How Many Calories Are in a Typical Crepe?

December 1, 2025 •

3 min read

A single, plain crepe can be surprisingly low in calories, with one 7-inch version containing around 112 calories. This makes the thin French pancake a fantastic blank canvas for toppings, but what you add drastically changes the final tally. Understanding the calorie count of a typical crepe is the first step toward enjoying this treat mindfully.

Quick Summary

A plain crepe is relatively low in calories, but the overall nutritional value depends heavily on the fillings and toppings used. Popular additions like chocolate spread or whipped cream can significantly increase the total, while fresh fruit and light yogurt offer healthier options.

Key Points

Plain crepe is low-calorie: A standard 7 to 8-inch plain crepe contains about 100-112 calories, offering a lean base for any meal.
Toppings increase calories significantly: The biggest calorie difference comes from fillings; chocolate spreads can add hundreds of calories, while fresh fruit adds very few.
Savory crepes can be healthy: Filling with lean proteins and vegetables, like sautéed spinach or ground beef, can be a nutritious and moderate-calorie meal choice.
Crepes are lighter than pancakes: Compared to American-style pancakes, crepes are typically lower in calories, fat, and carbs due to their thinness and lack of leavening agents.
Low-calorie cooking tips: To minimize calories, use a non-stick pan with cooking spray instead of butter and opt for lighter fillings like nonfat Greek yogurt or fresh fruit.
DIY control is key: Making crepes at home provides full control over ingredients and portion sizes, enabling the creation of customized, healthy versions.

The Calorie Count of a Plain Crepe

At its core, a plain crepe is made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and sometimes a little sugar or butter. Because it is cooked thin, its calorie count is quite modest. However, the exact number depends on the crepe's size and specific recipe ingredients.

According to nutritional data from reputable sources, a standard plain crepe typically contains between 100 and 112 calories. For instance, one 7-inch crepe is cited as having approximately 112 kcal, while an 8-inch version has around 106 kcal. These figures represent the crepe shell itself, providing a low-calorie starting point for any meal.

Factors That Influence a Crepe's Calories

While the base crepe is lean, its final calorie count is heavily influenced by the choices made during and after cooking. The primary factors are:

Serving Size: Larger crepes naturally have more calories. For example, a 10-inch crepe can have up to 169 calories, based on standard recipes.
Cooking Method: Using generous amounts of butter or oil in the pan during cooking can add 40–50 calories per crepe. Using a non-stick pan with a light cooking spray helps to minimize this.
Toppings and Fillings: This is the most significant factor. Sweet spreads like Nutella, whipped cream, or caramel sauce can easily multiply the calorie count. Likewise, rich savory fillings with cheese and meats will increase the total dramatically.
Alternative Flours: While swapping all-purpose flour for whole-wheat flour adds minimal calories, it boosts fiber content. Some specialty recipes use entirely different ingredients, like protein powder, to create very low-calorie versions.

The Difference Toppings Make: A Calorie Comparison

To illustrate just how much fillings can affect a crepe's nutrition, here is a comparison of typical calorie counts for different types. These figures are approximations, as specific recipes vary widely.


Crepe Type	Approximate Calorie Range	Key Factors	Citations
Plain Crepe (7-8 inch)	~106–112 kcal	Minimal ingredients, cooked in light oil/butter.
Chocolate-Filled Crepe	~145–280 kcal	Depends on type of chocolate, amount used, and size.
Strawberry Crepe	~120–331 kcal	Varies greatly based on use of cream cheese, yogurt, and sugar.
Fruit-Filled Crepe (Generic)	~144–150 kcal	Filling with fruit, potentially light yogurt or syrup.
Savory Crepe (e.g., ground beef)	~223 kcal and up	Dependent on meat, cheese, and vegetable content.
Crepe Suzette	~158 kcal	Includes the butter and sugar sauce, excluding added alcohol.

Strategies for Making a Healthier Crepe

For those who want to keep their crepes light without sacrificing flavor, several strategies exist. By making smart ingredient substitutions and being mindful of portion sizes, you can enjoy a delicious meal that fits into a balanced diet.

Low-Calorie Topping and Filling Ideas

Here are some excellent choices for a lighter crepe:

Fresh Fruit: Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas add natural sweetness and fiber with minimal calories.
Greek Yogurt: A scoop of plain, nonfat Greek yogurt provides protein and a creamy texture.
Light Spreads: Opt for a thin layer of light cream cheese or a small amount of sugar-free jam.
Savory Vegetables: Fill with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or ratatouille for a nutrient-dense meal.
Herbs and Spices: Enhance flavor with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dash of vanilla extract, or fresh herbs without adding any calories.

Ingredient and Preparation Hacks

Some recipes are specifically designed for lower calorie counts. A low-fat crepe recipe can replace full-fat milk with nonfat milk and a portion of whole eggs with egg whites to reduce calories and fat. Using a non-stick pan is crucial, often eliminating the need for oil or butter during cooking. For a protein boost, some recipes incorporate protein powder into the batter itself. Buckwheat flour is another option that can offer added nutritional benefits with only a slight change in calorie count.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a typical, plain crepe is a remarkably low-calorie foundation. Its nutritional value is not fixed but is a dynamic reflection of the ingredients used to make the batter, the cooking method, and especially, the toppings and fillings chosen. For a healthy option, prioritize fresh fruit, lean proteins, and lighter spreads, transforming the crepe from a decadent dessert into a guilt-free meal or snack. For more detailed nutritional information on different crepe types, consult a reliable database like Nutritionix..

By being mindful and creative with your crepe choices, you can enjoy this versatile food in countless satisfying ways while keeping your health goals in mind. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, the crepe can be customized to suit any diet, as long as you account for the calories in the add-ons.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard plain crepe, typically around 7-8 inches in diameter, contains approximately 106 to 112 calories, depending on the specific recipe and size.

Generally, yes. Crepes are often considered healthier than American-style pancakes because they are much thinner and use fewer ingredients like baking powder, resulting in lower calories, fat, and carbohydrates per serving.

Toppings have the most significant impact on a crepe's calorie count. High-sugar spreads like chocolate and generous portions of whipped cream can dramatically increase the total, while fresh fruit and light yogurt add minimal extra calories.

The lowest-calorie fillings include fresh, raw fruit such as strawberries or blueberries, and a light dusting of cinnamon or other spices. Using nonfat Greek yogurt is another excellent, low-calorie option.

To make lower-calorie crepes, use a non-stick pan with cooking spray instead of butter. You can also use nonfat milk and egg whites in the batter recipe to reduce fat content.

Yes, crepes can fit into a calorie-controlled diet. By sticking to a simple, plain batter and choosing light, healthy fillings like fruit or nonfat yogurt, you can enjoy a satisfying breakfast within your calorie targets.

The calorie count for a chocolate-filled crepe can vary widely, but commercial and homemade versions can range from 145 kcal to 280 kcal or more, depending on the amount and type of chocolate used.