As a child, Saturday mornings were always a cherished affair in our household. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of crepes sizzling on the stovetop. My mother had a knack for taking simple ingredients and transforming them into something extraordinary. Her secret? A sprinkle of love and a dash of creativity. Today, I’m excited to share a modern twist on her classic recipe—Caramelized Banana Nutella Crepes—perfect for a cozy brunch or a sweet treat any time of day.

Ingredients:

  • For the Crepes:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the Filling:
  • 2 ripe bananas, sliced
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup Nutella
  • Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
  • Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or hazelnuts), for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the crepe batter by whisking together the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature, allowing the gluten to relax for tender crepes.

Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat, and lightly grease it with a little butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the skillet and quickly swirl to evenly coat the bottom. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the edges begin to lift and the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the crepe and cook for another minute on the other side. Transfer the cooked crepe to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter, stacking the crepes as you go.

For the filling, melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bananas and brown sugar, cooking gently until the bananas are tender and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

To assemble, spread a generous layer of Nutella on one half of a crepe. Spoon some of the caramelized banana mixture on top of the Nutella, then fold the crepe over to create a half-moon shape. Optionally, you can fold it again to form a triangle.

Serve warm, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch. Each bite is a delightful combination of rich chocolate, sweet caramelized bananas, and the nostalgic taste of homemade crepes. Enjoy this modern twist on a family favorite, and may it bring as much joy to your table as it did to mine!