Easy crepes with pancake mix bring convenience and taste together. Using pancake mix to make crepes cuts down on prep time and still delivers tasty results. Filled with homemade vanilla custard and fresh strawberries, breakfast is sure to be a huge hit at your house!
Save This Recipe to Your Inbox
Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you’ll join our email list and can unsubscribe anytime.
Making delicious crepes with pancake mix is a convenient and delightful way to enjoy this classic French treat without the hassle of preparing crepe-specific batter.
Pancake mix, which is readily available in most kitchens, can be easily transformed into a versatile crepe batter with a few simple additions.
Filling your pancake mix crepes with an array of sweet or savory ingredients is where the real fun begins. We've included an easy recipe for vanilla custard filling in the recipe card below.
Don't have pancake mix handy? That's okay! We've got Birthday Cake Crepes made from boxed cake mix too. Even our Tortilla French Toast can make a fun "crepe" with filling!
Jump to:
💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- So versatile. These easy crepes work with both sweet and savory fillings, giving you endless options.
- Delicious filling. The vanilla custard is lightly sweet with just enough richness to pair perfectly with fluffy crepes and tart fresh berries. Think warm vanilla pudding. Of course, you can use any filling you like.
- Time saving. Using pancake batter for crepes makes the process much quicker and easier. Once you try it, you may not go back to the traditional method.
🛒 Ingredients
Pancake mix. Any pancake mix works, but "just add water" mixes are easiest. Bisquick, Krusteaz, Kodiak, or gluten free mixes all work well.
If you have extra, try our Easy Red Velvet Funnel Cake, Pancake Mix Banana Bread, or Easy Sheet Pan Pancakes.
Egg. Helps bind the batter and gives crepes their classic texture and subtle eggy flavor. Egg free options are listed in the substitutions section.
Butter. Used to grease the pan between crepes. Melted butter brushed on with a pastry brush gives the best control.
Homemade custard. Made from milk, cornstarch, sugar, and eggs. Prepare the custard before cooking the crepes so it has time to cool.
Fresh fruit. Strawberries are a favorite, but raspberries, blueberries, or other berries work just as well.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
Custard shortcut. Use vanilla cook and serve pudding instead of homemade custard for a faster option.
Pancake mix swaps. Any pancake mix works, including "just add water" varieties. Use whatever brand you prefer.
Egg free option. Replace each egg with 3 tablespoons of aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas.
Filling ideas. Fill crepes with custard, whipped cream, berries, chocolate chips, or go savory with scrambled eggs. Mix and match to suit your taste.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use pancake mix instead of scratch crepes: Pancake mix keeps ingredients minimal and avoids buying specialty items.
Swap milk for water when needed: Water works in the crepe batter and cuts the cost if milk is scarce.
Use seasonal or discounted fruit: Strawberries are cheapest in season, but frozen berries (thawed and drained) work well too.
Shortcut the custard: Store-bought vanilla pudding is a lower-cost, time-saving option when needed.
🥄 Instructions for Easy Crepes with Pancake Mix
Step 1: Whisk together all the ingredients (pancake mix, vanilla, egg, and milk) in a mixing bowl until smooth and lump free.
Step 2: Pour into an easy-pour container or use a measuring cup for a scoop.
Step 3: Heat a nonstick skillet, frying pan, (or crepe pan, if you have one) over medium heat to medium high heat and brush with melted butter or spray with non stick cooking spray. You'll need to do this between EVERY crepe.
Step 4: When water sizzles on the pan, it's hot and ready.
Step 5: Scoop ¼ cup measures onto the pan or use a little more if you have a larger pan.
Step 6: Immediately lift and tilt the pan to have the batter completely cover the pan's bottom.
Step 7: Cook until the crepe looks set around the edges and dry on top. Use a rubber spatula to loosen the edges around the crepe and then flip it over to cook the other side for an additional minute.
Step 8: Slide the crepe onto a clean plate.
Step 9: Repeat with the remaining batter until all crepes have been cooked.
Step 10: Fill with custard and fresh berries. Roll or fold into quarters and top with additional berries and whipped cream.
Serve your delicious crepes.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Start with the custard. If using vanilla custard, make it first so it has time to cool and set.
- Expect a practice round. The first crepe or two are often imperfect. By the third, the batter spreads better and flipping is easier.
- Know the difference. Crepes are thinner and softer than pancakes. Whisk well so the batter is smooth and lump free.
- Check the batter. Crepe batter should be thinner than pancake batter. Add small splashes of milk if it feels too thick.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: Store Crepes With Pancake Mix in a sealed bag or wrapped plate in the fridge for up to 2 days. They may soften slightly with time.
Store leftover vanilla filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days and stir before using.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave 15-30 seconds (no more than 4 crepes at a time) until soft and bendable.
Make Ahead: Cook crepes ahead, stack with parchment between each, and refrigerate. Fill just before serving for best texture.
🥗 Side Dishes or Pairing Ideas
Serve Crepes With Pancake Mix with additional fresh fruit, yogurt, or whipped cream for a light meal. These crepes also pair nicely with breakfast sausage, bacon, or a simple fruit salad for brunch.
- Strawberry Blueberry ParfaitRecipe $2.97 / Serving $1.49
- Canned Breakfast Potatoes RecipeRecipe $2.96 / Serving $0.59
- Strawberry Banana Orange SmoothieRecipe $1.67 / Serving $0.84
- How to Make Frozen HashbrownsRecipe $2.23 / Serving $0.56
❓ Crepes With Pancake Mix FAQs
Absolutely! Feel free to try this recipe with your favorite gluten free pancake mix and see how it goes.
Pancake mix usually contains leavening agents whereas crepes are known for being basics like flour, egg, water, and possibly vanilla. Crepes are also usually folded or rolled around sweet and savory fillings, whereas pancakes are stacked and topped with add-ons.
Yes, you can make this recipe up to 24 hours in advance and keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just make sure to stir again before using.
🍽️ More Recipes You'll Love
- Salted Caramel Banana PancakesRecipe $4.78 / Serving $0.34
- Spiced Pear MuffinsRecipe $5.01 / Serving $0.42
- Mixed Berry SyrupRecipe $3.79 / Serving $0.47
- Dairy Free WafflesRecipe $1.59 / Serving $0.32
🐝 If you tried these easy crepes with pancake mix, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Easy Crepes with Pancake Mix
Ingredients
- 1 cup pancake mix - ($0.31)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ($0.03)
- 1 large egg - ($0.15)
- 1 ½ cup milk or water - ($0.30)
Instructions
- Make crepe batter. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, egg, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. The batter should be thin and pourable.
- Heat pan. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cook crepes. Pour about ¼ cup batter into the pan and immediately tilt to spread evenly. Cook until the edges look dry and the surface is set.
- Flip. Loosen the edges with a spatula and flip. Cook the second side for about 1 minute, then transfer to a plate. Grease the pan again and repeat with remaining batter.
- Assemble. Fill crepes with fillings of choice. Fold into quarters or roll. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Pancake mix. Any just-add-water pancake mix works, including gluten-free varieties.
- Milk options. Any milk can be used in the crepe batter.
- Make ahead. Crepe batter can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated.
- Storage. Store cooked crepes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating. Microwave crepes for 15 to 30 seconds before filling.
Nutritional Information
Save This Recipe to Your Inbox
Enter your email and we'll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you'll join our email list and can unsubscribe anytime.
Danni Smith says
Can you add protein powder to this mix?
Nicole Durham says
i have honestly never thought to try, but i dont see why adding a scoop wouldnt work.. although id probably just buy protein pancake mix. great question, really makes me curious about the outcome. if you try it, let me know how it goes!
Shanat Lopez says
Omg so yum, my toddler loved it!!! I assume cauSe my Pan was bigger and there for made less crepes I have a bunch of spread leftover and don’t want to throw it away. Will it hold up frozen until next use?
NicoleDurham says
I don't believe that the custard filling will last well if stored in the freezer because it might separate. It will however last in the fridge for 3-5 days if stored in an airtight container. Because it'sbasically just cooked vanilla pudding you can easily serve it up as a yummy treat with fresh fruits (I'm sure your toddler would enjoy that) 🙂
GINA says
Cannot wait to try these with a strawberry crepe cake!
NicoleDurham says
That sounds wonderful <3
Saif says
What a delicious and simple crepe. They goes well with ice cream.
NicoleDurham says
Serving them up with ice cream sounds like a brilliant idea!
Gina says
Crepes are such a great way to make breakfast feel special and using pancake mix is genius - so simple!
Helen says
I've never thought of having crepes for breakfast - what a great idea! This will be a fun way to start our day on the weekend.
Kate says
So simple but delicious, a really easy recipe for pancake day - love it!
Dannii says
You can't beat homemade crepes. So many different topping options too.