Save The first time I made Nutella stuffed pancakes was during a winter power outage when we were desperate for comfort food. Our gas stove still worked, and I found a jar of Nutella tucked away in the pantry. By candlelight, we mixed the batter while my kids giggled with anticipation. The moment my daughter cut into her pancake and the warm chocolate hazelnut filling oozed out, her eyes widened with pure joy.
Last summer, my niece stayed with us for a week, and she was going through a picky eating phase that had my sister worried. On her third morning, I casually mentioned I was making these stuffed pancakes, and she actually volunteered to help. We froze the Nutella disks together, and when she flipped her first perfect pancake, her proud smile was worth every dirty dish in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Frozen Nutella disks: The game-changing trick is freezing the Nutella beforehand so it melts at the perfect rate while cooking instead of immediately leaking out.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our pancakes that I learned works best when measured with a light touch rather than packed down.
- Baking powder and baking soda: This dual-action leavening system gives the pancakes their fluffiness while creating a structure sturdy enough to hold the Nutella.
- Whole milk: The fat content in whole milk produces a richer pancake that stands up better to the indulgent filling.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the batter and helps create those beautiful golden edges when cooking.
Instructions
- Prep the Nutella hearts:
- Dollop 8 heaping tablespoons of Nutella onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping each into a disk about 2 inches wide. Pop these into the freezer for at least 30 minutes until they're firm enough to handle.
- Mix the dry team:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed. This ensures your pancakes will rise consistently.
- Blend the wet squad:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until they form a smooth, cohesive mixture. You want everything well incorporated but not overly frothy.
- Create the batter magic:
- Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a light hand just until combined. Watch for those little lumps to remain as they actually make for fluffier pancakes.
- The rest is best:
- Let your batter take a 5-minute breather while you heat your skillet. This little timeout allows the flour to fully hydrate and the leavening agents to activate.
- Begin the assembly:
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto your buttered skillet, quickly place a frozen Nutella disk in the center, then cover it with another spoonful of batter. The key is working fast so the bottom layer doesnt cook too much before you get the top layer on.
- Cook with patience:
- Wait for bubbles to form around the edges before flipping, about 2 minutes. Then carefully turn and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve while hot:
- These pancakes are at their magnificent best when served immediately, while the Nutella center is still warm and flowing. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look extra special.
Save My husband, who normally rushes through breakfast to get to work, actually sat down and savored these pancakes the first time I made them. He closed his eyes with that first bite and then looked at me with such appreciation that we now have a tradition of Nutella pancake Sundays when life gets particularly hectic. Its our way of slowing down together, even if just for one meal.
Perfecting the Flip
The most nerve-wracking moment with these pancakes is definitely the flip. Ive found that using a wide, thin spatula and a confident, swift motion works best. If youre hesitant or try to peek and adjust mid-flip, thats when disasters happen. Wait until youre sure the bottom is set enough to hold together, then commit to the flip in one smooth movement.
Storing and Reheating
While these pancakes are absolutely best fresh off the griddle, sometimes life happens and you need to make them ahead. If you must store leftovers, let them cool completely, then place them with parchment paper between each pancake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, avoid the microwave which makes them soggy, and instead warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes until just heated through.
Creative Variations
After making these pancakes dozens of times, Ive experimented with several delicious twists that keep the recipe exciting. Adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the batter creates a subtle chocolate-orange flavor combination thats unexpectedly sophisticated.
- Try using cookie butter or peanut butter disks instead of Nutella for a different filling experience.
- Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter for extra chocolate flavor throughout the pancake.
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate notes in the Nutella.
Save These Nutella stuffed pancakes have taught me that sometimes the most memorable food isnt the most complicated or expensive. Its the simple dish made with care that creates those perfect moments of connection around the table.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I prepare the Nutella filling ahead of time?
Yes, freeze the Nutella disks for up to one week in an airtight container. This actually makes the cooking process easier since the filling stays contained while the pancake cooks through.
- → What's the best way to prevent the Nutella from leaking?
Ensure the Nutella disks are thoroughly frozen and firm before cooking. Spoon batter over the top to completely cover the disk before flipping. Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the exterior before the inside sets.
- → Can I use a different chocolate spread?
Absolutely. Any chocolate-hazelnut or chocolate spread works well. Choose spreads with similar consistency to Nutella for best results. Freeze disks the same way regardless of brand.
- → How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Wait until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set and slightly dry, usually about 2 minutes. This indicates the bottom has cooked enough to flip without breaking apart.
- → Can these be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter in the batter. Verify that your Nutella brand is dairy-free, or use an alternative chocolate-hazelnut spread that meets dietary requirements.
- → What toppings pair well with these pancakes?
Fresh berries, sliced bananas, whipped cream, and powdered sugar all complement the rich Nutella filling beautifully. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds extra sweetness if desired.