Decadent Nutella Stuffed Pancakes: Your Ultimate Brunch Dream!

Name: Decadent Nutella Stuffed Pancakes: Your Ultimate Brunch!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 1 large egg; 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy); 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter (plus more for cooking); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup Nutella (for stuffing); Optional toppings: fresh berries, powdered sugar, maple syrup

The smell of freshly brewed coffee mingling with warm vanilla and something sweet always takes me back to my childhood Sundays. There’s a certain magic to those slow mornings, a comforting rhythm that sets the tone for the entire week. For years, our family tradition involved a towering stack of classic buttermilk pancakes, showered with berries and maple syrup. But one rainy Saturday, feeling particularly adventurous and craving an extra layer of indulgence, I found myself staring at a jar of Nutella. A little spark ignited: what if we took those beloved fluffy pancakes and tucked in a gooey, chocolatey surprise? That day, the glorious Nutella Stuffed Pancakes were born.

It was an instant hit. My kids’ eyes lit up with every bite, revealing that decadent, melting hazelnut spread. My husband declared it the “best easy breakfast ever.” From then on, these became a cherished family favorite, our go-to for special occasions, lazy weekend brunches, or simply when we need a hug in food form. They are the ultimate comfort food, guaranteed to bring smiles.

This tested recipe has been perfected over countless Sunday mornings, ensuring perfectly golden, fluffy pancakes that perfectly encase a luscious core of warm Nutella. If you’re looking to elevate your breakfast game or simply treat your loved ones (or yourself!), then you absolutely need to make these. Trust me, they’re worth every single indulgent bite!

⬇️ Jump to Recipe & Ingredients

Nutella Stuffed Pancakes-cutaway-filling

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

❤️ Oh, get ready to fall head over heels for these Nutella Stuffed Pancakes! They’re not just breakfast; they’re an experience. Here’s why this recipe will become your new obsession:

Pure Indulgence, Simplified: Imagine cutting into a warm, fluffy pancake and having rich, melted Nutella ooze out. It’s pure dessert-for-breakfast magic, yet the process is surprisingly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. You get maximum decadence with minimal fuss!
Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Whether it’s a special birthday brunch, a holiday gathering, or just a lazy Sunday with the family, these pancakes are always the star of the show. Kids and adults alike simply adore them, making you the undisputed breakfast hero.
Customizable Comfort: While Nutella is the star, the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Add sliced bananas, strawberries, or even a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips before flipping for extra layers of flavor and texture. Make it truly your own!
The Ultimate Mood Booster: There’s something inherently joyful about a stack of golden, warm pancakes. When you add a hidden, gooey Nutella center, it transforms into an instant mood enhancer. Bad day? These pancakes are here to turn it around with their comforting sweetness.
Beginner-Friendly & Fail-Proof: My detailed instructions and expert tips ensure that even if you’ve never made pancakes from scratch, you’ll achieve perfect, fluffy results every single time. We cover everything from mixing the batter to the perfect flip.
Beyond Breakfast: Don’t limit these to mornings! Nutella Stuffed Pancakes make an incredible dessert or a delightful afternoon treat. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special indulgence any time of day.

What You Need

You only need a few simple pantry staples for this recipe! Check the full printable recipe card below for detailed measurements.

Expert Tips

💡 Ready to make the best Nutella Stuffed Pancakes of your life? These expert tips and tricks will ensure your pancakes are perfectly golden, fluffy, and oozing with chocolatey goodness every single time:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is arguably the most crucial tip for fluffy pancakes! Mix your wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Lumps are perfectly fine, even desired! Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough, chewy pancakes instead of light, airy ones.
Rest Your Batter: Once mixed, let your pancake batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate fully, resulting in an even fluffier texture. It’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Perfect Pan Temperature: Heat your griddle or non-stick pan over medium-low heat. A pan that’s too hot will burn the outside before the inside cooks, while a pan that’s too cool will yield tough, greasy pancakes. Test with a drop of water – it should sizzle gently and evaporate.
The Nutella Disc Trick: For perfectly contained Nutella, spread about 1-2 tablespoons of Nutella onto a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap, forming a flat disc (about 2-3 inches wide). Freeze these discs for at least 15-20 minutes before you start making pancakes. This makes them easy to handle and prevents them from melting too quickly and oozing out during the initial cook.
How to Stuff (The Double Pour Method): Pour a small amount of batter onto the hot griddle, just enough to form a mini pancake. Immediately place a frozen Nutella disc on top. Then, quickly pour a little more batter over the Nutella disc, just enough to cover it entirely. This seals in the delicious filling!
Watch for Bubbles: Don’t flip too soon! Wait until you see plenty of bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set. This indicates that the bottom is cooked through and ready for its grand flip.
The Gentle Flip: Use a wide, thin spatula for an easy flip. Slide it under the pancake quickly and confidently, then flip it over. Don’t press down on the pancake after flipping, as this can deflate it and make it less fluffy.
Keep Them Warm: As you finish cooking batches, you can keep the cooked pancakes warm by placing them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 200°F / 95°C). This ensures everyone gets to enjoy warm, fresh pancakes.

Variations & Substitutions

While Nutella Stuffed Pancakes are heavenly as is, feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary adventures:

Fruit Medley: Before adding the top layer of batter, sprinkle in some sliced bananas, fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries), or even finely diced apples for an added burst of flavor and texture.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: For an extra dose of chocolate, mix mini chocolate chips into the pancake batter or sprinkle them over the Nutella disc before covering with more batter.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your dry ingredients for a warm, comforting spice note that pairs beautifully with Nutella.
Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe by using a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Dairy-Free Option: Substitute regular milk with your favorite non-dairy milk (almond, soy, oat) and use a plant-based butter alternative or oil.

Storage & Freezing

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store your delicious Nutella Stuffed Pancakes to enjoy later:

Refrigeration: Place cooled pancakes in an airtight container or a resealable bag. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a toaster oven until warm.
Freezing (Best Method): To freeze, arrange cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating from Frozen: You can reheat frozen pancakes directly in a toaster, microwave, or oven. For a crispy edge, I recommend a toaster oven or a warm skillet.

FAQ

Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. For the wet ingredients, it’s best to mix them right before cooking. If you need to mix the full batter ahead, it’s generally fine to keep it covered in the fridge for up to 12-24 hours, but you might lose a little bit of fluffiness as the leavening agents start to work.

What if my Nutella melts too quickly?

The key here is to really freeze your Nutella discs solid. Also, ensure your griddle isn’t too hot. If it’s too warm, the Nutella will melt and spread before the surrounding batter has a chance to set and contain it. Medium-low heat is your friend!

Can I use a different filling?

Absolutely! Get creative. You could try peanut butter, Biscoff spread, cream cheese filling (like for red velvet pancakes), or even jam. Just make sure whatever filling you choose is thick enough to freeze into a disc, or at least very thick if you’re not freezing it.

How do I get my pancakes perfectly round?

Using a ladle or a measuring cup to pour your batter helps. For even more control, you can use pancake rings or even cookie cutters (greased!) placed on the griddle. Just pour your batter inside for perfectly shaped pancakes.

There you have it – the ultimate guide to creating the most delectable Nutella Stuffed Pancakes right in your own kitchen! These aren’t just pancakes; they’re a little slice of heaven, a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence that will make any meal feel special. Whether you’re making them for a celebratory brunch, a cozy family breakfast, or a delightful evening dessert, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later so you can whip up this incredible treat whenever the craving strikes! And if you try them, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Happy pancake making!