How Many Calories in a Basic Crepe? Your Guide to Calorie Counting

November 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a plain 100g crepe contains approximately 65 kcal, but the precise calorie count can vary significantly based on the recipe and serving size. The seemingly simple question of how many calories in a basic crepe requires a deeper look into its ingredients and preparation.

Quick Summary

A basic crepe's calorie count fluctuates depending on size and ingredients used, typically falling in the range of 80 to over 200 calories per serving. Variables like the type of flour, milk, and amount of cooking fat play a crucial role in determining its final nutritional value.

Key Points

Variable Calories: A basic crepe's calorie count depends on its size and preparation, ranging from roughly 80 to over 200 calories per serving.
Ingredients Matter: The type of flour, milk, and amount of fat used dramatically influence the total calorie count.
Toppings Add Up: While the crepe itself is moderately low in calories, sugary and fatty toppings like spreads and syrup can significantly increase the total.
Cooking Method Impacts Calories: Minimizing the fat used to grease the pan can help keep the calorie count low.
Choose Healthy Fillings: Opting for fresh fruit, yogurt, or savory vegetable fillings over heavy, sweet spreads is a smart way to manage calories.

Understanding the Basic Crepe Ingredients

A classic, basic crepe recipe is a masterclass in culinary minimalism, relying on just a handful of staple ingredients to create a delicate and versatile base. The standard batter includes all-purpose flour, eggs, milk, a small amount of melted butter, and a pinch of salt or sugar. Each of these components contributes to the final calorie count.

The Core Ingredients and Their Caloric Contribution

All-Purpose Flour: Primarily contributes carbohydrates. A basic recipe uses a moderate amount, which forms the structure and provides the bulk of the crepe's energy.
Eggs: Provide protein and a significant portion of the fat, especially from the yolk, as well as acting as a binder for the batter.
Milk: Adds fat, protein, and carbohydrates. The choice between whole, low-fat, or skim milk is a major factor in altering the calorie content of the crepe batter.
Butter: Typically melted and added to the batter, and sometimes used for greasing the pan, butter is a dense source of fat and adds a rich flavour, but also a considerable number of calories.
Sugar and Salt: Used in small amounts, these ingredients contribute minimally to the total calories in a basic crepe but are important for flavour balance.

Factors Influencing a Crepe's Caloric Profile

The most significant factors that influence the final calorie count of a basic crepe are size, recipe variations, and cooking method.

Crepe Size: A larger crepe requires more batter, which directly translates to more calories. A single 15cm crepe might be around 83 calories, whereas a 25cm crepe can exceed 220 calories.

Recipe Variations: Adjustments to ingredients, such as using whole wheat flour instead of white flour, can affect calorie counts and nutritional benefits. While the calorie change might be minimal (sometimes just a small increase), whole wheat adds valuable fiber. Similarly, substituting whole milk for a lower-fat option can reduce the overall fat content.

Cooking Method: The amount of butter or oil used to cook the crepe is critical. Cooking in a non-stick pan with just a light brush of butter or spray can keep added calories negligible. However, using a generous portion of butter can easily add an extra 40-50 calories per crepe.

Calorie Comparison: Basic vs. Variations


Crepe Type	Approximate Calories per 18cm Crepe	Key Differences
Basic All-Purpose	~112 kcal	Made with standard white flour and whole milk.
Whole Wheat	~120 kcal	Adds more fiber and a nuttier flavour with minimal calorie increase.
Low-Fat Batter	~95-100 kcal	Made with skim or low-fat milk and minimal butter.
Buckwheat (Galette)	~90-105 kcal	Uses buckwheat flour, typically has a savory flavour, often lower in calories.
Chocolate-Filled (pre-made, 32g)	~135 kcal	Significantly higher sugar and fat content due to the filling.
Chocolate Spread Topping	+80-100+ kcal per tbsp	Toppings can dramatically increase total calories.

Making a Lighter, Healthier Crepe

For those who enjoy crepes but are mindful of their calorie intake, there are several simple strategies to make them healthier. Here are some tips:

Use Low-Fat Dairy: Swap out whole milk for skim milk, or even a non-dairy alternative like unsweetened almond milk to reduce fat content.
Minimize Cooking Fat: Use a high-quality non-stick pan and a paper towel to lightly wipe the pan with oil or butter, rather than adding a generous amount for each crepe.
Consider Whole Wheat Flour: While not a massive calorie reducer, using whole wheat flour boosts fiber content, which can aid in digestion and make you feel fuller.
Choose Healthy Toppings: Opt for fresh fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dollop of protein-rich yogurt, or a light dusting of cocoa powder. These add flavour without the high sugar and fat of heavy syrups or spreads.
Go Savory: Filling your crepes with vegetables, lean protein like chicken, or spinach can create a satisfying and lower-calorie meal compared to traditional sweet fillings.

A Simple Calorie Breakdown

A basic crepe's macronutrient profile is generally well-balanced, but can shift depending on ingredients. For example, some recipes report a breakdown around 45% carbs, 40% fat, and 16% protein. By adjusting ingredients, you can alter this ratio to suit your dietary needs. The protein from eggs and milk, carbs from flour, and fat from eggs, milk, and butter all contribute. Understanding this balance is key to controlling the overall calorie impact of your meal.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a basic, plain crepe is a relatively low-calorie food, with most of its caloric impact determined by size and the choices made during preparation. An average homemade crepe of about 18cm can be around 112 calories. However, it's the added toppings and cooking fats that truly dictate how many calories are in a basic crepe and its final nutritional value. By being mindful of these factors, you can enjoy this classic treat while still meeting your health and dietary goals. For a reliable starting point, consider a recipe like the classic version from The Kitchn to build upon.

Frequently Asked Questions

The calories in a plain crepe vary by size. For example, a 15cm crepe has about 83 calories, while a larger 25cm crepe can have around 228 calories.

Toppings are the biggest calorie contributor. Spreads like Nutella, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce are high in sugar and fat and can more than double the total calories of a plain crepe.

Generally, a basic, un-topped crepe is thinner and lighter than a typical pancake, making it lower in calories. However, the final healthiness depends entirely on the ingredients and toppings used for both.

Using whole wheat flour typically has a minimal effect on the total calories, sometimes adding just 5-10 calories per 100g, but it does increase the fiber content.

You can reduce calories by using low-fat milk, a non-stick pan with minimal cooking fat, and choosing light, fresh toppings like fruit or yogurt.

Excellent low-calorie filling options include fresh berries, sliced bananas, a spoonful of light yogurt, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Using a generous amount of butter when cooking can add 40-50 calories per crepe, but this can be minimized by using a non-stick pan and a light brush of butter.