Gluten Free Carrot Cake Crepes for Your Easter Brunch

Gluten Free Carrot Cake Crepes for Your Easter Brunch

These delicious Carrot Cake Crepes are full of flavor with their warm spices and sweet lemony cream cheese filling. They’re gluten free, but so good, you’ll never know it!  

three Easter Brunch Carrot Cake Crepes with orange drizzle and carrot greens sitting on white plate

Holidays are a special time to come together with family and friends and break bread together and Easter is no exception. Like Thanksgiving and Christmas, my Easter memories always include a feast as the vehicle for quality time with loved ones. Although our family feels small, I don’t take these special times for granted and feel grateful for such blessings.

As I look ahead to Easter, I’m excited to serve these crepes to the whole family for the first time. Like Santa wants his cookies at Christmas, the Easter Bunny wants his carrots and these “carrots” are so much better than the real thing! So, let’s elevate the carrot and make it into some delicious crepes that the whole family will enjoy. Come with me and I’ll show you how it’s done.  

Why You’ll Love these Festive Crepes

  • They’re a scrumptious springtime twist on the traditional crepe.
  • The fun carrot shape is perfect for Easter breakfast or brunch.
  • The lemony cream cheese filling is delectable!
  • You’ll love the spiced cake flavor paired with the creamy citrus filling and warm drizzle.

What’s in these Carrot Cake Crepes?

Crepe Batter

Carrots – You’ll want these finely shredded to best incorporate into the batter.

 

Eggs – Make sure to add these to the batter last so they don’t begin to cook due to the warm carrots!

 

Milk – I like to use Fairlife lactose free milk whose fat free version is surprisingly creamy!

 

    • Change it up: For dairy free, try the recipe with coconut milk.

 

Butter – To sauté the carrots and for added richness. You’ll need a little extra to butter you pan or skillet if you are not using a non-stick surface.

 

    • Change it up: For dairy free, use a non-dairy buttery spread.

 

Vanilla – For flavor enhancement.

 

Flour – Use a gluten free 1 to 1 flour. I recommend Bob’s Redmill brand.

 

Sugar – You’ll need both brown and granulated white sugar for a touch of sweetness.

 

Spices – Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves warm these crepes right up.

 

Salt – Just a pinch to bring out the sweetness.

Filling and Drizzle

Cream Cheese – This is the base for the rich and creamy filling and drizzle. You’ll want it softened.

 

    • Change it up: Use a non-dairy cream cheese spread if you prefer dairy free.

 

Frozen Whipped Topping – This lightens up the filling a bit.

 

    • Change it up: For dairy free, I prefer So Delicious brand’s Cocowhip. It’s fantastic!

 

Powdered Sugar – This adds the right amount of sweetness.

 

Vanilla – For subtle added flavor.

 

Lemon Juice – The lemon pairs so well with the spice cake flavor of the crepes.

 

    • Change it up: If you feel like mixing it up, try an orange filling instead and use a little orange juice.

 

Lemon Zest – For even more lemon flavor and for a garnish.

 

    • Change it up: If you decide to try the orange filling, use orange zest instead.

 

Walnuts – This is optional, but pairs well with the lemony filling and adds nice texture. Chop finely.

 

    • Change it up: Pecans are another great option if that’s what you have on hand.

 

Food Coloring – Red and yellow food coloring will turn the drizzle a carrot orange color.

 

Milk – You’ll thin out the remaining filling to make it into a drizzle to top the crepes with before serving.

 

    • Change it up: For dairy free, try the recipe with coconut milk.

Garnish

Carrot Greens – This will be your carrot topper. You’ll want to cut each stem so you have about a ½ inch of stem to tuck into the top of the carrot-shaped crepes.

 

    • Change it up: If you’re unable to find carrots with greens still attached, mint is another option.

How to make the Carrot Cake Crepes

Make the Batter

  • Saute carrots in ¼ cup melted butter on medium heat for 3 – 4 minutes until they start to soften.

 

  • Remove from heat and set aside to let cool.

 

  • In a medium bowl, add gf 1 to 1 flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt and whisk together until well combined.

 

  • In a large bowl whisk together milk, vanilla, and the buttery carrots.

 

  • Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

 

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and then stir into the batter. *** Make sure you add eggs last to the batter. Mixing the rest of the ingredients together first cools down the carrots and prevents the eggs from cooking.

 

  • Refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes, but up to overnight.

 

  • When you are ready to make the crepes, pull the batter from the fridge and set aside.

Make the Filling

  • Mix softened cream cheese, frozen whipped topping, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest on low to medium-low, using a stand or handheld mixer.

 

  • Remove ½ Cup of filling and set aside. This will be for the drizzle.

Make the Carrot Cake Crepes

  • Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and place a large cookie sheet on the middle rack.

 

  • Warm a crepe pan, stove top griddle or large skillet on medium heat.

 

  • Remove pan from heat, butter the pan and add 1/3 cup of batter, immediately and quickly spreading the batter around using the back of a crepe spreader or the back of a spoon so the crepe is as thin as possible. *** These crepes may be slightly thicker than traditional crepes due to the thickness of the carrots.

 

  • Place pan back on heat and warm crepe for 2-3 minutes until it just starts to lightly brown.

 

  • Flip crepe and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.

 

  • Place crepe in oven to keep warm and repeat steps 4-7 until all batter is used.

 

  • Pull a crepe from the oven, cut in half and spread 1 Tbsp of filling in middle of crepe half, leaving 1 inch around the edges.

 

  • Sprinkle 1 tsp of finely chopped walnuts on the filling if desired.

 

  • Fold the top of the rounded edges in, holding them in place with the filling.

 

  • Roll the crepe up as pictured to create your carrot shaped crepe.

 

  • Repeat steps 1-4 with each crepe half, placing them back in the oven to keep them warm.

*** Only assemble crepes you will eat immediately. Storing leftover crepes separately from filling, allows for optimal texture when rewarming.

Make the Drizzle

  • Heat remaining half cup of filling on low, stirring regularly.

 

  • Stir in 3 drops of red and 6 drops of yellow food coloring to turn the drizzle orange.

 

  • Stir in 2 tsp of milk to thin it out.

 

  • While it’s still warm and thinned out, drizzle the carrots with the remaining filling using a quick back and forth motion.

Add the Garnish

  • Rince the carrot greens or mint leaves and cut about 12 stems (enough for each “carrot”), each containing a few leaves and leaving at least a half inch of stem.

 

  • Add the carrot greens or mint to the top of each carrot crepe by tucking in the stem and allowing the leaves to stick out of the top.

 

  • Garnish a little lemon zest.

What to Serve with your Carrot Cake Crepes

I recommend serving some classic breakfast basics with your Carrot Cake Crepes. They pair well and allow the crepes to be the star of the show.

  • Bacon – Crispy, salty bacon on the side of these crepes makes for the perfect breakfast.
  • Sausage – Link or patty sausage is another option, just avoid maple or other sweet sausages as savory works best with the sweetness of the crepes.
  • Eggs – I recommend simple scrambled eggs made with olive oil and garnished with salt and pepper.
  • Coffee – Unsweetened coffee or English breakfast goes well with these sweet crepes.
  • Orange Juice – This goes well as long as you’re serving savory bacon and/or eggs with the crepes.

Making Ahead, Storing and Reheating Left Over Crepes

Making Ahead

The best way to enjoy these crepes is to make the batter ahead of time. You’ll want to refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes, but I prefer to make it the night before and chill it overnight. Although you can make the crepes ahead of time, they are best served fresh.

Storing Leftover Carrot Cake Crepes

  • Fridge – Store the crepes and filling separately. Both can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Stack the crepes and store in a large plastic bag sealed tightly to keep them from drying out. The filling is best stored in a plastic bag or glass container.

 

  • Freezer – Crepes and filling should also be stored separately. The best way to store leftover crepes in the freezer is to first portion them out so when fetching them from the freezer, you only need to thaw what you will eat at the time. Wrap each stacked portion of crepes in plastic wrap. Then place them in a large plastic storage bag and freeze. Double wrapping them will prevent freezer burn. Filling may be stored in a sealed plastic bag. Store both items in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Leftover Crepes

While these are best fresh, they are still tasty leftover. Thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Slightly warm filling in the microwave. Crepes are best rewarmed on the stove in your crepe pan, griddle or skillet for about a minute per side, but they’re still tasty rewarmed in the microwave.

I hope you enjoyed making these Easter Carrot Cake Crepes!

Angela Post Signature

 

 

carrot cake crepes garnished with drizzle, carrot greens and lemon zest

Carrot Cake Crepes for Your Easter Brunch

These delicious Carrot Cake Crepes are full of flavor with their warm spices and sweet lemony cream cheese filling. They’re gluten free, but so good, you’ll never know it!  
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 485 kcal

Ingredients
  

Crepes

  • 1 Cup Finely Shredded Carrots
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 ¼ Cup Milk
  • ¼ Cup Butter (plus more for buttering crepe pan)
  • ½ tsp Vanilla
  • 1 Cup Gluten Free 1 to 1 Flour
  • 2 Tbsp Packed Brown Sugar
  • 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • ¾ tsp Cinnamon
  • ½ tsp Ginger
  • ¼ tsp Nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp Cloves
  • Pinch Salt

Filling and Drizzle

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese
  • ½ Cup Frozen Whipped Topping
  • ¾ Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 2 tsp Lemon Zest
  • ¼ Cup Finely Chopped Walnuts
  • 2 tsp Milk
  • 6 Drops Yellow Food Coloring
  • 2 Drops Red Food Coloring

Garnish

  • 12 Stems Carrot Greens or Mint 2 Inch Stems
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest

Instructions
 

Make the Batter

  • Sauté carrots in ¼ cup melted butter on medium heat for 3 – 4 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Remove from heat and set aside to let cool.
  •  In a medium bowl, add gf 1 to 1 flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt and whisk together until well combined.
  •  In a large bowl whisk together milk, vanilla, and the buttery carrots.
  • Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and then stir into the batter.
  • Refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes, but up to overnight.
  • When you are ready to make the crepes, pull the batter from the fridge and set aside.

Make the Filling

  • Mix softened cream cheese, frozen whipped topping, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest on low to medium-low, using a stand or handheld mixer.
  •  Remove ½ Cup of filling and set aside. This will be for the drizzle.

Make the Crepes

  •  Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and place a large cookie sheet on the middle rack.
  • Warm a crepe pan, stove top griddle or large skillet on medium heat.
  • Remove pan from heat, butter the pan and add 1/3 cup of batter, immediately and quickly spreading the batter around using a crepe spreader or the back of a spoon so the crepe is as thin as possible.
  • Place pan back on heat and warm crepe for 2-3 minutes until it just starts to lightly brown.
  • Flip crepe and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  •  Place crepe in oven to keep warm and repeat steps 4-7 until all batter is used.
  • Pull a crepe from the oven, cut in half and spread 1 Tbsp of filling in middle of crepe half, leaving 1 inch around the edges.
  • Sprinkle 1 tsp of finely chopped walnuts on the filling if desired.
  • Fold the top of the rounded edges in, holding them in place with the filling.
  • Starting at one end, roll the crepe to create your carrot shape.
  • Repeat steps 1-4 with each crepe half, placing them back in the oven to keep them warm.

Make the Drizzle

  • Heat remaining half cup of filling on low, stirring regularly.
  • Stirring 2 drops of red and 6 drops of yellow food coloring to turn the drizzle orange.
  • Stir in 2 tsp of milk to thin it out.
  • While it's still warm and thinned out, drizzle the carrots with the remaining filling using a quick back and forth motion.

Garnish the Crepes

  • Rince the carrot greens or mint leaves and cut about 12 stems (enough for each “carrot”), each containing a few leaves and leaving at least a half inch of stem.
  • Add the carrot greens or mint to the top of each carrot crepe by tucking in the stem and allowing the leaves to stick out of the top.
  • Sprinkle Crepes with lemon zest

Serve and Enjoy!

    Notes

    *** Make sure you add eggs last to the batter. Mixing the rest of the ingredients together first cools down the carrots and prevents the eggs from cooking.
    *** These crepes may be slightly thicker than traditional crepes due to the thickness of the carrots.
    *** For optimal texture when rewarming leftovers, store crepes separately from filling.
    Keyword Breakfast, Brunch, Carrot Cake, Crepes, Easter, Gluten Free, Recipe, Spring

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    How to Make an Easter Centerpiece

    How to Make an Easter Centerpiece

    This Easter Centerpiece is the perfect way to add spring holiday charm to your dining table. It’s fun, pretty, easy to do and sure to welcome whoever sits at your table. 

    How to Make and Easter Centerpiece with wooden tray, candles, greenery and Easter eggs

    I have fond childhood memories of joyous anticipation of the Easter holiday as it came our way each spring. My brother and I would decorate eggs and look forward to the friendly Easter Bunny stopping by.

    We’d wake up on what was normally a rainy spring morning excited to see what goodies the friendly bunny brought our way. Several sweet treats adorned our baskets, including chocolate bunnies, yellow sugared marshmallow chicks, crème filled chocolate eggs and jellybeans, all sitting atop shiny green Easter grass.  We were always delighted.

    We’d also dress in our Sunday best and head to church to celebrate our faith and the peace found in God’s grace, a gift that we are so humbly grateful for.

    Over the years we’d also sit around the Easter table alongside family and friends and enjoy a meal together. I remember looking forward to buying a home and having a space to decorate and entertain for such holidays and that dream eventually came true.

    One of the first things I did to decorate our new space was add a centerpiece to our dining table. I wanted to put something together that was nice, but wouldn’t break the bank, something I could easily modify when the season changed, or a new holiday was on the way.

    Here you’ll find the Easter version of that centerpiece. So come with me and I’ll show you what you’ll need and how to put together this sweet little table decoration.

    Why you’ll love this Easter Centerpiece

    • It’s simple and enjoyable to put together.
    • The base pieces can be used all year long, making it easy to change just a few items for any season or holiday.
    • You can add your own creative touches to personalize it to your taste.
    • It adds pretty, fun and festive flair to your dining table.
    • You can choose a size and shape to match any table.

    What You Need for Your Centerpiece

    • Tray, Board or Shallow Bowl (a base for the centerpiece)

    How to choose the right base piece for my table

    There are many shapes you can use on your table. For my centerpiece, I’m using an oblong, rectangle tray to match my rectangle table, but it’s not the only option. Depending on the size and shape of your table, choosing a square, circle, oval or unique shaped base can work too.

    Take a peek at the graphic below. Find the shape of your table, represented in white, and look at some centerpiece shape options, represented in gray.

    Also consider the size as it relates to your table. A small centerpiece on a large table can get lost, while a large centerpiece on a small table can be too overwhelming. You want to make sure there is room to set the table and eat around it!

    • Candles

    How many candles should I use?

    When doing your centerpiece, choose an odd number of candles, but consider how big your table and base piece are to make sure they will fit properly.

          • Table Seats 2 People: 1 Candle
          • Table Seats 4 – 8 People: 3 Candles
          • Table Seats 10 – 12 People: 5 Candles

    What candles should I choose for my centerpiece?

    In my example I’ve chosen candles in a soft cream color, which contrasts nicely with the other pieces in the centerpiece. White candles are a great choice too. I recommend the neutral options because you can use them in every season, which we’ll discuss a little later.

     I’m using real candles in this case, but battery-operated candles are a great choice and a lot safer, so I’ll always recommend them over the real thing. I never leave my real candles unattended and only light them when we are sitting down eating a holiday meal. I also don’t burn them down very far because of the flammable greenery!

    Another thing to consider is if you’re using an oblong centerpiece on an oblong table, you can either choose candles that are all the same height, or taper in size, with the middle being the tallest. With round or square centerpieces, try using three different sizes of candles and grouping them together similar to the graphic below.

    • Greenery Stems

    What type of greenery should I use?

    I chose several stems with soft green leaves, some with white flowers and buds. Craft stores or online retailers with home goods and décor are great places to find greenery. Look for either soft or bright green to give it a spring touch. Palm leaves are another great option for Easter.

    Wherever you shop for your greenery, you’ll often have the option of small or large stems. Oftentimes you can save money by using a few larger stems as opposed to several smaller stems. Many times you can pull the leaves off of the stems for your centerpiece or at least cut it into smaller pieces using wire cutters and/or scissors.

    • Easter Eggs

    What eggs should I use?

    Faux pastel eggs look nice with the soft greenery and are the perfect way to add an Easter touch. Like the greenery, you’ll often find Easter eggs at craft stores and online retailers. Some are solid in color and others have patterns or graphics on them. You can even find some you can decorate yourself or with the kiddos.

    How to Put Together the Centerpiece

    So you have everything you need, now let’s take a look at how to put it together. It’s quite simple!

    Step 1: Add the candles to your base piece (tray, board or bowl).

    Step 2: Arrange the greenery on the base piece, around the candles, spreading it out evenly so you cannot see the bottom of the tray, board or bowl. Allow leaves to drape out over the edges here and there.

    Step 3: Place the eggs in the centerpiece so they are meandering throughout the greenery. If you opted for multiple different colors of eggs, make sure to spread them out.

    Step 4: Place it on your table and enjoy!

    Easily Change the Centerpiece to Match the Season!

    Spring: You can use this centerpiece all spring long by simply taking out the Easter eggs.

    Summer: Simply replacing the Easter eggs with faux lemons gives it a summery touch. If you chose palms for your Easter centerpiece, just removing the eggs gives it a summery look.

    Fall: Remove the greenery and replace with orange, red and/or golden fall leaves for a cozy autumn centerpiece.

    Winter: Snowy branches are a great choice in place of the greenery. You can even add little Christmas ornaments around the holidays.

     

    I hope you enjoyed making this festive centerpiece with me!

    Angela Post Signature

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    Button to Easter Brunch Carrot Cake Crepes Blog Post