Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk (300 ml) — can use 2% if preferred
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 g) — optional for sweet crepes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (28 g), plus extra for pan
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Oil or additional butter for cooking (about 1 tsp per crepe)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 g)
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar (50 g)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of fine salt
- 3 medium ripe bananas (about 360 g peeled), cut on the diagonal into 1/2-inch (1 cm) slices
- 2 tablespoons dark rum (30 ml) or banana liqueur
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (15 ml) — optional, for a glossy sauce
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped (60 g)
- Vanilla ice cream or lightly whipped cream (optional)
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Make the crepe batter: combine flour, sugar (if using), and salt in a bowl. Whisk eggs and roughly half the milk separately, then gradually whisk into dry ingredients to prevent lumps.
- Add remaining milk, melted butter, and vanilla; blend until smooth (use a blender 10–15 seconds if desired). Strain for an ultra-silky batter. Batter should be the consistency of heavy cream.
- Cover and refrigerate to rest for at least 30 minutes to relax gluten and settle air bubbles. Meanwhile, toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat 2–4 minutes until fragrant; chop and set aside. Slice bananas and keep ready.
- Cook the crepes: heat a crepe pan over medium, lightly butter or oil and wipe out excess. Pour a small ladle (about 2–3 tbsp) of batter into the pan, tilt and swirl to coat thinly. Cook until edges lift and underside is pale golden (~30–60 seconds), flip and cook 10–20 seconds more. Stack finished crepes and keep covered with a towel to stay warm.
- Make the Bananas Foster sauce: in a heavy skillet over medium heat, melt butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until bubbling and sugar dissolves (1–2 minutes). Add banana slices in a single layer; cook 1–2 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize. Gently flip bananas and cook another 30–60 seconds until golden and sauce thickens.
- Stir in vanilla and heavy cream (if using). Off heat, carefully add the rum. To flambé (optional), return briefly to low heat and ignite with a long lighter or match, allowing flames to subside; or simply simmer briefly to cook off alcohol.
- Assemble: spoon warm bananas and sauce down the center of each crepe or fold crepe around filling. Top with toasted pecans and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve immediately.
- Tips: keep crepes warm and moist by stacking and covering with a towel or keeping in a low oven (175°F / 80°C). If batter thickens after resting, whisk in a tablespoon of milk at a time until it runs like heavy cream.