The allure of these Nutella Pancakes lies in their pillowy texture and indulgent chocolatey core. Each pancake is a delightful blend of rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth softness that feels like dessert for breakfast—but without being overly heavy.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch or just want to elevate an ordinary morning, this recipe is your ticket to a blissful start. The warm, melty Nutella center paired with a golden, fluffy pancake shell creates a harmony of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist. Top with bananas, berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for the ultimate finishing touch.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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3 1/2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 tbsp sugar
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1 1/4 cups milk
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1 egg
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3 tbsp melted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Nutella, as needed
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Butter or oil, for greasing the pan
Directions:
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
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In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
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Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
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For each pancake, pour 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet. Add 1 tablespoon of Nutella in the center and cover with a little more batter.
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Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 1–2 minutes more, or until golden brown.
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Serve warm, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or topped with fresh fruit.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
There’s something universally comforting about a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes—but when you add a luscious swirl of Nutella into the center, you elevate an ordinary breakfast into a luxurious, dessert-worthy experience. Nutella Pancakes are the perfect marriage of a soft, buttery pancake and a rich, creamy hazelnut-chocolate filling. Whether you’re enjoying a weekend brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, these pancakes offer an unforgettable start to the day.
A Brief Background on Nutella and Pancakes
Pancakes date back thousands of years and are enjoyed around the world in various forms, from the thin French crêpes to hearty American stacks. But it wasn’t until the creation of Nutella in Italy during the 1940s that the idea of pairing pancakes with hazelnut-chocolate spread became popular. Nutella, developed by Pietro Ferrero in post-WWII Italy as a cocoa-hazelnut paste, was designed to offer a sweet treat in a time when chocolate was scarce. It quickly became a household favorite and has since found its way into countless desserts and breakfast dishes globally.
The combination of pancakes and Nutella speaks to the modern trend of blending traditional comfort foods with contemporary indulgence. It’s nostalgic, yet trendy. Wholesome, yet decadent.
What Makes This Recipe So Special
What sets these Nutella Pancakes apart is their stuffed center. Rather than simply spreading Nutella over the top of a pancake stack, this recipe places a spoonful of Nutella directly into the batter as it cooks. The result is a warm, melty core that surprises and delights with each bite. It’s a technique that creates a sensory experience—the crisp edges of the pancake give way to a creamy, chocolatey center that melts on your tongue.
The batter itself is light and fluffy, thanks to the perfect ratio of baking powder and milk. A dash of vanilla adds aromatic depth, while melted butter enriches the flavor and contributes to the tender texture. You can further customize the recipe with toppings such as banana slices, strawberries, whipped cream, or crushed hazelnuts for texture.
Healthier Than You’d Expect (In Moderation)
Though indulgent, this recipe can be balanced with mindful ingredient choices. Using whole milk instead of cream, controlling portion sizes, and pairing the pancakes with fresh fruits like bananas or berries can make this a more nutritionally rounded dish.
Nutella contains hazelnuts, which are rich in healthy fats and vitamin E. Eggs provide protein and essential amino acids, and the milk contributes calcium and vitamin D. While this dish isn’t intended to be a “health food,” it certainly has its merits when enjoyed as part of a balanced diet—especially when compared to ultra-processed store-bought breakfast options.
Perfect for Celebrations or Lazy Weekend Mornings
This recipe shines in its versatility. It’s perfect for:
- Birthday breakfasts: Start the day with a celebration.
- Mother’s Day or Father’s Day: A sweet way to show love.
- Holiday brunches: Add a little sparkle to Christmas morning or Easter brunch.
- Valentine’s Day breakfast in bed: Paired with coffee and berries, it’s romantic and thoughtful.
- Lazy Sundays: Because we all deserve a treat now and then.
Customizable for Any Taste
This base recipe is endlessly adaptable:
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan version: Use plant-based milk, flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water), and a dairy-free chocolate spread.
- High-protein variant: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder and slightly reduce the flour to compensate.
- Add-ins: A pinch of cinnamon or a handful of mini chocolate chips in the batter can elevate the flavor profile.
Tips for Success
- Use a piping bag or freezer-friendly Nutella discs: Freeze spoonfuls of Nutella on parchment for easy stuffing that doesn’t ooze during flipping.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Gentle mixing helps preserve airiness and fluffiness.
- Medium-low heat is key: Cooking too hot will brown the outside before the inside is fully done.
- Use a non-stick pan or griddle: This ensures your pancakes flip easily without tearing.
Why Nutella Pancakes Are a Viral Hit
In the age of social media, visually appealing and decadent dishes like Nutella Pancakes are bound to gain traction. Just a single photo or reel of chocolate oozing from the pancake center can spark cravings in anyone scrolling through their feed. That kind of visual appeal makes these pancakes ideal for food bloggers, influencers, or anyone looking to post their weekend brunch lineup online.
Not only do these pancakes taste fantastic, but they’re also photogenic. The golden-brown exterior, paired with glossy Nutella drizzles and bright fruit toppings, creates a dish that pops on Instagram and Pinterest alike.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
Let’s not forget that kids adore Nutella—and pancakes. Combine the two, and you have a guaranteed win at the breakfast table. Whether you’re serving toddlers or teens, this dish is a reliable crowd-pleaser. You can even make them mini-sized for little hands or turn them into pancake sandwiches for lunchboxes.
A Recipe That Brings People Together
Nutella Pancakes are more than just food—they’re a shared experience. Whether it’s a cozy morning with your partner or a pancake brunch party with friends, this recipe turns any breakfast into an occasion. The smell of pancakes cooking, the anticipation of that gooey Nutella center, the first warm bite—all of it evokes comfort, joy, and a sense of connection.
Conclusion
Nutella Pancakes are the epitome of indulgent breakfast done right. With their fluffy texture, gooey chocolate center, and customizable nature, they strike the perfect balance between sweet treat and comforting meal. They’re simple enough to make on a lazy morning and special enough to serve on festive occasions. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these pancakes offer a delightful, decadent, and deeply satisfying experience.
From the first pour of batter to the last melty bite, Nutella Pancakes are guaranteed to put a smile on your face—and on the faces of everyone you share them with.
Let the aroma of vanilla and Nutella fill your kitchen, and treat yourself to one of life’s simplest (and most delicious) pleasures.