How to Prepare a Traditional French Crêpes Suzette: A Step-by-Step Guide
Crêpes Suzette is a classic French dessert that never fails to impress. Thin, delicate crêpes with a rich orange-flavored, buttery sauce are as delightful to the palate as they are to the eye. While it may sound fancy, it’s surprisingly simple to make at home. All you need are a few basic ingredients, some patience, and a love for great food. In this blog, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to prepare this delicious dish.
What is Crêpes Suzette?
Crêpes Suzette is made up of two key components:
1. Crêpes – Thin French pancakes that are soft and slightly golden.
2. Suzette Sauce – A sweet, tangy sauce made with butter, sugar, orange juice, and zest. Some recipes also include Grand Marnier (an orange-flavored liqueur) or brandy for an extra kick.
Crêpes Suzette are often flambéed in the pan, which makes serving them extra dramatic and fun. This step is optional but adds unique flavor and flair.
Ingredients
For the Crêpes
- 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups (375 ml) milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for a slightly sweet crêpe)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or oil
- A pinch of salt
For the Suzette Sauce
- ½ cup (100 grams) unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup (70 grams) sugar
- Juice and zest of 2 oranges
- 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier (optional) or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon brandy (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crêpe Batter
Crêpes are incredibly easy to make, but the batter needs some time to rest so it becomes smooth and lump-free.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and melted butter. Slowly pour this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients while whisking continuously.
- Once everything is combined and smooth, let the batter rest for about 30 minutes. This allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid, making the crêpes easier to cook.
Step 2: Cook the Crêpes
Cooking crêpes requires a bit of finesse, but you’ll get the hang of it quickly!
- Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to grease the surface lightly.
- Pour about ¼ cup (60 ml) of batter into the center of the pan, tilting and swirling the pan to spread the batter evenly in a thin layer.
- Cook for 1 minute or until the edges look slightly golden and the surface appears dry. Flip the crêpe using a spatula and cook for another 30 seconds on the other side.
- Transfer the cooked crêpe to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter. Stack the crêpes so they stay warm and soft.
Step 3: Prepare the Suzette Sauce
The Suzette sauce is the heart and soul of this recipe. Its buttery, citrusy flavor makes Crêpes Suzette one of France’s most iconic desserts.
- In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves and creates a light caramel-like consistency.
- Add the orange juice, zest, and Grand Marnier or brandy (if using). Stir well to combine. The mixture should bubble gently as the flavors meld together.
Optional: If you feel adventurous, you can flambé the sauce at this stage. To do so, carefully tilt the pan slightly toward the flame or ignite the alcohol with a long match. It will create a short burst of flame that burns off the alcohol while leaving behind the aromatics. Perform this step with care for safety!
Step 4: Combine the Crêpes and Sauce
Now it’s time to bring everything together.
- Add one crêpe to the pan containing the sauce, folding it into quarters (or rolling it, depending on your preference). Spoon some sauce over the crêpe to coat it completely.
- Repeat with other crêpes, placing them neatly in the sauce and ensuring they’re nicely soaked with the buttery orange glaze.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Crêpes Suzette deserves a special presentation! Gently place the folded crêpes onto a plate, spoon the sauce over them, and garnish with orange zest for extra brightness.
Serve the crêpes warm, and if you’re using Grand Marnier, your guests will appreciate the subtle depth it adds to the dish. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for additional indulgence.
Final Tips
- Don’t stress about perfect crêpes on your first try! Practice makes perfect, and small tears or uneven edges won’t affect the taste.
- If you don’t want the alcohol, simply substitute more orange juice for Grand Marnier or brandy—your sauce will still be delicious.
- Resting the batter is crucial, so don’t skip this step!
With its vibrant flavors and luxurious sauce, Crêpes Suzette is the ultimate way to elevate your dessert game. Whether you’re serving it to friends, family, or treating yourself, this recipe will surely put a smile on everyone’s face. Give it a try and bring a taste of France to your kitchen. Bon appétit!
