Delicious Chocolate Crepes Recipe for Brunch and Dessert

If you’re searching for a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that works just as beautifully for an elegant brunch as it does for an indulgent dessert, this chocolate crepes recipe is your new go-to favorite. Light, thin, and delicately flavored with cocoa, these homemade chocolate crepes are soft, flexible, and perfect for wrapping around sweet fillings like fresh berries, whipped cream, bananas, or even rich chocolate ganache.

Unlike thick pancakes, crepes are tender and paper-thin, creating a luxurious texture that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few easy techniques, you can master the art of French-style chocolate crepes right in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a romantic breakfast, or a decadent dessert platter, this easy brunch dessert delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Crepes Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with these sweet crepes with cocoa:

• They’re elegant but simple to make.
• The batter comes together in minutes.
• Perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a holiday breakfast.
• Completely customizable with endless fillings and toppings.
• Light and not overly sweet, making them versatile.

Chocolate adds a subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the delicate crepe texture. The result? A soft, flexible crepe with just enough cocoa richness to feel indulgent.

What Are Chocolate Crepes?

Crepes originated in France and are known for their ultra-thin, delicate texture. Unlike pancakes, crepes contain no leavening agents, which gives them their signature flat and flexible form. Adding cocoa powder transforms classic crepes into a dessert-worthy treat.

Chocolate crepes are essentially a variation of traditional French crepes, enhanced with unsweetened cocoa powder. The cocoa blends seamlessly into the batter, creating a light chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with fruit, cream, nuts, or syrup.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make homemade chocolate crepes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Additional butter or oil for cooking

Optional Fillings & Toppings:

• Fresh strawberries
• Sliced bananas
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate chips
• Nutella
• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup
• Toasted nuts

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly thin and tender chocolate crepes.

1. Prepare the Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps, especially from the cocoa powder.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Add milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter, whisking until smooth.

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while whisking continuously. Mix until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

2. Rest the Batter

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step allows the flour to fully hydrate and relax, resulting in softer crepes.

If you’re short on time, 15 minutes will work — but 30 minutes is ideal.

3. Heat the Pan

Place a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.

The pan should be hot but not smoking.

4. Cook the Crepes

Pour about ¼ cup of batter into the center of the pan. Immediately tilt and swirl the pan in a circular motion to spread the batter into a thin layer.

Cook for 1–2 minutes until the edges begin to lift and the surface looks set.

Flip carefully using a spatula and cook for another 30–60 seconds.

Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining batter, stacking crepes as you go.

5. Fill and Serve

Fill each crepe with your favorite toppings. Fold into halves or triangles, or roll them up for a café-style presentation.

Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with chocolate sauce for a beautiful finish.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Crepes

1. Don’t Skip the Rest Time

Resting ensures smooth, tender crepes and prevents tearing.

2. Use the Right Heat

Medium heat is ideal. Too high, and they burn; too low, and they become rubbery.

3. Thin Batter Is Key

If your batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.

4. Swirl Quickly

Once batter hits the pan, swirl immediately for even distribution.

5. Stack with Parchment (Optional)

If making ahead, place parchment paper between crepes to prevent sticking.

Delicious Filling Ideas

One of the best parts of this chocolate crepes recipe is how customizable it is. Here are some irresistible combinations:

Classic Chocolate Banana

Spread Nutella inside, add sliced bananas, and finish with whipped cream.

Berry Bliss

Fill with whipped cream and fresh strawberries or raspberries.

S’mores Style

Add marshmallow fluff, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers.

Peanut Butter Dream

Spread creamy peanut butter and drizzle with honey or chocolate syrup.

Cheesecake Inspired

Fill with sweetened cream cheese and top with fruit compote.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Refrigeration

Store plain crepes stacked and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Layer parchment paper between crepes and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Warm gently in a skillet or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Serving Suggestions

These French-style chocolate crepes are ideal for:

• Weekend brunch spreads
• Valentine’s Day breakfast
• Mother’s Day brunch
• Holiday dessert tables
• Romantic date-night desserts

Pair them with fresh fruit, coffee, or a cold glass of milk for a balanced treat.

Nutritional Benefits

While indulgent, crepes are lighter than many baked desserts. They use minimal sugar and butter compared to cakes or pastries. You can easily adjust sweetness or substitute whole wheat flour for added fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Them Gluten-Free?

Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I Use Plant-Based Milk?

Absolutely. Almond, oat, or soy milk works well.

Why Are My Crepes Tearing?

Likely causes:

• Batter too thick
• Pan not hot enough
• Not enough resting time

Fun Facts About Crepes

• Crepes date back to 13th-century France.
• In France, February 2nd is celebrated as “La Chandeleur” (Crepe Day).
• Traditionally, flipping a crepe while holding a coin in your other hand is believed to bring prosperity.

Final Thoughts

This homemade chocolate crepes recipe proves that elegant dishes don’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and a little technique, you can create thin, tender, cocoa-infused crepes that feel straight out of a Parisian café.

Whether you serve them as an easy brunch dessert, a special breakfast, or a dinner-party finale, these sweet crepes with cocoa will always impress.

Once you try them, you’ll discover they’re not just a recipe — they’re an experience.

Delicious Chocolate Crepes

Light, thin, and cocoa-infused crepes perfect for brunch or dessert, filled with fruit, cream, or chocolate.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 8 crepes

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 160

Ingredients

  

Crepe Batter

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 2 eggs large
• 1.5 cups milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Non-stick skillet
• Whisk
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
4. Refrigerate batter for 30 minutes.
5. Heat lightly greased skillet over medium heat.
6. Pour 1/4 cup batter and swirl to spread thinly.
7. Cook 1–2 minutes, flip, cook 30–60 seconds more.
8. Fill with desired toppings and serve.

Notes

Resting the batter ensures tender crepes. Adjust milk for thinner consistency if needed.