If you're looking for a delicious and versatile breakfast or brunch option, look no further than plain crepes. Made from simple ingredients and easy to customize with your favorite toppings, plain crepes are a crowd-pleaser that offer plenty of culinary possibilities. And at 302 calories per cup, they're a relatively healthy choice too!
In terms of nutritional value, plain crepes are fairly low in calories and fat, but high in carbohydrates. In a single crepe, you'll find around 60 calories, less than 1 gram of fat, 11 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of protein. Depending on what you choose to put on top of your crepes, the nutritional value will obviously vary, so choose wisely!
In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about making and enjoying plain crepes, from recipes and cooking tips to nutritional advice and more. So grab a cup of coffee and let's get started!
We touched briefly on the nutritional value of plain crepes above, but let's dive a little deeper. As we mentioned, a single crepe contains around 60 calories, less than 1 gram of fat, 11 grams of carbs, and 2 grams of protein. In terms of vitamins and minerals, crepes are a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin B12. Of course, the nutritional value will depend on what you choose to top your crepes with, so be mindful of that when planning your breakfast or brunch. One thing to note is that crepes are often made using white flour, which is not as nutrient-dense as whole wheat flour. If you're looking to pack in some extra fiber and nutrients, consider using whole wheat flour instead. You can also experiment with other types of flours, such as almond or coconut flour, for a gluten-free option.
How to Make Plain Crepes
Making plain crepes from scratch is relatively easy, and only requires a few basic ingredients: flour, eggs, milk, and butter. Here's a simple recipe to get you started: Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter, melted
Healthy Toppings for Plain Crepes
When it comes to toppings for plain crepes, the possibilities are endless. However, if you're looking to keep things on the healthier side, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas: - Fresh fruit: berries, bananas, sliced peaches, etc.
- Greek yogurt
- Almond butter or peanut butter
- Honey or maple syrup
- Cinnamon and sugar
- Cottage cheese and fruit
- Low-fat cream cheese and sliced strawberries The key is to focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods that will provide sustained energy throughout the morning. Avoid high-sugar or high-fat toppings, such as Nutella or whipped cream, which can leave you feeling sluggish and unsatisfied.
Savory Plain Crepe Recipes
While sweet crepes tend to get more attention, savory crepes are also a delicious option for breakfast or brunch (or even dinner!). Here are a few recipe ideas to inspire your next savory crepe creation: - Mushroom and spinach crepes
- Ham and cheese crepes
- Smoked salmon and cream cheese crepes
- Chicken and broccoli crepes
- Spinach and feta crepes
Sweet Plain Crepe Recipes
Of course, we can't forget about all the sweet crepe options out there. Here are some classic and creative recipe ideas to try: - Nutella and banana crepes
- Lemon and sugar crepes
- Strawberry and cream crepes
- Apple cinnamon crepes
- S'mores crepes
Plain Crepe vs. Pancakes
While both crepes and pancakes are breakfast staples, there are some key differences between the two. For starters, crepes are typically thinner and more delicate than pancakes, which are fluffy and thick. Crepes also tend to be larger in diameter, but are usually served as a single serving (whereas pancakes are often stacked and served in a larger portion). In terms of nutrition, crepes tend to be lower in calories and fat than pancakes due to their thinner, lighter texture. However, pancakes can be a good source of fiber and protein if made with whole-grain flour and topped with nuts or fruit.
Plain Crepe vs. Waffles
Like pancakes, waffles are a popular breakfast food that may often be compared to crepes. Waffles are thicker and have a more pronounced texture than crepes, thanks to their signature honeycomb pattern. Waffles can also be sweeter than crepes, with ingredients like sugar and vanilla extract typically included in the batter. From a nutritional standpoint, waffles and crepes are fairly similar, although waffles may be slightly higher in calories and fat due to their thicker composition. Like pancakes, waffles can also be a good source of fiber and protein if made with whole-grain flour and topped with fruit or nuts.
Plain Crepe vs. Toast
While it may seem odd to compare crepes to toast, both foods can be a part of a healthy breakfast or brunch spread. Toast is typically made from sliced bread that has been browned in a toaster or oven, and can be topped with a variety of spreads and toppings. Crepes, on the other hand, are thin, delicate pancakes that can be customized with both sweet and savory ingredients. Nutritionally, the two foods are fairly similar, with toast providing more fiber and crepes providing more protein. Both can be part of a balanced breakfast, so don't be afraid to mix it up from time to time!
How Many Calories in a Whole Batch of Plain Crepes?
If you're making a batch of plain crepes from scratch, you may be wondering how many calories the entire batch contains. As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, one cup of plain crepes contains 302 calories. The exact number of crepes you'll get from a batch will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the crepes and how much batter you use for each one. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to get around 10-12 crepes from a single batch of batter. This means that the entire batch would contain roughly 600-720 calories total. Keep in mind that this number will obviously increase if you choose to add high-calorie toppings like whipped cream, Nutella, or syrup.
Tips for Eating Plain Crepes Without Overindulging
While it's certainly possible to enjoy plain crepes as part of a healthy breakfast or brunch, it's important to be mindful of portion sizes and toppings. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your crepes without overindulging: - Consider making smaller crepes (around 6-7 inches in diameter) to help control portion sizes.
- Stick to nutrient-dense toppings like fresh fruit, yogurt, and nut butter.
- Use a nonstick pan or spray to minimize the amount of oil or butter needed for cooking.
- Pair your crepes with protein-rich sides like eggs or turkey bacon to help keep you full and satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plain Crepe:
1. What is a plain crepe?
A plain crepe is a thin pancake made from a batter of flour, eggs, milk, and butter, that is usually served with a variety of fillings such as fruits, chocolate, or cheese.
2. How is the calorie count of plain crepe calculated?
The calorie count of plain crepe is calculated by adding up the number of calories in each ingredient used to make the batter, as well as any toppings that are added to the crepe.
3. Is plain crepe a healthy food option?
In moderation, plain crepe can be a healthy food option. However, it is important to be mindful of the calorie count and the type of fillings used, as some fillings may contain high amounts of sugar and fat.
4. What are some common fillings for plain crepe?
Common fillings for plain crepe include fresh fruits, chocolate spread, cheese, ham, and vegetables. It can also be served with a variety of sauces such as maple syrup, honey, or whipped cream.
5. How is plain crepe traditionally served?
Plain crepe is traditionally served as a sweet dessert, often with fresh fruits and whipped cream. It can also be served as a savory snack, with ingredients such as cheese and ham.