Pro Chef Secrets: How to Make Perfectly Soft Crepes Every Time!

It’s not just on Candlemas Day that crepes go the extra mile! Whether it’s for a snack, a birthday, a Sunday brunch, or just to use up those eggs that are about to expire, any excuse is good enough to whip out the crepe maker. Emblematic of sharing and warmth, crepes embody the “simple pleasures” of fuss-free cooking. Quick to prepare, they involve inexpensive ingredients that are staples in every pantry and accommodate toppings like sugar, fruits, honey, maple syrup, jam, or spread with ease.

However, mastering the art of the perfect crepe like a seasoned crepe maker isn’t something everyone can claim. First, one must tackle the dreaded lump battle by preemptively sifting the flour and gradually incorporating the milk… and in case of failure, pulling out the heavy artillery (aka the immersion blender). Once that hurdle is cleared, the next step is ensuring the batter has the ideal consistency: not too thick (which would make it dense) nor too thin (which could cause it to break during cooking). Then comes the precision of spreading the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan, whether with a rake-like motion or a flick of the wrist—everyone has their secret. But what about the secret to softness?

For Nicolas Le Breton, a master crepe maker based in Seine-Maritime for over 20 years, it boils down to one surprising detail. Or more specifically, one mistake he believes should never be made: flipping a crepe! “Otherwise, it dries out,” he states emphatically to the cameras of France 3 Normandie. He therefore opts to cook it on one side only on his crepe maker (as one might do with a delicate fish fillet), then just before removing it, he sprinkles a dusting of sugar. He folds it into a triangle with a swift spatula move before serving it onto a plate.

This might dishearten those who traditionally flip their crepes every February 2nd, holding a gold coin for luck and prosperity. Yet, they might find comfort in now having a clever culinary trick that greatly enhances the enjoyment of their crepes…