Crêpes Suzette 
(French thin pancakes with orange sauce)

Plate of crepes Suzette with sauce and orange segments
Image © iStockphoto

One of the most popular and well known crepe recipes, crêpes Suzette is a bewitching dessert of thin pancakes in a rich orange-butter sauce. It is a classic dessert in French restaurants, where it is often prepared tableside.

Just who Suzette was is not clear. There is a story she was a dinner companion of the future King Edward VII of England in Paris. The dessert was supposedly created in her presence and named in her honor.

Crêpes Suzette are a traditional dessert on the Christian feast of Candlemas on February 2, when pancake desserts are served.

Crêpes Suzette

Course: DessertsCuisine: France
Servings

4

servings

One of the most popular and well known crepe recipes, crêpes Suzette is a bewitching dessert of thin pancakes in a rich orange-butter sauce.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter, softened — 1/2 pound

  • Orange zest — from 2 oranges

  • Orange juice — 2/3 cup

  • Sugar — 1/2 cup

  • Grand Marnier (optional) — 1/4 cup

  • Crepes — 1 recipe

Directions

  • Heat the butter and orange zest in a skillet or chafing dish over medium heat. Add the orange juice and sugar and whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved and the sauce is bubbling, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the Grand Marnier, if using, and simmer for another minute.
  • Using tongs, dip a crepe into the orange sauce, then flip it over to cover both sides with sauce. Fold it into quarters and place it onto a warmed serving platter.
  • Repeat with the remaining crepes and pour any remaining sauce over the crepes on the platter. Serve immediately.

Crêpes Suzette Notes and Variations

  • Flaming the sauce: For an especially dramatic presentation, you may want to flame the sauce. Heat the Grand Marnier and 3 tablespoons of Cognac in separate saucepan. Carefully tilt the saucepan and ignite it with a match. Pour the flaming liquor over the sauced crepes and serve with a flourish while still aflame.
  • Garnish the crepes with orange wedges or segments if you like.
  • You can substitute Benedictine, Cointreau or Triple Sec for the Grand Marnier. Brandy is a suitable substitute for Cognac.
  • Top the crepes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like.

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