How to Make Crepes with Pancake Mix (Easy Recipe)

Quick Summary: To make crepes with pancake mix, whisk 1 cup pancake mix with about 1 ½ cups milk and 1 egg into a thin, pourable batter, then cook thin rounds in a hot non-stick pan for about a minute per side. The key is a thin batter (roughly 1 part mix to 2 parts liquid), so it spreads to cover the pan.

Can you make crepes from pancake mix?

Yes! While basic crepes are made with just flour, milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt, you can use store-bought pancake mix to make thin, tender crepes.

The challenge is that pancake mixes contain leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda, designed for fluffy pancakes, not thin crepes.

The trick is adjusting the batter's consistency, mainly the flour-to-milk ratio, so it spreads thinly in the pan.

Experts suggest about 1 part flour to 2 parts milk for the perfect finesse. You can also add a splash of acid, like lemon juice or vinegar, to balance the leavening if needed.

With these tweaks, your pancake mix can become a simple shortcut to fresh, homemade crepes.

Why you'll love this recipe

• Fast: the batter comes together in minutes with pantry staples, no special flour needed.
• Simple: you only need pancake mix, milk, and an egg to get started.
• Thin and tender: a small ratio tweak turns fluffy pancake batter into thin crepes.
• Versatile: serve them sweet or savory for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

For ingredients and detailed instructions, refer to the recipe card below.

Also, read about crepe ingredients.

• Pancake mix: This recipe uses Bob's Red Mill homestyle pancake mix, but most dry mixes work for thin crepes.
• Milk: Use whole, low-fat, plant-based milk, or even sparkling water.
• Egg: One large egg.
• Oil: Vegetable oil prevents sticking; melted butter works too. If needed, lightly oil the pan with a silicone brush or use a cooking spray.

Equipment

You need just a few basic tools to make crepes with pancake mix:

• Mixing bowl
• Hand whisk
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Non-stick pan or crepe pan
• Ladle
• Flexible turner

How to make crepes with pancake mix

Step 1. Place the pancake mix in a large bowl, then add the egg and milk. Whisk until smooth. For thicker crepes, add a little more pancake mix; for thinner crepes, add a splash more milk.

Step 2. Pass the batter through a fine-mesh sieve, if needed, to remove lumps so the crepes cook evenly.

Step 3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour a small ladle of batter into the center, swirling the pan to spread it into a thin, even round.

Step 4. Cook until the edges curl and bubbles appear, then flip and cook briefly on the other side. Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray if the crepes stick.

Step 5. Stack the cooked crepes on a plate and keep warm. Serve with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, syrup, or your favorite toppings.

Expert tips

1. Read on for the tips and tricks to make basic crepes.
2. Don't overcook crepes: they should be just golden.
3. Serve crepes dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh fruit, maple syrup, homemade condensed milk, or other favorite toppings.

Recipe variations

Once you master the basic pancake mix crepes, try these easy variations:

• Richer flavor: whisk in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a tablespoon of melted butter for softer, more flavorful crepes.
• Blender method: blend the pancake mix, milk, and egg for about a minute for an extra-smooth, lump-free batter.
• Sweet fillings: spread with Nutella, jam, whipped cream, or fresh berries and fold or roll.
• Savory fillings: fill with ham and cheese, sauteed mushrooms, or spinach for a light meal.
• Dairy-free: swap the milk for almond, oat, or soy milk. Check out these almond milk crepes.
• Different mixes: Bisquick, Krusteaz, and Aunt Jemima all work; keep the batter thin and pourable.

Storing & freezing

To keep crepes fresh, place sheets of parchment paper between each crepe and wrap them in plastic film.

Store in the refrigerator for up to two days or freeze in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to two months.

To thaw, move frozen crepes to the fridge overnight, then reheat individual crepes in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Recipe FAQ

Are pancake mix and crepe mix the same?
No. Pancake mix contains leavening agents that make batter rise into fluffy pancakes, while crepe batter has no leavening, so it stays thin. You can still make crepes from pancake mix by thinning the batter with extra milk.

Can I use premade pancake mix for crepes?
Yes. Whisk the pancake mix with more liquid than the box calls for so the batter is thin and pourable, then swirl a small amount in the pan to make thin crepes.

Can you make crepes with Bisquick?
Yes. For each cup of Bisquick, whisk in 1 to 2 eggs and 1 to 2 cups of milk or water until the batter is smooth and thin.

Can you make crepes with Krusteaz or Aunt Jemima mix?
Yes. Both work the same way. Add extra milk and an egg, and keep the batter thin so it spreads to cover the pan.

What is the secret to thin crepes?
Use a thin, pourable batter (about 1 part mix to 2 parts liquid) and swirl the pan right after pouring so the batter spreads into a thin layer before it sets.

Can you make crepes with pancake mix without eggs?
You can, but the crepes will be more fragile. Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed plus 3 tablespoons water) and handle them gently when flipping.

How many calories are in pancake mix crepes?
Each crepe has about 81 calories, though the exact amount depends on your pancake mix and toppings.

Love crepes? Try these next!

While French crepes are a well-known classic, there is an entire world of thin, crispy crepe styles that you should try. These include Polish naleśniki or Romanian clatite, for example.

• Authentic French Crepes
• French Chocolate Crepes
• Almond Milk Crepes
• Galette Bretonne
• Basic Crepes

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The nutritional information has been calculated using an online recipe nutrition calculator such as Verywellfit.com and is intended for informational purposes only. These figures should be used as a general guideline and not be construed as a guarantee.