Learn how to make chocolate swirl crepes (zebra crepes)! Prepared with a two-tone batter, these chocolate and vanilla marbled crepes are visually super fun, and a hit among both kids and adults.
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“How did you manage to do these awesome chocolate spirals in the crepes, mommy?” These were my 5-year-old words when she grabbed her first zebra crepes all rolled-up and ready to eat. I had simply offered a crepe, without mentioning the fun twist I added, but surely it didn’t remain unnoticed.
I basically can’t live without crepes and I can make my Basic Crepes Recipe eyes closed. Now if you’re looking for an awesome visual effect, try your hands on these zebra crepes. I promise you won’t regret it. Next time, I’ll definitely involve my daughter (and maybe her younger brother too) in the making of these crepes, letting them create the chocolate spiral.
What are zebra crepes?
Zebra crepes are vanilla-flavored crepes cooked with a large decorative chocolate spiral in the center. They’re typically prepared with a simple crepes batter, from which one portion is flavored with cocoa to create the spiral. Making zebra crepes is like a little art project, that is very enjoyable and satisfying!
Chocolate swirl crepes, in short:
- A two-tone crepe batter with chocolate and vanilla flavor
- A beautiful chocolate spiral engrained in a crepe
- Fun for both kids and adults!
How to make chocolate swirl crepes?
Note: for the detailed recipe instructions, head over to the recipe card below.
- The making of zebra crepes starts with a basic crepes recipe, vanilla flavored.
- Then, remove about ¼ of the batter and whisk in sifted cocoa powder. Transfer the chocolate batter into a plastic squeeze bottle pierced with a small whole (see picture).
- Heat a crepes pan (or any other non-stick pan) on medium heat and slightly grease the bottom with vegetable oil, using a piece of paper towel.
- Using the squeeze bottle, make a chocolate spiral into the pan in a steady and confident motion. Don’t you worry though, it doesn’t have to be perfect!
- Let the spiral sit for a few seconds, then pour in the plain vanilla crepes batter, tilting the pan to spread it into a full circle. Cook until set, then flip it on the other side and cook until ready. And voilà, you just made your first chocolate swirl crepe!
How to make a perfect spiral
The key is to make a confident spiral, not a trembling and hesitant doodle. To do so, move quickly but steady. Don’t worry if you don’t have it at the first crepe. Practice makes perfect!
The ultimate filling for zebra crepes
Don’t get me wrong here, you can use any filling you want onto your zebra crepes. But if you were to choose only one, generously spread some Homemade Nutella onto your crepes. It makes them extra delicious!
New at making crepes?
Crepes are to me the easiest thing to make on earth – it must come from my French genes. Now if you’re new to crepes, there are a few resources I recommend you read before you start:
- 10 Tips for Making Perfect Crepes. They work Every. Single. Time. In other words, learn how to master the art of crepes. I promise it’s easier than you think!
- My Favorite Crepes Filling Ideas. There are so many possible fillings when it comes to crepes, basically the sky is the limit. Check my personal favorites, that I use every single time. Spoiler alert: nothing fancy, just the regular. In this article, I also explain how to set up a crepes bar!
You may also like:
- Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
- The Best Fudgy Brownies
- French “Gateau au yaourt” (Yogurt Cake)
- Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Homemade Cake Pops
Chocolate Swirl Crepes (Zebra Crepes)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 crepes 1x
- Category: Crepes and pancakes
- Cuisine: French
Learn how to make chocolate swirl crepes (zebra crepes)! Prepared with a two-tone batter, these chocolate and vanilla marbled crepes are visually super fun, and a hit among both kids and adults.
Email me this recipe
We’ll send it straight to your inbox, along with weekly food inspiration!
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups + 1 Tablespoon (500 ml) milk
- 2 Tablespoons melted butter or canola oil
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 cups + 1 Tablespoon (250g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
Instructions
- In a blender, mix together the eggs, milk, melted butter (or canola oil), salt, and vanilla. Sift the flour over and mix again, until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Pour about ¼ of the batter into a small bowl and add sift the cocoa powder on top. Whisk in, until the cocoa powder is fully incorporated. Then, transfer the chocolate batter into a squeeze bottle.
- Heat a 15 cm/6-inch crepes pan and grease with oil using a piece of paper towel.
- Using the squeeze bottle, make a spiral in the pan, in a steady and confident motion. Let sit for a few seconds, then pour in the vanilla batter, tilting the pan to spread it into a full circle. Cook until the edges lift. Then, carefully lift and flip the crepes, and cook on the other side until slightly golden. Repeat until all the batter is used up, stacking the crepes onto a plate.
- Garnish with chocolate spread or your favorite filling, and enjoy!
Did you make this recipe?
Lastly, if you make this Chocolate Swirl Crepes (Zebra Crepes), be sure to leave a comment and give this recipe a rating, letting me know how you liked it. And of course, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Thank you and enjoy!
