Name: Homemade Crepes Suzette with Orange Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 500 ml (17 fl oz) whole milk; 60 ml (2 fl oz) water (preferably mineral); 4 eggs; 30 ml (2 tablespoons) orange juice; Zest of 1 orange; 200 g (7 oz) all-purpose flour; 50 g (1.75 oz) granulated sugar; 3 g (1 teaspoon) fine salt; 20 g (0.7 oz) butter, melted; 200 ml (7 fl oz) orange juice (about 4 oranges); 120 g (4.2 oz) granulated sugar; 100 g (3.5 oz) butter; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier or Cointreau (for flambéing); 1 untreated orange (preferably organic); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; Juice of 1 orange; Water (enough to cover peels in pan)

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Homemade Crepes Suzette with Orange Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Silky, delicate crepes drenched in a luscious, buttery orange sauce, kissed with a hint of zest and a flare of flambéed Grand Marnier, make for a classic French treat that is as impressive as it is irresistible. Whether you’re treating loved ones or indulging yourself, these crepes bring together simple ingredients for an elegant and celebratory finale to any meal.

A white rectangular plate holds four thin crepes folded into quarters, arranged side by side. Each crepe has a golden-brown edge with a light, slightly bubbly texture throughout. A shiny, translucent orange sauce with small strips of orange zest is drizzled generously over the crepes, adding a bright, glossy contrast to the pale crepe layers. The plate rests on a dark woven mat, and the background shows a glass of dark coffee on a wooden coaster, two halved bright orange oranges, and stacked white plates with a fork. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Homemade Crepes Suzette with Orange Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to add a unique touch—from the brightness of fresh oranges to the richness of butter—resulting in a balanced, flavorful dessert that’s both light and indulgent.

Whole milk (1/2 liter or 17 fl oz): Creates a creamy base for the crepe batter, ensuring tenderness.
Water (60 ml or 2 fl oz, preferably mineral): Lightens the batter for silky, thin crepes.
Eggs (4): Provide structure and richness to the crepe batter.
Orange juice (30 ml or 2 tablespoons) plus additional 200 ml (7 fl oz): Adds fresh citrus notes that brighten the sauce and batter.
Orange zest (zest of one orange plus 1 teaspoon for sauce): Intensifies the orange flavor with aromatic oils.
All-purpose flour (200 g or 7 oz): The essential base that holds everything together.
Granulated sugar (total 172 g or about 6 oz divided): Sweetens both batter and sauce, balancing the citrus tang.
Fine salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavors and rounds out sweetness.
Butter (20 g for batter and 100 g for sauce): Adds richness and a velvety texture.
Untreated orange (1, preferably): For fresh juice and peel, perfect for garnish and sauce.

How to Make Homemade Crepes Suzette with Orange Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crepe Batter

Begin by sifting the flour into a large bowl with salt and sugar, then whisk them together to combine evenly. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and mix in the milk, water, orange juice, and zest, adding a citrusy brightness to the batter. Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, whisking gently to avoid lumps and create a perfectly fluid batter. Finish by stirring in melted butter for richness. Let the batter rest for at least one hour; this resting time is crucial as it helps the gluten relax, making your crepes tender and easy to flip.

Step 2: Cook the Crepes

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly butter it to prevent sticking. Pour a small ladle of batter into the pan, tilting it quickly to spread the mixture as thinly as possible. When the edges begin to lift and the underside is golden, carefully flip using a silicone spatula to avoid damage. Cook the other side until light brown, then remove immediately to keep the crepe soft. Stack the crepes on a plate covered with foil or a towel while you finish cooking the rest—storing them this way keeps them warm and pliable.

Step 3: Make the Orange Sauce

In a frying pan, combine one-third of the orange juice, sugar, butter, and orange zest, stirring constantly over medium heat. Allow the mixture to foam, deepen in color, and thicken, which intensifies the orange flavor beautifully. Add the remaining juice and cook a bit longer to reduce and balance the syrupy texture. This vibrant sauce is the soul of your Homemade Crepes Suzette with Orange Sauce Recipe.

Step 4: Combine Crepes and Sauce

Fold each crepe in half twice to form delicate quarters, then immerse them in the warm orange sauce to soak up all that luscious flavor. This step transforms simple crepes into a show-stopping dessert.

Step 5: Flambé for Flair

For the classic finishing touch, splash a little Grand Marnier or Cointreau into the pan and carefully ignite. The flames will caramelize the sauce and add complexity to its citrus notes. Gently shake the pan to bring the flame under control, and your Homemade Crepes Suzette with Orange Sauce Recipe is ready to dazzle your guests.

How to Serve Homemade Crepes Suzette with Orange Sauce Recipe

Homemade Crepes Suzette with Orange Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To amp up the presentation and flavor, top your crepes with julienne strips of candied orange peel, which offer a chewy, sweet contrast to the rich sauce. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a perfect cool companion, melting beautifully into the warm crepes for an extra indulgent touch.

Side Dishes

This dessert is often deliciously complete on its own. However, offering a simple green salad or a small serving of fresh berries can refresh the palate, especially after a hearty meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, serve the crepes Suzette flambé tableside for a memorable wow moment. Alternatively, stack a few folded crepes and drizzle the orange sauce artistically over the top, garnished with orange slices and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an Instagram-worthy dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover crepes or sauce, store the crepes stacked with parchment paper between each in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the sauce in a separate airtight container to preserve its vibrant flavor.

Freezing

Crepes freeze exceptionally well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. Freeze the sauce separately in a sealed container to maintain its texture and freshness.

Reheating

To reheat your crepes, gently warm them in a microwave for a few seconds or in a low-temperature oven wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. Warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring back its luscious consistency without burning.

FAQs

Can I make the crepe batter ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, letting the batter rest for at least an hour enhances the texture, and you can prepare it the day before, keeping it refrigerated. Just give it a gentle whisk before cooking.

What can I use if I don’t have Grand Marnier?

If you don’t have Grand Marnier, other orange-flavored liqueurs like Cointreau work wonderfully. Alternatively, a splash of dark rum adds a nice warmth, but the orange notes make Grand Marnier the perfect choice.

How thin should the crepes be?

Crepes should be very thin, almost translucent. This allows them to absorb the orange sauce beautifully without becoming heavy. Practicing the tilting technique with the pan helps achieve that perfect thinness.

Can I skip the flambé step?

Yes, you can skip flambéing if you prefer, especially for safety or if you don’t have suitable liqueur. The crepes will still be delicious with the orange sauce, but the flambé adds a lovely caramelized flavor and theatrical touch.

What’s the best way to make candied orange peel?

Peel the orange thinly, removing only the colored zest to avoid bitterness. Simmer the strips in water and orange juice until tender, then cook with sugar to create a glossy, translucent finish. Let them cool before using as a garnish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making Homemade Crepes Suzette with Orange Sauce Recipe from scratch. It brings the joy of classic French patisserie into your own kitchen, combining effortlessly simple ingredients with a bit of flair for an unforgettable dessert. So grab those oranges and butter, and get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious, elegant treat you will return to time and time again!