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!
Recipe: $2.84 | Per Serving: $0.28 | Servings: 10
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!
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🍯 Why This Recipe Works
- It's versatile! Feel free to use your own filling (both sweet or savory) would work well! With these easy crepes, you'll have unlimited possibilities!
- The filling is delicious. This vanilla custard isn't too sweet and has just the right amount of savory to go well with the fluffy crepes and tart fresh berries (like a warm vanilla pudding). Of course, you can fill your crepes with anything you want.
- It's a big time saver! Once you've tried pancake batter crepes, you may never go back to the traditional method again. You can enjoy a simpler version of your breakfast favorites.
🥘 Ingredients
Ingredient Notes:
Pancake mix- You can use any pancake mix desired, but the "just add water" type works best. Brands include but are not limited to Bisquick, Krusteaz, Kodiak, or even Gluten-free pancake mix!
If you still have pancake mix left, try it in our Easy Red Velvet Funnel Cake, Pancake Mix Banana Bread, and Easy Sheet Pan Pancakes.
Egg- This helps to hold the batter together and gives it a subtle eggy flavor that crepes are known for. Need egg free? Check out the substitutions below.
Butter- You will need butter (or similar) to grease the pan with between every crepe. I prefer to use melted butter and a pastry brush as it gives me the best control over coverage.
Homemade custard- Using basic ingredients like milk, cornstarch, sugar, and eggs recreate a homemade custard from scratch. Make sure you prep the custard BEFORE making the crepes so it has time to cool down.
Fresh fruit- We love to use strawberries but feel free to use any berries (raspberries or blueberries, for example).
For specific ingredients and measurements, please see the recipe card below.
🧾 Substitutions
Vanilla Custard Shortcut- While making custard from scratch can be rewarding, it's not always feasible. A convenient alternative is to use a box of vanilla cook and serve pudding, prepared according to package instructions.
Pancake Mix Selection- Various pancake mixes can be used for this recipe. Popular options include Krusteaz buttermilk pancake mix or other "just add water" mixes. Choose one that your family enjoys for optimal results.
Egg-Free Option- For those preferring an egg-free version, aquafaba can be used as a substitute. Aquafaba is the liquid found in a can of chickpeas and works well as an egg replacer. Use 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for each large egg required.
📖 Variations
Versatile Crepe Fillings- Crepes offer endless filling possibilities, from sweet to savory options. Fill them with custard, whipped cream, berries, chocolate chips, or even savory ingredients like scrambled eggs. Whether you prefer a sweet treat or a protein-packed meal, your crepes can reflect your personal taste preferences.
🔪 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.
🥞 The Difference Between Crepes and Pancakes
These easy pancake mix crepes are essentially thin pancakes but with subtle differences in the mixing process.
When making crepes with pancake mix, there are key distinctions:
- Different batter consistency: Unlike pancakes, crepe batter should be smooth rather than clumpy/lumpy. Achieving a smooth batter is essential, which can be done by whisking the batter more thoroughly or sifting the pancake mix beforehand to eliminate large clumps.
- Soft and thin texture: Unlike tall and fluffy pancakes, crepes are meant to be almost paper-thin, making them more delicate to handle.
Once you master making crepes with pancake mix, you'll find it easier to gauge the right consistency and texture for perfect crepes every time.
🍴 Recipe Tips
- Preparation Tip for Vanilla Custard- If you're making vanilla custard to accompany the crepes, prepare it before starting on the crepes. Allowing it time to cool will enhance its texture and flavor.
- Practice Makes Perfect with Crepes- Don't be discouraged if your first crepe or two doesn't turn out perfectly. Like many skills, crepe-making improves with practice. By the third crepe, you'll likely find it much easier and achieve better results. Keep at it!
👩🏻🍳 Storage
Leftover crepes? Feel free to keep them in a large Ziploc baggie or on a plastic wrap covered plate for up to 2 days in the fridge (they get a little soggy after that).
Leftover vanilla filling? Keep it stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Stir again before use as the liquid may have separated during storage.
🍳Reheating
Microwave Method: Reheat leftover crepes in the microwave, but limit to no more than 4 at a time. Heat them for about 15-30 seconds or until they are warmed enough to bend without breaking.
💭 Recipe 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 Delicious Brunch Recipes
If you tried these Easy crepes with pancake mix, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your feedback in the 📝 comments section below. I would truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Easy Crepes with Pancake Mix
Ingredients
Crepes
- 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)
Vanilla Custard Filling
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten ($0.30)
- 2 cups milk ($0.40)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar ($0.12)
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch ($0.08)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ($0.03)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced ($1.12)
Instructions
How to Make Pancake Mix Crepes
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, vanilla, egg, and milk until smooth. Pour into a pourable container or use a ¼ cup measuring cup as a scoop.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and brush with melted butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Do this between EVERY crepe.
- When the pan is heated to the point that water sizzles, it's ready. Pour your batter in ¼ cup scoops (or larger if using a bigger pan) and tilt the pan to cover the entire surface with batter.
- Cook until the crepe looks set around the edges and dry. Use a rubber spatula to loosen the edges along the pan. The crepe will bubble as it cooks, this is normal.
- Flip the crepe to the other side. I found the easiest way to be flipping it onto a plate and then back into the pan so the uncooked side was on bottom.
- Cook for one minute longer on this side and then slide off onto a clean plate.
- Grease the pan again and repeat until all crepes have been cooked.
- Fill crepes with custard and fresh strawberries. Fold into quarters or roll and then top with additional sliced strawberries.
How to Make Custard Filling
- Place two eggs in a bowl and slightly beat them. Set aside, but within reach.
- In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Whisk occasionally to prevent cornstarch from clumping and cook until milk is scalded (small bubbles appear around edges of pan).
- Remove from heat and scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the milk mixture and place it into the bowl with the eggs. Whisk the eggs to combine and then whisk continually while the egg mixture gets added back into the milk mixture.
- Immediately place the saucepan back over the heat and cook (and whisk) until thickened. Don't bring it to a boil, but it will take about 2-3 minutes to thicken nicely.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. set aside until cooled and use as desired.
Notes
- Prep Custard First: Make vanilla custard first and cover to cool, preventing skin.
- Pancake Mix: Use any "just add water" mix, including gluten-free options.
- Milk Choice: Any milk type works for the crepe batter.
- Sift Pancake Mix: Sift for smooth batter.
- Simple Filling: Use store-bought vanilla pudding as a quicker option.
- Make Batter Ahead: Prepare crepe batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Crepe-making improves with practice.
- Storage and Substitutions: Store leftover crepes in the fridge for up to two days. Use boxed vanilla pudding or three tablespoons of aquafaba per egg for egg-free versions.
- Reheating: Microwave crepes for 15-30 seconds.
- Disclosure: Nutrition info is only for crepes, excluding filling.
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.