Thin, Lacy Crepes with a Bright Citrus Kick. These lemon poppy seed crepes are light, delicate, and bursting with flavor. The poppy seeds add a subtle crunch while the lemon zest keeps every bite fresh and tangy. Whether filled with cream, berries, or lemon curd, this is the perfect brunch or dessert recipe with a springtime flair. It’s Crepes Day! Who am I kidding, every day is Crepes Day in my world. Brighten your day with this delicious Lemon Poppy Seeds recipe, zesty, moist, and packed with a delightful crunch. Perfect for muffins, cakes, or loaves, it’s a refreshing treat for any occasion. If it were entirely up to me, I would have crepes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and maybe even dessert. There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about crepes. They are delicate, thin, and light, yet they hold so much flavor and possibility. Whether sweet or savory, plain or filled, topped or rolled, crepes never disappoint.
One of the reasons I adore crepes so much is their simplicity. They do not require a long list of complicated ingredients or a professional chef’s skill set to make. With a bit of flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt, you can create magic on your pan. Once you have mastered the basic batter, you can swirl it around the pan into a paper-thin circle. The rest becomes a playground of flavors and textures.
There are, without exaggeration, hundreds of ways to make and enjoy crepes. That’s what makes them so irresistible. You can customize them to suit your cravings, your mood, the weather, or even the contents of your fridge. You could make them indulgent with melted chocolate, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. You could go the savory route and fill them with sautéed mushrooms, cheese, or herbed chicken. The possibilities are endless. I am excited to be on an ongoing journey of exploring every flavor I can think of. My goal is to experiment with as many combinations as possible, from classic pairings to more adventurous, fusion-inspired creations.
This week’s special ingredient is poppy seeds. I could not resist the urge to include them in my crepe recipe. I had already used them in a delightful lemon mug cake earlier this week. I was curious to see how they would work in a crepe batter. Spoiler alert, they did not disappoint. Poppy seeds add a lovely nutty flavor to crepes. They also bring a beautiful aesthetic. Their dark speckles add an artistic flair to the otherwise pale surface of the crepe. And perhaps my favorite part, the crunch. That little textural surprise with every bite is enough to keep you reaching for another crepe... and another one after that.
Poppy seeds have a unique quality of enhancing the flavor of whatever dish they are added to. They are subtle, but once you taste them, you can’t un-taste them. They linger in the best way, giving your dish depth and contrast. In these crepes, the seeds added a nutty complexity that balanced beautifully with the soft texture of the crepe itself. It was one of those moments where a small change elevated the entire dish. I am already planning on incorporating poppy seeds into other variations. Maybe I'll try them with lemon zest or perhaps with honey and figs. They might also work in a savory spinach crepe. The creativity is endless.
Another beautiful thing about crepes is how adaptable they are. You can eat them plain and still feel satisfied. Alternatively, you can pair them with whatever you are in the mood for. Maybe you want to keep it simple and add a drizzle of maple syrup. Maybe you want something heartier and fold in some ricotta and fruit preserves. Perhaps it's a lazy Sunday. You might want to create a crepe bar with toppings. Consider caramel, nuts, jam, or cream cheese. You could even add savory items like ham and eggs. Crepes do not judge—they welcome your imagination.
They are also great to share. I find that serving crepes is a lovely way to gather people around a table. It is interactive, fun, and full of variety. Everyone gets to customize their own, and it always leads to great conversation and creativity. There is something about that stack of delicate, thin pancakes that brings comfort and familiarity to any meal.
On days when I want to feel a little indulgent but still keep it light, crepes are my go-to. They do not weigh you down the way other rich foods might. Because they are so thin, you can have more than one (or five) without feeling overly full or guilty. That’s another reason why they feel like the perfect everyday treat.
And can we talk about the aroma that fills the kitchen while crepes are cooking? There is a warmth and sweetness to the smell that wraps around you and creates a sense of calm. Even before that first bite, your senses are already awakened and eager. Crepes have a way of turning a regular morning into something special. They can transform a weekday lunch into a mini celebration. An evening snack becomes a comforting ritual.
So yes, I may be exaggerating a little when I say every day is Crepes Day, but only just a little. In my heart, it truly is. Crepes are one of those dishes that can grow with you. As a child, you might eat them with a little sugar and lemon juice. As a teen, you might graduate to Nutella and bananas. As an adult, you start experimenting with savory fillings, herbal flavors, and specialty toppings. No matter where you are in life, crepes find a way to be part of your culinary journey.
I encourage everyone to try making them at home, even if you have never done so before. They are less intimidating than they seem and incredibly rewarding. Start with the basics. Experiment with flavors. Play with toppings. Try the poppy seed version if you have not yet, it will surprise you in the best way. You might discover a new favorite. At the very least, you will enjoy a delicious plate of crepes made by your own hands.
So, whether today is officially Crepes Day or not, it is definitely a day worthy of celebrating this timeless treat. If you have childhood memories involving crepes, share them. If you have a crepe idea you have been dying to try, go for it. If you have never made them before, take this as your sign.
Here is to more crepes and more creativity. May there be more mornings and evenings that start and end with something warm, delicious, and sprinkled with joy.
-1 Egg
-1 Tablespoon Poppy Seeds
-2 Tablespoon Sugar
-2 Tablespoons Butter melted
-1/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder
-5 Drops Vanilla Essence
-1 Tablespoon Lemon Zest
-1/8 Teaspoon Salt
-1 Cup Milk
-1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
Method
Add All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt, Lemon Zest and Poppy Seeds in a bowl
-Mix the dry ingredients until they are evenly distributed
-In a different bowl, add the beaten Egg into the Milk
-Pour in the melted Butter
-Whisk the Milk, Butter and Egg mixture until well incorporated
-Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients
-Pour the freshly squeezed Lemon Juice into the Crepes Batter
-Pour in 5 Drops of the Vanilla Essence
-I usually pour my batter into a measuring jug for easy pouring
-Heat a non stick Pan until heated. Spread Butter or Vegetable oil on the non stick pan when it is hot enough. Pour a ladle full of crepe batter on the pan/skillet
Take the non stick pan/skillet off the heat for a second. Twist and turn the non stick pan/skillet so that the batter spreads all around it. Twirl the pan until the crepes batter is evenly spread on the pan.
Let the crepe cook until bubbles have formed at the top. Once the edges start to dry up and the surface is no longer shiny it is time to flip it. Gently lift the Crepe to see if the bottom has browned. Lift the Crepe from the pan and flip it over
-The first side has browned so leave it on the pan so that the second side becomes golden brown
-Remove from the heat and place on a plate, cover with kitchen cloth to keep warm. Serve the Poppy Seeds Crepes, sprinkle with Icing Sugar, top with your favourite sweet or savory condiment.
print recipe
LEMON POPPY SEEDS CREPES
Ingredients
- 1 Cup All Purpose Flour
- 1 Egg
- 1 Tablespoon Poppy Seeds
- 2 Tablespoons Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- 5 Drops Vanilla Essence
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Zest
- 1/8 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1 Tablespon Lemon Juice
Instructions
-Add All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt, Lemon Zest and Poppy Seeds in a bowl. Mix the dry ingredients until they are evenly distributed-In a different bowl, add the beaten Egg into the Milk. Add the melted Butter. Whisk until well incorporated-Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk thorougly-Pour the freshly squeezed Lemon Juice into the Crepes Batter. Pour in 5 Drops of the Vanilla Essence and mix well-Heat a non stick Pan until heated. Spread Butter or Vegetable oil on the non stick pan when it is hot enough-Pour a ladle full of crepe batter on the pan/skillet. -Take the non stick pan/skillet off the heat for a second. Swirl it around so that the batter thinly spreads around the pan-Let the crepe cook until bubbles have formed at the top. Once the edges start to dry up and the surface is no longer shiny it is time to flip it. Cook the second side until golden brown-Remove from the heat and place on a plate, cover with kitchen cloth to keep warm as you finish up the batter-Serve warm with a drink or as a snack
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 4 ServingsIf you have been enjoying these foodie adventures, I would love to stay connected. Follow me on all my social platforms for real-time updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and event alerts. See behind-the-scenes looks and join conversations around all things delicious. Follow me on Instagram for beautiful food photos and quick reels. Find me on Facebook for longer stories and community chats. Join the fun on Twitter(X) where I share food thoughts and tips. Get creative with me on Pinterest where you can pin your favorite recipes for later. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for the full recipe creation. Leave a comment in the comment section and let's chat!
Lemon Poppy Seed Crepes – FAQs & Nutrition Card
FAQs
What makes these different from regular crepes?
The addition of lemon zest and juice gives these crepes a bright citrus flavor, while the poppy seeds add a nutty texture and visual appeal.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, letting crepe batter rest for 30 minutes to a few hours improves the texture. Store it in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before using.
What’s the best way to cook crepes?
Use a nonstick skillet or a crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan, pour a thin layer of batter, and swirl quickly. Cook for about 1–2 minutes per side until golden and lacy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
Yes. Substitute milk with any plant-based milk and use oil or vegan butter. For a vegan version, replace eggs with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer.
What fillings go best with lemon poppy seed crepes?
Some delicious options include:
- Sweetened cream cheese or ricotta
- Lemon curd or honey
- Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries)
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
Can I freeze leftover crepes?
Definitely. Stack with parchment paper between each crepe, wrap tightly, and freeze. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
🖨️ Printable Nutrition Card: Lemon Poppy Seed Crepes (Per 1 Filled Crepe)
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180–220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~22 g |
| Sugars | ~6 g |
| Protein | ~5–6 g |
| Total Fat | ~8–10 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~2.5 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
| Sodium | ~140 mg |
| Calcium | ~7% DV |
| Iron | ~6% DV |
| Vegetarian-Friendly | ✔️ |
| Vegan-Friendly | ✔️ (with substitutions) |
| Prep + Cook Time | ~30 minutes total |
📌 Nutrition may vary depending on filling and topping choices.
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, consider using a nutrition calculator with exact ingredient measurements.
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