Meta Description: Indulge in a decadent breakfast with our chocolate hazelnut banana crepes. This easy recipe makes thin, tender crepes filled with a rich spread and fresh bananas for a perfect treat.
🥞 A Parisian Escape: My Love for Chocolate Hazelnut Crepes
I’ll never forget the first time I had a crepe. I was a teenager on a family trip to Paris, and we stumbled upon a tiny street vendor near the Eiffel Tower. He had a large, round griddle, and with a few masterful flicks of his wrist, he turned a thin batter into a beautiful, lacy crepe. He filled it with a generous smear of chocolate hazelnut spread and a few slices of banana. I took one bite, and my world changed. It was so much more than a simple pancake—it was a warm, sweet, and comforting treat that felt so wonderfully decadent and elegant. I went home that night determined to make my own.
My journey to creating the perfect chocolate hazelnut banana crepes began right there. My first attempts were a little… well, they were a little thick. I realized that the key to a perfect crepe is a thin, liquidy batter and a light hand. I started experimenting with different flours and different techniques, and that’s when I found the magic combination of a perfectly thin batter and a simple, rich filling. The result was a revelation: a crepe that was impossibly light and tender on the inside, with a beautiful golden-brown lacy edge and a perfect balance of rich chocolate, nutty hazelnut, and sweet, creamy banana. It was everything I wanted in a crepe, and it brought me right back to that small street vendor in Paris.
This recipe is a testament to the idea that you can take a classic European treat and make it completely approachable and easy to make at home. The thin, tender crepes are the perfect vehicle for a rich, warm chocolate hazelnut spread and sweet banana slices.1 They are a perfect breakfast for a special occasion, a delicious brunch centerpiece, or a simple dessert. They are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
✅ Ingredients for Perfect Crepes
This recipe uses a blend of simple, wholesome ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying crepe.
For the Crepes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of our crepes.
- 1 ½ cups milk: Whole milk will give you a richer, more tender crepe.
- 2 large eggs: Our binder, adding richness and structure.2
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: A little bit of sugar for a subtle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon melted butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: A warm, fragrant addition.
- Pinch of salt: To balance and enhance all the flavors.
For the Filling and Toppings:
- ½ cup chocolate hazelnut spread: This is the star of our filling.
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced: For a creamy texture and natural sweetness.
- Optional garnishes: A light dusting of powdered sugar, a few chopped hazelnuts, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.3
🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Total preparation time: 10 minutes. Total cooking time: 20-30 minutes.
- Prep the Batter: In a blender, combine the all-purpose flour, milk, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend on high for about 30 seconds, or until the batter is completely smooth and no lumps remain. You want a very thin, liquidy batter.
- Rest the Batter: Transfer the batter to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, which is key to a light, tender crepe.4
- Heat the Pan: Heat an 8-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with a little butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the Crepes: Pour about ¼ cup of the batter into the hot pan.5 Immediately swirl the pan to coat the bottom evenly with a thin layer of batter. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the bottom is set.
- Flip and Finish: Carefully slide a spatula under the crepe and flip it over. Cook for another 30 seconds to a minute, until the other side is lightly golden. Slide the cooked crepe onto a plate.
- Repeat and Stack: Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the cooked crepes on top of each other. This will keep them warm and moist. You should get about 8-10 crepes from this recipe.
- Fill and Fold: Take a warm crepe and spread a thin, even layer of chocolate hazelnut spread over the entire surface. Arrange a few slices of banana in the middle.
- Fold and Serve: Fold the crepes into quarters or roll them up like a burrito. Place them on a plate. If you’re feeling fancy, you can top them with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few chopped hazelnuts. Serve immediately while they are warm and gooey.
🌟 Pro Tips and Delicious Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own and get creative in the kitchen.
The Secret to Perfect Crepes:
- Rest the Batter: This is the most important rule of crepe making! Resting the batter allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax, which results in a tender, light crepe that won’t tear.6
- Hot Pan: A properly hot skillet is essential for a good crepe.7 If your pan isn’t hot enough, the crepe will stick and become soggy.
- Swirl Quickly: As soon as you pour the batter into the pan, you need to swirl it quickly to create that perfectly thin, even layer.
Delicious Variations:
- Different Fruit: Don’t have bananas? No problem! You can use sliced strawberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries. Peaches or a few chopped apricots would also be amazing.
- Different Filling: You can use a variety of fillings. Try a simple lemon curd, a dollop of whipped cream, or a fresh fruit jam.
- Sweet and Savory: For a savory crepe, you can omit the sugar and vanilla from the batter and fill it with ingredients like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and cheese.
- Add a Liqueur: For a special occasion, you can add a tablespoon of a liqueur like Grand Marnier or Frangelico to the batter for a deeper flavor.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the crepe batter ahead of time?
Yes! Making the batter ahead of time is highly recommended. You can make the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container or a covered bowl in the refrigerator. This resting period will result in a more tender crepe.
My crepes are too thick. What went wrong?
The most common reason for a thick crepe is a batter that is too thick. If your crepes are coming out too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of milk to the batter and whisk until it is the right consistency. Remember, you want a very thin, liquidy batter.
Can I use a regular whisk instead of a blender?
Yes, you can use a regular whisk to make the batter. Just be sure to whisk it very well to remove all the lumps. A blender is just a quicker, easier way to get a perfectly smooth batter.
How do I store leftover crepes?
If you have any leftover crepes, you can stack them between layers of parchment paper and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, you can pop them in a microwave for a few seconds or a warm pan for about 30 seconds per side.8
| Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 crepes) |
| Calories: 280 |
| Protein: 8g |
| Fat: 14g |
| Saturated Fat: 4g |
| Carbohydrates: 30g |
| Fiber: 2g |
| Sugar: 18g |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and serving size.
❤️ Why This Recipe is a Must-Make
There is a simple joy in a warm, fresh-made crepe. This chocolate hazelnut banana crepes recipe is a perfect example of that. It’s a dish that feels wonderfully decadent but is so simple to make. The combination of light, tender crepes, a rich chocolate hazelnut spread, and creamy bananas is a match made in heaven. It’s a fantastic recipe for anyone looking to elevate their breakfast game without a lot of extra effort.
I love this recipe because it’s a great way to use a few simple ingredients and create something truly special. It turns a classic European treat into a show-stopping breakfast that is perfect for any occasion. The fact that it’s so quick to cook once you’ve made the batter is a huge bonus. You can spend more time enjoying your morning and less time in the kitchen. It’s also a brilliant recipe for those who are trying to eat a little healthier without sacrificing flavor, as it incorporates fresh fruit into a delicious treat.
This dish is a testament to the power of simple, fresh food. It’s a reminder that great cooking isn’t about complicated techniques but about celebrating the natural flavors of the ingredients. The process of making these homemade crepes is a relaxing one, and the end result is a beautiful and delicious meal. This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel good about what you’re eating, both because it’s so delicious and because it’s a homemade baked good.
🎉 Ready to Get Cooking? Your New Favorite Crepe Awaits!
There’s no better way to start a special day than with a warm, comforting, and delicious crepe. These chocolate hazelnut banana crepes are a perfect blend of sweet, rich, and fresh. They are so easy to make, and they are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and discover how easy it is to make a delicious and impressive breakfast. What’s your favorite topping for a crepe? I’d love to know! Happy cooking!
