How Many Calories Are Usually in a Crepe? Your Complete Nutritional Guide

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

A single plain crepe contains approximately 90 to 150 calories, but the final count largely depends on its size and ingredients. How many calories are usually in a crepe can vary dramatically once fillings are added, transforming it from a light snack to a calorie-rich dessert or main course.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a crepe varies widely based on size, ingredients, and fillings. A simple, plain crepe is relatively low in calories, but popular additions can significantly increase the total nutritional value.

Key Points

Plain Crepe Calories: A standard, plain crepe (10-inch) typically contains between 90 and 150 calories, but this can vary based on size and specific ingredients used.
Fillings are Key: The most significant calorie increase comes from fillings and toppings. Sweet options like Nutella can push a crepe over 400 calories, while rich savory fillings can be even higher.
Healthier Alternatives: You can reduce the calorie and fat content by using whole wheat flour, low-fat milk, and minimal butter in the batter.
Smart Filling Choices: Opt for low-calorie fillings like fresh fruits, plain Greek yogurt, or lean proteins such as spinach and egg whites to keep the crepe light and healthy.
Homemade vs. Restaurant: Homemade crepes offer the most control over ingredients and portion size, making it easier to manage calorie intake compared to potentially high-calorie restaurant versions.
Customization is Control: The beauty of crepes is their versatility. By being aware of ingredient calories, you can customize your crepe to fit your dietary needs, whether it's a light breakfast or a more substantial meal.
Savory vs. Sweet: Both sweet and savory crepes can be high in calories, but the overall impact depends on the specific ingredients. For instance, a ham and cheese crepe can be as calorie-dense as a Nutella and banana version.

The Calorie Foundation: A Plain Crepe

The calorie count of a basic crepe, before any additions, is quite low. The key to its lightness lies in its thinness and simple ingredients: flour, eggs, milk, and a little butter. However, the exact calorie figure is influenced by several factors, including the size of the crepe and the specific ingredients used.

For example, a 10-inch diameter crepe can contain around 90 to 150 calories, depending on the recipe and amount of butter used. A smaller, 6-inch crepe might have as few as 61 calories, while a larger, 12-inch version could exceed 200 calories. Different sources provide varying estimates based on their specific recipes and serving sizes, with some plain crepes landing closer to 110-145 kcal. Understanding this base calorie count is essential for accurately calculating the nutritional impact of your chosen fillings.

Factors That Influence Plain Crepe Calories

Size: The larger the diameter, the more batter is used, and the higher the calorie count will be. A restaurant-sized crepe will be more caloric than a smaller, homemade one.
Ingredients: Substituting whole milk with a lower-fat or plant-based alternative can slightly reduce calories, as can using less butter or a non-stick pan with a minimal amount of cooking spray. Whole wheat flour adds fiber but only minimally affects the total calories.
Cooking Method: Pan-frying with a lot of butter will increase the calorie content, whereas using a non-stick skillet with just a light brush of oil will keep it lower.

Calorie Breakdown by Popular Crepe Fillings

The most significant change to a crepe's nutritional profile comes from its fillings and toppings. These additions can transform a light, airy base into a decadent dessert or a hearty meal. Here's a look at some popular options.

Sweet Fillings

Nutella and Banana: A classic combo that adds a substantial number of calories. A single crepe with Nutella and banana can be around 490 kcal or more.
Strawberries and Cream Cheese: A sweet cream cheese filling with fresh strawberries is a popular dessert crepe. A serving might be around 420 kcal.
Lemon and Sugar: A much lighter, traditional option. A simple dusting of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice adds minimal calories, typically bringing the total to just over 150 kcal depending on the amount of sugar.
Crepe Suzette: This famous French dish involves a crepe with a caramelized butter-sugar sauce, often with orange juice or liqueur. The sauce can push the calorie count to around 160-240 kcal per crepe.

Savory Fillings

Ham and Cheese: A classic savory option. A crepe with ham and Swiss cheese, sometimes served with roasted potatoes, can reach 400-700+ kcal.
Chicken Florentine: Filled with chicken, spinach, and a creamy sauce, this can be a very high-calorie option, with some restaurant versions containing over 900 kcal.
Spinach and Feta: A lighter savory choice. A crepe with cooked spinach and crumbled feta cheese is a lower-calorie option compared to meat or creamy sauces.
Mushroom and Cheese: This savory combination also provides a tasty meal without excessive calories, especially if a lower-fat cheese is used.

How to Calculate the Calories in Your Custom Crepe

To accurately estimate your crepe's calorie count, follow these simple steps:

Determine the base crepe's calories: Start with an estimate based on its size and how it was cooked. Assume 100-150 calories for a typical 10-inch homemade crepe.
Add the filling's calories: Look up the nutritional information for your specific fillings. For example, 1 tablespoon of Nutella is about 100 calories, and a medium banana is about 105 calories. This easily adds over 200 calories to the base.
Account for toppings and sauces: Don't forget whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or extra cheese. These can quickly add another 50 to 200 calories or more.

Healthier Crepe Alternatives and Low-Calorie Fillings

For those watching their calorie intake, crepes can still be a delicious part of a balanced diet with some strategic choices.

Batter Modifications

Use Whole Wheat Flour: Using whole wheat flour in the batter provides more fiber and nutrients for only a slight increase in calories.
Choose Lower-Fat Milk: Opt for 1% milk or unsweetened almond milk over whole milk.
Reduce Butter: Use a non-stick pan and lightly coat with cooking spray instead of adding melted butter directly to the batter or the pan.

Health-Conscious Fillings

Fresh Fruits: Berries, sliced bananas, or peaches add natural sweetness and fiber without the high calories of sugary sauces.
Plain Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and a protein boost while being significantly lower in calories than whipped cream or cream cheese.
Chia Jam: A homemade chia seed jam can offer a healthy, low-sugar alternative to traditional fruit preserves.
Lean Proteins: For savory crepes, fill with scrambled egg whites, sautéed spinach, or smoked salmon to boost protein and nutrients with fewer calories.

Crepe Calorie Comparison Table


Type of Crepe (Approx. 10-inch)	Estimated Calories	Primary Contributors
Plain Crepe (Basic recipe)	90–150 kcal	Flour, egg, milk, butter
Lemon and Sugar	~160–200 kcal	Base crepe, sugar
Nutella and Banana	~400–500 kcal	Nutella, banana
Ham and Swiss Cheese	~400–700+ kcal	Cheese, ham, sometimes butter/sauce
Fresh Strawberry and Yogurt	~180–250 kcal	Base crepe, fresh fruit, yogurt
Chicken and Pesto	~350–500 kcal	Chicken, pesto, cheese
Restaurant Sweet Crepe	400–1000+ kcal	Varies greatly by size and ingredients

Conclusion

The calorie content of a crepe is highly variable and depends on its size, batter, and, most importantly, its filling. While a plain crepe is a light and simple treat, adding sweet spreads, rich cheeses, or creamy sauces can significantly increase its caloric value. By understanding the base calories and making mindful choices about fillings, you can enjoy crepes while keeping your dietary goals in check. Making your own crepes at home offers the greatest control over ingredients, allowing you to easily opt for healthier alternatives like whole wheat flour and fresh fruit fillings to create a nutritious and satisfying meal. For more healthy cooking ideas, consider visiting a resource like The Kitchn for recipes and tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard, plain crepe is generally lower in calories and fat than a standard American pancake of the same size, mainly due to its thinner, lighter batter and lack of leavening agents. The final nutritional value, however, depends entirely on the fillings and toppings chosen for each.

Excellent low-calorie filling options include fresh berries, sliced bananas, a light dusting of cinnamon, or a small amount of plain Greek yogurt. For savory options, consider sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or scrambled egg whites.

Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour has a minimal effect on the total calorie count, usually increasing it by only a small amount. The primary benefit of using whole wheat is the addition of extra fiber and nutrients.

Restaurant crepes, especially those from specialty shops or diners, often contain significantly more calories than homemade versions. This is due to larger portion sizes, heavier use of butter, and generous, high-calorie fillings like rich sauces and full-fat cheeses.

Yes, gluten-free crepes can be made by substituting all-purpose flour with alternative flours such as rice, almond, or buckwheat flour. The resulting calorie count may vary slightly depending on the specific flour used.

To reduce calories, use a non-stick pan to minimize butter, opt for lower-fat milk (like 1% or almond milk), and choose light, fresh fillings over heavy, sugary sauces or cheeses.

Yes, you can increase the protein content of a crepe by filling it with protein-rich ingredients. Savory options include scrambled egg whites, grilled chicken, or cottage cheese, while a sweet crepe can use Greek yogurt or nut butter.