If you want to impress your friends or family with extraordinary crepes, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re going to talk about beer crepes. You’re probably wondering: “Why on earth add beer to a crepe batter?” Well, hang on, because I’m going to explain everything to you, step by step, so you can become the king or queen of light and fluffy crepes!
Why add beer to crepe batter?
We all know that crepes are a classic, but why not make them even lighter and airier with an unusual ingredient: beer! Beer provides a magical effect thanks to its yeast and natural carbon dioxide, making the batter much lighter. No worries, the taste of beer is not very prominent after cooking, so even if you’re not a fan, you can use it without hesitation.
As a bonus, beer also helps to brown the crepes more beautifully. If you want perfect crepes, that’s the secret!
Which beer to choose for perfect crepes?
Not all beers are created equal when it comes to making crepes! Here are some tips for choosing the right one:
- Blonde beer: the most classic option. It is light and does not add a very strong taste.
- White beer: perfect if you want a slightly fruity note in your crepes.
- Non-alcoholic beer: If you want to make crepes for the whole family, including children, without a doubt.
Pro tip: avoid brown or amber beers, they have a too pronounced taste and may result in a too strong batter for crepes.
Ingredients needed for beer crepe batter
Before embarking on the beer crepe adventure, make sure you have everything on hand:
Sweet version:
- 250g flour
- 3 eggs
- 30 cl milk
- 25 cL blonde beer
- 50g sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract)
Savory version:
- 250g flour
- 3 eggs
- 30 cl milk
- 25 cL blonde beer
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons oil
- (no sugar or vanilla for this version)
Tip: For even lighter crepes, you can replace part of the milk with sparkling water. It works wonders for the texture!
Detailed preparation steps
Ready to dive into preparation? Follow these steps and everything should go smoothly.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, put the flour and make a small well in the center. Then add the salt (and sugar if you’re making sweet crepes).
- Add the liquids gradually: Pour half of the milk into the well, and mix gently by bringing the flour towards the center. Then add the eggs one by one, then the beer. Continue mixing until you get a smooth and homogeneous batter.
- Add the oil: This will give the crepes a nice flexibility. Mix well so the oil incorporates into the batter.
- Rest: Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes. This allows the ingredients to mix well and makes the crepes even lighter. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but it’s really worth waiting.
Summary table of proportions (for about 20 crepes):
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour | 250g |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Milk | 30 cl |
| Beer | 25 cl |
| Sugar | 50g |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Oil | 2 tbsp |
Cooking the crepes: the crucial moment
Cooking crepes is a bit like a dance. You have to approach it with gentleness and patience.
- Heat the pan: Use a well-heated and lightly oiled crepe pan (you can use a piece of paper towel soaked in oil to avoid using too much).
- Pour the batter: Take a ladle of batter and quickly pour it into the pan. Make a circular motion with your wrist to evenly spread the batter.
- Quick cooking: Cook for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until the edges start to brown.
- Flip the crepe: A quick spatula move, and voilà! Flip your crepe to cook on the other side.
Tips for perfect crepes:
- Don’t flip your crepe too soon, wait until the edges are nicely browned.
- If the first crepe isn’t great, don’t panic, it’s always the case. The second one will be perfect!
Beer crepe variations
Beer crepes are incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for variations to adapt them to your tastes or those of your guests.
Savory beer crepe recipe
Want to make crepes for dinner? Go savory! For that, simply remove the sugar and vanilla from your base recipe and increase the amount of beer for an even lighter batter.
Some ideas for savory fillings:
- Ham, cheese, and egg (the classic complete galette!)
- Chorizo and grated cheese
- Chicken, mushrooms, and sour cream
Sweet recipe: Beer crepes with vanilla sugar
For those who love sweetness, add some vanilla sugar or a touch of cinnamon to your batter. You can also top your crepes with homemade jam, spread, or simply a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can beer be replaced with another ingredient? Yes! If you don’t like beer or want a non-alcoholic option, you can replace beer with sparkling water. You may lose some of the golden color, but your crepes will remain light.
Do beer crepes smell like beer? The good news is no! Once cooked, the alcohol evaporates, and you’re left with a light crepe, without a beer flavor.
Ready to get into the kitchen?
Now that you have all the cards in hand, all you have to do is dive in! Trust me, once you’ve tasted beer crepes, you won’t go back. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tell your friends. And if you’re looking for other surprising recipe ideas, check out our articles on beer-based desserts, you’ll enjoy them!
