There’s something so magical about folding delicate crepes into a festive shape and topping them with a dollop of warmly spiced cream. This Christmas Tree Crepes with Gingerbread Spice Whipped Cream Recipe brings a joyful vibe to your breakfast or brunch, making holiday mornings feel extra special without loads of fuss.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Tree Crepes with Gingerbread Spice Whipped Cream Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Christmas Tree Crepes with Gingerbread Spice Whipped Cream Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Christmas Tree Crepes with Gingerbread Spice Whipped Cream Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I adore how this recipe combines simple, classic French crepes with the cozy flavors of gingerbread spices. It feels festive but is also approachable enough to whip up even on busy holiday mornings.
- Festive Presentation: Folding crepes into Christmas tree shapes instantly adds holiday cheer to your plate.
- Cozy Flavors: The gingerbread spice whipped cream adds warmth and depth that pairs beautifully with the sweet crepes.
- Versatile Toppings: You can dress these crepes up with berries, Nutella, or classic jams for a personalized touch each time.
- Perfect for Sharing: It serves about six, making it ideal for holiday gatherings or a casual brunch with friends.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays a part in creating those tender, lacy crepes and the fluffy, warmly spiced whipped cream. I find shopping for fresh, high-quality dairy and real vanilla makes all the difference.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the crepes, it creates that perfect thin yet tender texture.
- Eggs: Bind the batter and add richness while helping achieve a silky mouthfeel.
- Milk and water: Milk adds creaminess, and water keeps the batter light and thin enough to spread easily.
- Salt and sugar: Balance sweet and savory to enhance flavor without overpowering.
- Salted butter (melted): Adds richness and ensures a slightly crisp edge when cooked.
- Vanilla and almond extracts: Subtle but important aromatics that give the crepes extra sophistication.
- Heavy whipping cream: The creamy base for the gingerbread spiced whipped cream – whip it just right to hold shape without turning buttery.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream smoothly, without grit.
- Gingerbread spice: A warm blend that gives the whipped cream its festive, cozy flavor profile that's truly the star of the show.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite parts about this Christmas Tree Crepes with Gingerbread Spice Whipped Cream Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you like or have on hand. Feel free to get creative—it’s all about making it your own holiday tradition.
- Variation: I occasionally swap out Nutella for almond butter or a dollop of spiced apple butter; both add a different but equally delightful twist. Plus, vegan friends can substitute plant-based milk and whipped coconut cream for an inclusive version that’s just as festive.
- Extra festive twist: Try adding a pinch of orange zest to your crepe batter or whipped cream for a fresh citrus note that brightens up the flavors perfectly.
- Seasonal Toppings: Fresh pomegranate seeds, crushed candy canes, or chopped toasted pecans add texture and vibrant color that really make the dish pop.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Tree Crepes with Gingerbread Spice Whipped Cream Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up That Magical Crepe Batter
Start by combining the flour and eggs. It looks a little intimidating because the flour clumps at first, but don’t worry – keep whisking and slowly add the milk and water in small amounts. This gradual mixing is the key to a silky-smooth batter without those annoying lumps. I always take my time here to get this right—it makes the cooking so much easier and the crepes come out perfect every time.
Step 2: Cook Crepes on Your Pan with Love
Heat your non-stick pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it. Pour about ¼ cup of batter, then quickly swirl the pan to spread it thin. Watch for the edges lifting and the glossy surface turning matte—that’s when it’s time to flip! Cook the other side about a minute; it should have a soft golden look. Don’t rush flipping; a gentle spatula and steady hand really pay off here.
Step 3: Whip the Gingerbread Spice Whipped Cream
While crepes cook, whip your heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold in powdered sugar, vanilla, almond extract, and the star of the show—gingerbread spice. This combination fills your kitchen with the cosiest aroma. Just be careful not to overwhip; you want fluffy cream, not butter.
Step 4: Assemble Your Christmas Tree
Drizzle each crepe with a little Nutella or any spread you prefer, then fold in half, and then in fourths, shaping a quarter circle—this creates the layers of your tree. Layer them offset on a plate, lifting each flap gently to spoon in the spiced whipped cream. Scatter some fresh raspberries and blueberries on top, maybe a dusting of powdered sugar to look like snow. And just like that, you’ve got a breakfast worthy of the holidays!
Top Tip
From my experience, the key to making the Christmas Tree Crepes with Gingerbread Spice Whipped Cream Recipe really shine lies in the batter consistency and gentle handling.
- Batter Thickness: If your batter feels too thick, add a little more water—we want it thin enough to swirl smoothly but not watery.
- Resting the Batter: Letting your batter rest for 20-30 minutes helps any stubborn gluten unwind, resulting in tender, delicate crepes.
- Pan Temperature: Too hot and your crepes burn before cooking through; too low and they won’t get that lovely edge. Medium heat is your friend.
- Folding Technique: Fold gently, especially when layering and spooning the whipped cream, to keep your crepes fluffy and intact.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Crepes with Gingerbread Spice Whipped Cream Recipe
Garnishes
I always top these crepes with a mix of fresh raspberries and blueberries. The tartness balances the sweet cream and Nutella beautifully and adds vibrant color that makes the plate pop—plus those little berries look just like festive ornaments on the green crepe trees.
Side Dishes
Pairing these crepes with a warm apple cider or a lightly spiced chai latte brings out the gingerbread notes in the whipped cream perfectly. If you want something more substantial, some cinnamon-spiced roasted nuts or a simple fruit salad work wonderfully alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I assembled these crepes on a large platter shaped like a Christmas tree using additional wedges of kiwi and strawberry “ornaments” around the edges for extra color. Sprinkling edible glitter or a light dusting of powdered sugar “snow” takes it to an unforgettable holiday centerpiece status.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover crepes stacked with parchment paper in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. You want to keep them from sticking together and drying out. Just reheat lightly before serving to soften back up.
Freezing
Crepes freeze beautifully! I wrap each crepe individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want some, I thaw them overnight in the fridge or on the counter for an hour, then warm them gently on the stovetop or microwave. The whipped cream is best made fresh, though.
Reheating
For reheating, I prefer the stovetop over the microwave. Just a quick minute or two on a warm pan keeps the edges slightly crisp and prevents sogginess. If you reheat in the microwave, do it in short bursts and cover lightly to avoid drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! In fact, letting the batter rest in the refrigerator overnight can enhance the texture by giving the gluten more time to relax. Just take it out about 30 minutes before cooking to come to room temperature for best results.
Gingerbread spice is a warm blend of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. You can make your own blend for a fresh flavor or use store-bought gingerbread spice mix for convenience. Just adjust the amount to taste since some brands may be stronger.
You can make the gingerbread spice whipped cream a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. However, I recommend whipping it fresh close to serving for the fluffiest texture and best flavor. Whipped cream made too far in advance may start to weep or lose volume.
Make sure your crepes are thin but flexible—don’t overcook to the point they get crispy. Allow them to cool just a bit before folding so they don’t break. Also, be gentle when lifting flaps and spooning in whipped cream to maintain their shape and prevent tearing.
Final Thoughts
Every holiday season, making this Christmas Tree Crepes with Gingerbread Spice Whipped Cream Recipe reminds me how simple yet thoughtful food can bring so much warmth and joy. It’s one of those dishes that feels festive without feeling complicated—just like catching up with an old friend over brunch. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do!
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Christmas Tree Crepes with Gingerbread Spice Whipped Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Tree Crepes topped with a luscious gingerbread spice whipped cream. Delicate sweet crepes are flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, filled and folded to resemble Christmas trees, then adorned with fresh berries and dusted with powdered sugar for a perfect seasonal breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
Sweet Crêpes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Gingerbread Spiced Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon gingerbread spice
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and eggs until mostly combined into one large mass. Gradually add the milk and water, about ¼ cup at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to form a smooth, lump-free batter. Stir in the salt, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a lightly oiled crêpe pan or medium-sized frying pan or griddle over medium-high heat until hot.
- Cook the Crêpes: Pour ¼ cup of batter into the center of the pan, tilting and swirling it so the batter evenly covers the bottom in a thin layer. Cook for 2 minutes or until the bottom starts to brown lightly and the surface looks matte. Flip carefully with a spatula and cook the other side for 1 minute. Transfer the cooked crêpe to a plate. Repeat until all batter is used.
- Make the Gingerbread Whipped Cream: In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed with a mixer until medium peaks form. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and gingerbread spice. Mix just until combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Assemble the Christmas Tree Crepes: Optionally drizzle each crêpe with Nutella. Fold each crêpe in half, then in fourths to form a quarter circle resembling a tree segment. Layer the folded crêpes on a plate slightly offset in the same direction. Gently lift the top flap of each and spoon gingerbread whipped cream inside the folds. Top with raspberries and blueberries, and dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a festive breakfast or dessert. Additional traditional toppings like fresh sliced bananas, strawberries, jams, or apple pie filling can be enjoyed if desired.
Notes
- To make a homemade gingerbread spice blend, combine 2 tablespoons cinnamon, 2 tablespoons ground ginger, 2 teaspoons ground allspice, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 year.
- If you only want enough spice for this recipe, use about ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon allspice, a pinch of nutmeg, and a smidgen of ground cloves.
- A dash is about ⅛ teaspoon, a pinch about 1/16 teaspoon, and a smidgen about 1/32 teaspoon—eyeball these amounts for best flavor balance.
- Use Nutella or other chocolate hazelnut spreads to add extra richness to the crepes if desired.
- These crepes can be served warm or at room temperature and paired with a variety of fresh fruits and toppings for versatility.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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