The Comfort of Apple Cinnamon Crepes Recipe
There’s something truly heartwarming about starting your day with a stack of tender, aromatic crepes filled with warm apple cinnamon goodness. I love how this Apple Cinnamon Crepes Recipe brings together the cozy familiar flavors of fall in a lightly crisp and golden crepe shell. It’s comfort food that feels a bit indulgent, yet still wholesome and nourishing. You’ll notice that these crepes aren’t your usual flour-based kind – they have a velvety texture thanks to oat and rice flours, giving a subtle nuttiness that pairs perfectly with the aromatic apple-cinnamon filling. Whether you’re treating yourself on a slow weekend morning or impressing brunch guests, this recipe offers a gentle, inviting rhythm for your kitchen. I’ve spent quite some time perfecting this dish, balancing the sweet, slightly tart apple filling with just the right hint of cinnamon and the soft banana sweetness in the batter. You’re going to love how all these layers come together in every bite.What Makes It Irresistible
- Layered flavor: Comforting, rich, and beautifully balanced.
- Easy method: Steps designed for any skill level.
- Adaptable: Works with pantry swaps and seasonal twists.
- Prep-friendly: Can be made ahead without losing quality.
Ingredient Guide
- Oat flour: Offers a mild nuttiness and hearty texture; substitute with whole wheat flour or gluten-free blend if preferred.
- Rice flour: Lightens the batter for tender crepes; you could swap for sorghum or millet flour in a pinch.
- Cornstarch or arrowroot: Helps create a delicate, slightly crisp edge – arrowroot is a great grain-free option.
- Coconut sugar or brown sugar: Adds gentle sweetness with caramel undertones; maple sugar works nicely too.
- Ground flax or chia seeds: Act as a binder while boosting nutrition and a subtle earthy note.
- Baking powder: For a touch of lift and fluffiness in your crepes.
- Plant-based milk: I prefer canned lite coconut milk for richness, but almond or oat milk also work beautifully.
- Banana: Adds natural sweetness and a creamy texture; ripe but firm bananas yield best results.
- Lemon or lime juice: Brightens and balances the batter’s flavors while aiding the crepes’ tenderness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances warmth and depth.
- Oil: For frying – neutral oils like grapeseed or refined coconut oil are great choices.
- For the apple filling: Crisp apples, cinnamon, coconut sugar, plant-based milk, lemon juice, and cornstarch combine for a luscious, spiced fruit compote.
Prep Before You Begin
Before diving in, gather all your dry and wet ingredients and prep the apples for the filling. The batter benefits from a brief rest, so consider starting the filling while the crepe batter rests. Having everything ready at arm’s reach makes the cooking flow smoother—especially when you’re flipping delicate crepes. You won’t need the oven for this recipe, but keep your stovetop at a steady medium heat to ensure the crepes cook evenly without burning. Keep a little oil handy for the pan to get those beautifully golden edges.Tools & Setup
Here’s what you’ll want on hand so your Apple Cinnamon Crepes Recipe comes together smoothly—plus optional extras that make the process even easier.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Crepes Recipe
- Whisk together all dry ingredients in a large bowl — the oat flour, rice flour, cornstarch, coconut sugar, flax seeds, and baking powder. This helps evenly distribute that magic lift and sweetness right from the start.
- Blend the wet ingredients (plant-based milk, banana, lemon juice, and vanilla extract) until completely smooth and velvety. You’ll notice the batter has a natural sweetness and creamy consistency.
- Pour the wet into the dry and whisk gently but thoroughly until you have a homogenous batter. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes; this helps hydrate the flours and thickens the mixture slightly, making the crepes easier to handle.
- Prepare your skillet by heating a small amount of oil over medium heat. I find a good non-stick skillet works wonders to prevent sticking and allows for easy flipping.
- Cook your crepes one at a time by pouring about 1/4 cup of batter into the hot skillet. Quickly spread the batter thinly and evenly with the back of a ladle — you want the crepes light and delicate, with slightly crisp edges catching some golden color.
- Patience is key: Cook 2–4 minutes on the first side. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges lift easily and the surface looks set, but not dry. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes for that perfect tender finish.
- Simmer the apple filling: While cooking, combine apples, sugar, plant milk, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until it boils and thickens to a luscious, velvety compote that’s warmly spiced but still fresh.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon a few teaspoons of the apple filling onto each crepe, roll or fold them neatly, and enjoy immediately. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a lovely finishing touch.
Expert Tips to Nail It
When the batter thickens after a few crepes, add up to 50 ml more plant-based milk to keep it smooth and easy to spread. Also, avoid flipping too soon—the crepes should release effortlessly from the pan. A gentle touch here makes all the difference for that delicate, lightly crisp texture.
Use a spatula with a thin edge to lift and flip the crepes cleanly. If your skillet heats unevenly, rotate it between batches to prevent hot spots. And remember: The first crepe often takes longer; it’s your test run for adjusting heat and spread thickness.
Creative Variations for Apple Cinnamon Crepes Recipe
- Switch up the fruit: Pears or peaches with cinnamon make a juicy alternative filling.
- Add nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans folded into the filling bring a wonderful crunch.
- Stir in spices: Cardamom or nutmeg alongside cinnamon deepen the warmth.
- Make it boozy: A splash of brandy or apple liqueur in the filling adds an adult twist.
- Top with dairy: Coconut whipped cream or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream complements the warm crepes beautifully.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerate crepes: Store in an airtight container layered with parchment paper for up to 2 days.
- Freeze for longer: Wrap individual crepes in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
- Reheat properly: Warm crepes gently in a non-stick pan or microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Store filling: Keep the apple cinnamon filling separate in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Apple Cinnamon Crepes Recipe FAQs
- Can I use gluten-free flours? Yes! Oat and rice flours are naturally gluten-free, but make sure your oats are certified gluten-free if needed.
- What’s the best apple variety for the filling? I like tart apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady because they hold their shape and balance sweetness well.
- Can I make the batter ahead of time? Absolutely. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but give it a gentle stir before cooking.
- How do I avoid tears in my crepes? Make sure your pan is properly oiled and hot before adding batter, and pour a thin, even layer.
- Are these crepes vegan? Yes, this recipe uses plant-based milk and no eggs, perfect for a vegan diet.
Apple Cinnamon Crepes Recipe
Delight in these Apple Cinnamon Crepes featuring a delicate oat and rice flour batter, filled with a warm, spiced apple filling. Made with plant-based milk and naturally sweetened, these crepes are perfect for a wholesome breakfast or a cozy dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 crepes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup (90 g) oats ground into flour or oat flour
- ½ cup (80 g) rice flour
- 4 tbsp (32 g) cornstarch or arrowroot flour
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp flax seeds ground or chia seeds
- 1 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) plant-based milk (canned lite coconut milk recommended)
- 1 small (80 g) banana
- ½ tbsp lemon juice or lime juice
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Oil for frying
Apple Filling:
- 3 apples peeled, cored, and chopped
- 3 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp plant-based milk
- ½ tbsp lemon juice or lime juice
- ½ tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together oats flour, rice flour, cornstarch, sugar, ground flax or chia seeds, and baking powder until well combined.
- Blend wet ingredients: In a food processor or blender, combine plant-based milk, banana, lemon or lime juice, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the blended wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk thoroughly to form a smooth batter. Let the batter rest for a few minutes to thicken.
- Cook crepes: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly oil it. Pour 1/4 cup batter into the skillet and spread evenly with the back of a ladle. Cook for 2–4 minutes until edges lift easily. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes. If the batter thickens too much during cooking, thin it with up to 50 ml additional plant milk. Repeat until all batter is used.
- Prepare apple filling: Add all apple filling ingredients to a skillet or saucepan. Stir to combine off heat, then bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to low and simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens and apples soften.
- Assemble crepes: Spoon a few teaspoons of the warm apple filling onto each crepe, roll it up, and optionally drizzle with caramel sauce for extra flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use oat flour or grind oats finely for the crepe batter.
- Plant-based milk such as canned lite coconut milk adds richness.
- Banana in the batter adds natural sweetness and moisture.
- Add extra plant milk if the batter becomes too thick during cooking.
- Serve with caramel sauce for a delicious touch.
