cream. It enhances the flavor greatly.
What can I use instead of caramel sauce?
Maple syrup, honey, or chocolate sauce can be delicious alternatives.
Are these crepes suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely, they make an elegant and flavorful breakfast or brunch option.
Can I add nuts inside the crepes?
Yes, chopped nuts can be added to the apple mixture or sprinkled inside for extra texture.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Crepes offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy treat at home. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether served as a dessert or a special breakfast, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Print
Caramel Apple Crepes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 crepes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Sautéing, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American/French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Thin, delicate crepes folded over tender, spiced apple slices and drizzled generously with rich caramel sauce. This dessert is a perfect balance of buttery crepes, warm cinnamon apples, and sweet, luscious caramel—ideal for a cozy brunch or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large apples, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter (for sautéing apples)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, milk, water, melted butter, sugar, and salt until smooth. Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter. Pour about 1/4 cup batter into the skillet, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Cook until the edges start to lift and the bottom is golden, about 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 30 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter.
- In another skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apple slices, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and caramelized, about 8 minutes.
- Place cooked crepes on plates, spoon sautéed apples over half of each crepe, then fold.
- Drizzle generously with caramel sauce and sprinkle chopped nuts if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Letting the crepe batter rest helps achieve a more tender texture.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for better flavor contrast.
- Chopped nuts add a nice crunch but are optional.
- Caramel sauce can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 crepe with filling
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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