IHOP-Style Cinnamon Bun Crepes are a dreamy combination of soft, delicate crepes filled with a rich cinnamon sugar swirl and luscious cream cheese frosting. Topped with fresh sliced strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar, this indulgent breakfast-dessert hybrid is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of sweet and tangy with cinnamon and cream cheese
- Thin, tender crepes that feel like a restaurant-quality treat
- Easy to customize with your favorite fruits or sauces
- Great for brunch or special occasions
- Looks impressive but is simple to make
- Ideal for anyone who loves cinnamon rolls
- Make-ahead friendly—prep the batter or filling the night before
- Kid-approved and perfect for entertaining
- A beautiful plate presentation with minimal effort
- Can be served warm or room temperature
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crepe Batter
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Melted butter
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Melted butter
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Milk or cream (to thin, if needed)
Toppings
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Directions
Step 1: Make the Crepe Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, flour, milk, and melted butter until smooth and lump-free.
- Let the batter rest for at least 20 minutes (or refrigerate overnight) for best texture.
Step 2: Cook the Crepes
- Heat a lightly greased nonstick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat.
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter into the pan and swirl to coat the bottom evenly.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes, then flip and cook another 30 seconds until golden. Repeat with remaining batter.
Step 3: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Filling
- Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until smooth and spreadable.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk until creamy and spreadable.
Step 5: Assemble the Crepes
- Spread a thin layer of cinnamon sugar filling over each crepe.
- Drizzle or spread with cream cheese frosting.
- Fold the crepes into quarters or roll them up.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Top with fresh sliced strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4–6 crepes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
- Drizzle with maple syrup or caramel sauce for extra sweetness
- Use a strawberry or raspberry sauce instead of fresh fruit
- Make it dairy-free with plant-based butter, milk, and cream cheese
- Add a dash of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar mix for deeper flavor
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a full dessert experience
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store filled crepes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm gently in a skillet.
- Freezing: Freeze unfilled crepes in layers with parchment paper; thaw and fill when ready to use.
FAQs
Can I make the crepe batter ahead of time?
Yes, the batter can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.
Can I use store-bought crepes?
Absolutely! Pre-made crepes save time and still taste great with the fillings.
How do I keep crepes warm before serving?
Place cooked crepes on a plate covered with foil or a damp towel and keep warm in a low oven (200°F).
Is this recipe very sweet?
It’s sweet like a dessert, but the cream cheese balances the sweetness with tanginess.
Can I use mascarpone instead of cream cheese?
Yes, mascarpone will give a slightly milder flavor but still works well.
What kind of strawberries are best?
Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal. You can also use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the crepe batter.
Are these crepes good cold?
They’re best served warm, but they can be eaten at room temperature or chilled if needed.
How do I make the cream cheese frosting thinner?
Add a teaspoon of milk at a time until your desired consistency is reached.
Can I skip the strawberries?
Of course. Try bananas, blueberries, or just extra frosting instead.
Conclusion
IHOP-Style Cinnamon Bun Crepes are the ultimate indulgent treat for breakfast or brunch. With gooey cinnamon filling, creamy frosting, and fresh strawberries, these crepes bring together everything you love about cinnamon rolls in a light and elegant package. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-level comfort right from your kitchen.
PrintIHOP-Style Cinnamon Bun Crepes
These IHOP-Style Cinnamon Bun Crepes are a dreamy breakfast-dessert mashup featuring buttery crepes stuffed with sweet cinnamon sugar filling and luscious cream cheese frosting, then topped with strawberries and powdered sugar—perfect for brunch or a sweet treat anytime!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (makes about 8 crepes)
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crepe Batter:
-
2 large eggs
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
1 1/2 cups milk
-
2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Cinnamon Sugar Filling:
-
1/4 cup butter, softened
-
1/3 cup brown sugar
-
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
-
4 oz cream cheese, softened
-
1/4 cup powdered sugar
-
1-2 tablespoons milk (to desired consistency)
-
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings:
-
Fresh strawberries, sliced
-
Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
-
Make the crepes: In a mixing bowl or blender, combine eggs, flour, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Let batter rest for 10–15 minutes.
-
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter and swirl to coat the pan. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Repeat with remaining batter.
-
Prepare cinnamon filling: Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable.
-
Make cream cheese frosting: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to reach desired consistency.
-
Assemble crepes: Spread a thin layer of cinnamon filling down the center of each crepe. Roll up or fold into quarters.
-
Drizzle with cream cheese frosting, top with sliced strawberries, and dust with powdered sugar.
-
Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
-
For extra indulgence, warm the cinnamon filling slightly before spreading.
-
Make crepes ahead and reheat gently before serving.
-
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert twist.