What is crepe cake made of?

A crepe cake is made by layering thin French-style crepes with sweet fillings like whipped cream, custard, or mascarpone cheese. The crepes are typically made from a simple batter of flour, eggs, milk, and butter. Depending on the variation, fillings may include fruit compote, chocolate ganache, or flavored creams, making each version slightly unique.

What is the real name for crepe cake?

The traditional French name for crepe cake is “Mille Crêpes” , which translates to “a thousand crepes.” Of course, the actual number of layers is usually around 20–30, but the name reflects its many thin layers. In Japan and other parts of the world, this dessert is also known simply as a mille cake or crepe layer cake. If you're interested in globally inspired variations, explore our Japanese matcha cake adaptations coming soon.

Is crepe cake healthier than cake?

In many cases, yes. While both desserts are indulgent, crepe cakes can be made with less sugar, less fat, and fewer carbs—especially when you use lighter fillings like Greek yogurt or fresh fruit. Plus, the crepe layers themselves are thin and use less flour than traditional sponge cake layers. To keep it even healthier, check out low-sugar ideas like our coconut clusters , which offer crunchy texture with minimal ingredients.

Is crepe cake hard to make?

Not really. While it may look complicated, a crepe cake is quite beginner-friendly. The process is mostly repetitive: make crepes, spread filling, and stack. With the right tools and some patience, anyone can pull off a beautiful cake—even without baking experience. Our previous section on tools for flawless layering offers everything you need to succeed from the first try.

Why is crepe cake so good?

It’s all about the texture. A well-made crepe cake is tender, creamy, and layered with flavor. The delicate crepes soak up just enough moisture from the filling, making every bite soft, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth. Unlike heavier layer cakes, this dessert feels light and refined—perfect for celebrations or a weekend treat. Looking for inspiration? Try pairing a slice with a cup of earl grey from our earl grey cookies article for an elegant afternoon tea experience.

Is pancake batter the same as crepe?

No, pancake and crepe batters are quite different. Pancake batter includes more flour and leavening agents (like baking powder), making it thick and fluffy. Crepe batter, on the other hand, is thinner, egg-rich, and designed to spread into delicate, flat layers. That’s why you can’t substitute pancake batter in a crepe cake —it won’t deliver the right texture or flexibility.

Crepe Cake: The Best 9-Layered Dessert Guide for Beginners (2025)

Name: Crepe Cake (Mille Crêpes)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 4 large eggs; 2½ cups whole milk; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon sugar (optional); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; ¼ cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; (OR); 1½ cups pastry cream or custard; ½ cup fruit compote (e.g., raspberry, strawberry); ¼ cup Nutella or chocolate ganache; Powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings; Fresh fruit (berries, banana slices)

Crepe Cake (Mille Crêpes)

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This elegant crepe cake features layers of delicate crepes and fluffy cream filling, perfect for birthdays, brunch, or impressing guests with a no-bake dessert.

Author: Amelia
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 10–12 slices
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake, Stovetop
Cuisine: French, Japanese-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Crepes:

2 cups all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
2½ cups whole milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

For the Filling (choose one or mix):

2 cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
(OR)
1½ cups pastry cream or custard

(Optional Add-ins)

½ cup fruit compote (e.g., raspberry, strawberry)
¼ cup Nutella or chocolate ganache

For Toppings:

Powdered sugar, cocoa powder, or chocolate shavings
Fresh fruit (berries, banana slices)

Instructions

Prepare the Crepe Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, eggs, milk, butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Let rest for 30–60 minutes.
Cook the Crepes: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Grease lightly with butter. Pour in ¼ cup of batter, swirl evenly, and cook 1–2 minutes per side. Stack cooked crepes and let them cool.
Make the Filling: Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the Cake: Place a crepe on a plate. Spread 2–3 tablespoons of filling over it. Repeat with remaining crepes and cream, ending with a crepe on top.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Slice with a hot knife for clean layers. Garnish as desired.

Notes

You can make the crepes up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge between parchment sheets.
For extra flavor, mix cocoa powder or matcha into the crepe batter.
This dessert pairs wonderfully with tea, coffee, or even champagne for special occasions.

Find it online: https://recipesbyamelia.com/crepe-cake/