Crepes are a French dessert popular across the globe. Crepes are a very thin pancake, and originated in Brittany, France. They come in two types: sweet or savory. Because of the unique nature of a crepe, the ingredients matter. But are there gluten-free crepes?
Gluten-free crepes are absolutely a thing, and their ingredients don’t differ much from a regular crepe recipe.
Learn how to make delicious gluten-free crepes in this article, as well as other useful tips when making these delicious French delicacies as well as how to store them.
What is the Difference Between A Crepe and A Pancake?

While both a crepe and pancake begin as a flour-based batter that is prepared to be cooked on some sort of griddle, there are a few key differences.
Pancakes are considered one of the oldest forms of bread, and it is because of its unique texture: thick and fluffy. Pancakes can also be enjoyed in sweet variations or salt ones, but in the American tradition, they are usually topped with maple syrup and butter.
Pancakes are also called various names depending on the region of North America where you live, like griddle cakes, hotcakes, johnnycakes (this is when they’re made with cornflour), or flapjack.
Crepes are substantially thin compared to pancakes and rolled out on the griddle to achieve thinness. They are delicate to the touch once they’re cooked. Crepes aren’t often referred to by any other names, except some people might call them ‘French pancakes’.
On a more technical level, the biggest difference between pancakes and crepes is that pancakes have a raising agent in their ingredient list, like baking powder or baking soda. Crepe batters certainly do not feature this type of ingredient.
An Easy to Use Crepe Recipe
According to this recipe, achieving the best gluten free crepes isn’t difficult at all. All you need are a few minor ingredient substitutions and here’s to happy eating.
It should be noted that this recipe can also cater to those who follow a dairy-free lifestyle as well, but you can also use dairy if you’d like.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Eggs (2)
- Milk/ dairy free if needed (¾ cup)
- Water (1 cup)
- Gluten-free all-purpose flour (1 cup)
- Xantham gum (omit if your flour already contains it) (¼ tsp)
- Granulated sugar (2 tbsp)
- Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp)
- Melted butter / dairy free butter if needed (3 tbsp)
The trick to crepes all comes down to the way that they’re cooked. When they’re placed on the hot griddle, it’s important to use a small amount, the recipe linked above suggests ¼ cup to be used at a time.
The most important tip is to lift up the pan once you put the batter on it, and begin to swirl the pan to distribute the batter evenly. This will make your crepe thin and perfectly round. It’s best to cook on medium heat until the bottom is golden brown.
Then, flip the crepe and cook for another 30 seconds or so. For full instructions, click the link here.
How to Choose the Best Gluten-Free Flour in 2022
If you’re eager to start cooking delicious gluten-free crepes, then make sure that you’re using the right type of flour to ensure you make the tastiest batch.
While gluten-free flours line the shelves of grocery stores more than ever before, that doesn’t mean that all gluten-free flours are made the same. Some are made for particular desserts, so be cautious.
Various brands of gluten-free flours contain different proportions of ingredients in them, and this will yield different results.
Did you know there actually is a better way to measure gluten-free flour? It’s called the ‘spoon and level’ method, and it’s pretty easy. You use a measuring cup to scoop the flour, and use a sharp, straight edge, like the back of a knife, and level off the excess flour.
This method will give you consistent results every time.
Best Gluten Free Flour Brands in 2022
King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour
Known for being one of America’s go-to flour brands, this flour is the best and possibly golden standard for quick gluten-free substitutes.
The great thing about this flour is that it comes in a resealable bag which is great for people who plan to use it again for another baking session. It’s also fortified with beneficial additives like iron, vitamin B and calcium. Bonus: it’s Kosher!
Krusteaz Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour
Krusteaz Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour is great for those who don’t want to invest a whole lot into the flour they use for baking, while still making delicious baked goods.
Despite its more affordable price tag, Krusteaz Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour does the trick just like its counterparts.
Krusteaz is offered at bulk, where you get 8 bags of 32oz flour bags. Overall this works out to be cost effective, and it’s less dollars per ounce. If you live in a household that uses a lot of gluten-free flour at all times, then save yourself the runaround and get this flour.
Cup4Cup Multipurpose Flour: Gluten Free
The Cups4Cups flour brand was developed by famous American chef Thomas Keller, who believed that all restaurant goers should enjoy all foods despite their food intolerances.
The Orthodox Union has also given this flour brand a seal of approval, granting it a Kosher certification. Pretty cool, right?
How to Store Crepes
Now you’ve made your delicious crepes and you’re ready to store them. But, how do you do it?
Learn how to store freshly made crepes below.
Crepes last about three days in the fridge, but this doesn’t mean they’ll stay as delicious during that time. They’ll consistently get drier, so it’s best to eat it as soon as you can.
That leads us to the next question: Can you freeze crepes?. Absolutely. Layer some wax paper between each crepe, and cover the entire pile with plastic wrap. Then transfer the bundle into a freezer bag.
But word of caution, don’t freeze crepes with fillings inside, because rewarming them might soften the crepe and filling too much, and it won’t taste as delicious the second time around.
Conclusion
Whether you enjoy your crepe sweet or salty, there’s no denying that gluten free crepes are easy to make and if you can’t enjoy regular flour, then there’s nothing to worry about. Simply swap out regular flour with a gluten-free flour of your choosing and you’re good to go!