BBQ Tea-Infused Crepe Cake: A Sweet & Savory Holiday Delight
Joe Banet, Snap Inc. Food Program Manager, Santa Monica, California
Crepes are a timeless dish that has found its way into hearts across the globe. With their delicate texture and versatility, crepes have become a blank canvas for both sweet and savory fillings. This holiday season, we're taking this classic creation to the next level with a BBQ Tea Seasoning twist, adding layers of smoky, aromatic flavors that complement the rich creaminess of the OREO cheesecake filling.
This BBQ Tea-Infused Crepe Cake is perfect for BBQ restaurants looking to offer a unique and festive dessert option or an elevated sweet-savory side dish. It’s a surprising combination that balances the warmth of BBQ Tea Seasoning with the richness of OREO and cheesecake — a twist that your customers will love!
Ingredients:
BBQ Tea-Infused OREO Crepes:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons milk of your choice (coconut, almond, or dairy milk)
1/4 cup water
1 large egg
1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 OREO cookies or 4 OREO thins, finely crushed
1 teaspoon BBQ Tea Seasoning (to give a smoky, aromatic flavor to the crepes)
BBQ Tea-Infused OREO Cheesecake Filling:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup finely crushed OREO cookies
1/2 teaspoon BBQ Tea Seasoning (to enhance the smokiness and balance the sweet filling)
Serving Size:
3 1/2 ounces per serving
Number of Servings:
2-4 servings, depending on the size of the cake
Directions:
For the BBQ Tea-Infused OREO Crepes:
Prepare the crepe batter: Add all ingredients (flour, milk, water, egg, butter, vanilla, sugar, crushed OREO cookies, and BBQ Tea Seasoning) to a blender. Blend until thoroughly incorporated and smooth.
Let it rest: Cover the batter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the bubbles to dissipate and for the BBQ Tea Seasoning to fully infuse into the mix.
Cook the crepes: After an hour, heat a 6" non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, pour about 2 tablespoons of batter into the center of the pan. Quickly tilt and swirl the pan to spread the batter evenly.
Flip and finish: Once the edges start to dry (about 20-30 seconds), flip the crepe and cook for another 10 seconds on the other side. Remove from the skillet and let it cool on a clean work surface.
Repeat the process until you've made 10 crepes. Do not stack them while they’re cooling.
For the BBQ Tea-Infused OREO Cheesecake Filling:
Blend the filling: In a food processor or medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, crushed OREO cookies, and BBQ Tea Seasoning.
Set the filling: Mix thoroughly until smooth, and then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the filling to firm up and the BBQ Tea flavors to infuse.
To Build the Crepe Cake:
Layer the crepes: Once the crepes are cool and the filling is set, evenly spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of the BBQ Tea-infused OREO cheesecake filling on each crepe, leaving a small margin around the edges.
Stack the crepes: Carefully stack the crepes one on top of the other, aligning them so they form a neat, tall tower.
Refrigerate: Once all 10 crepes have been filled and stacked, refrigerate the cake for an hour (or overnight) to allow the layers to firm up and set.
Cut and serve: Once the crepe stack is firm, use a 3-inch ring mold cutter to cleanly cut out the center of the stack. You can save the edges of the crepes as a quick snack for the kitchen staff or serve them as a "bonus" treat for guests. Dust the top with cocoa powder for a festive finish.
Divide and Serve: Cut the stacked crepe cake into two halves, serve, and enjoy!
BBQ Tea Seasoning: The Perfect Holiday Flavor
What makes this BBQ Tea-Infused Crepe Cake truly stand out is the BBQ Tea Seasoning. With its blend of smoky, earthy flavors and a hint of tea-infused elegance, it creates a perfect balance with the sweet richness of the OREO filling. This surprising combination of flavors makes the dish unique and festive, and it’s an ideal way to introduce your customers to the versatility of BBQ Tea Seasoning beyond just meats.
This BBQ Tea Seasoning-infused cake can be an unexpected showstopper at your restaurant’s holiday events. Whether it’s for a special Christmas dinner menu or a unique BBQ dessert offering, customers will be drawn to the blend of savory and sweet in every layer.
Why It Works for BBQ Restaurants
Create a Festive Holiday Menu: BBQ restaurants can leverage the holiday season to introduce BBQ Tea Seasoning in unexpected ways, offering new flavors and creative pairings that captivate the imagination.
Differentiation: By incorporating BBQ Tea Seasoning into desserts, BBQ restaurants stand out from traditional BBQ fare, giving customers a reason to visit and try something new.
Versatility: This recipe can be customized further. You can also try incorporating BBQ Tea Seasoning into other classic desserts like BBQ-infused tarts or tea-smoked pies, perfect for a holiday spread.
Limited-Time Offer: Make it a limited-time offer during the holiday season to create a sense of urgency and encourage customers to try the special dessert before it’s gone.
Conclusion
The BBQ Tea-Infused Crepe Cake offers a perfect fusion of savory and sweet flavors that will delight your customers this holiday season. It’s a fantastic way to showcase the versatility of your BBQ Tea Seasoning while tapping into the growing trend of creative holiday menus. Whether it’s as a unique dessert or a standout menu item, this twist on the classic crepe cake will bring something truly special to your BBQ restaurant’s holiday offerings.
So, get ready to wow your customers with a taste of something new and exciting, and make this holiday season unforgettable with BBQ Tea Seasoning!