Crazy Delicious Nutella Pancakes Made Easy

Name: Nutella Pancakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: ½ cup Nutella (or chocolate hazelnut spread); Spooned into discs and frozen to keep the filling intact while cooking.; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; The base of a light (fluffy pancake structure.); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; Adds a touch of sweetness to the batter.; 2 teaspoons baking powder; It adds lift to the batter and results in light (fluffy pancakes.); ½ teaspoon baking soda; Works with the buttermilk to create extra fluff.; ¼ teaspoon salt; Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.; 1 ¼ cups buttermilk; Key to rich (tender pancakes. (Can substitute with milk + lemon juice if needed.)); 2 large eggs; Provide structure and richness to the batter.; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled); Adds flavor and keeps the pancakes moist.; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Enhances the warm (sweet notes of the batter.); Butter or oil (for greasing the pan or griddle); Prevents sticking and helps achieve a golden brown finish.; Fresh strawberries (bananas, or blueberries); Maple syrup or powdered sugar; Extra Nutella for drizzling; Whipped cream or chopped hazelnuts

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm stack of pancakes—especially when they’re filled with rich, creamy Nutella. These Nutella pancakes take the classic breakfast favorite and turn it into a decadent treat that’s perfect for slow weekends, special mornings, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Jump to Recipe

With a soft, fluffy pancake exterior and a molten hazelnut center, each bite feels like a mini celebration. Unlike standard pancake recipes, this version includes Nutella disks that melt into the batter as they cook, creating pockets of warm, gooey chocolate-hazelnut spread.

This guide will walk you through exactly how to make Nutella pancakes from scratch, using simple ingredients and an easy step-by-step method. Whether you’re preparing them for family, brunch guests, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Nutella pancakes are more than just a fun twist on a classic—they’re a sweet, satisfying breakfast you’ll want to make again and again. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

1. Molten Nutella in every bite
Instead of spreading Nutella on top, we freeze small Nutella discs and tuck them inside the batter. The result? A warm, gooey center that melts perfectly as the pancakes cook.

2. Light and fluffy texture
Thanks to a well-balanced pancake batter made with buttermilk, eggs, and baking powder, the texture is soft and pillowy without being heavy.

3. Simple to make
This recipe uses simple tools and everyday ingredients you likely already have. With a few kitchen basics, you’ll have fluffy Nutella-stuffed pancakes on the table in under 30 minutes.

4. Customizable toppings
Serve them with fresh fruit, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or even extra Nutella—these pancakes are as versatile as they are delicious.

5. Crowd-pleasing for all ages
Whether you’re making mini pancakes for kids or stacking them high for a brunch spread, everyone loves the surprise of creamy hazelnut spread tucked inside.

6. Great for meal prep
These pancakes can be made ahead and frozen. Just reheat on a skillet or in the microwave for a quick weekday treat.

Ingredients

To make these Nutella pancakes soft, fluffy, and filled with gooey hazelnut goodness, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples, and you can prep the Nutella filling ahead of time for quick assembly.

For the Nutella Discs

½ cup Nutella (or chocolate hazelnut spread)
Spooned into discs and frozen to keep the filling intact while cooking.

For the Pancake Batter

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
The base of a light, fluffy pancake structure.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Adds a touch of sweetness to the batter.
2 teaspoons baking powder
It adds lift to the batter and results in light, fluffy pancakes.
½ teaspoon baking soda
Works with the buttermilk to create extra fluff.
¼ teaspoon salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
1 ¼ cups buttermilk
Key to rich, tender pancakes. (Can substitute with milk + lemon juice if needed.)
2 large eggs
Provide structure and richness to the batter.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Adds flavor and keeps the pancakes moist.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Enhances the warm, sweet notes of the batter.

For Cooking

Butter or oil (for greasing the pan or griddle)
Prevents sticking and helps achieve a golden brown finish.

Optional Toppings

Fresh strawberries, bananas, or blueberries
Maple syrup or powdered sugar
Extra Nutella for drizzling
Whipped cream or chopped hazelnuts

Instructions

Follow these steps to make Nutella pancakes that are soft, fluffy, and filled with a warm, melty center. Be sure to freeze the Nutella discs ahead of time to make the stuffing process smooth and mess-free.

Step 1 – Make and freeze the Nutella discs

Cover a tray or plate with a sheet of parchment or wax paper.
Drop 1 tablespoon of Nutella onto the sheet, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon to form a disc.
Repeat to make 8–10 discs.
Freeze until firm—at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.

Step 2 – Mix the dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt

Set aside.

Step 3 – Mix the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk:
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (cooled slightly)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step 4 – Combine the batter

Spatula stirring thick pancake batter in a large bowl

Add the liquid mixture to the bowl containing the dry mix.
Use a spatula or whisk to fold the mixture together gently until no dry spots remain—avoid overmixing. A few small lumps are fine.
Allow the batter to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes as you preheat the skillet.

Step 5 – Cook the pancakes

Pancakes bubbling on a skillet with Nutella inside

Warm a non-stick pan or griddle on medium heat until hot. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface and let it spread naturally.
Quickly press a frozen Nutella disc into the center and cover with a spoonful of batter to seal.
Let cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the surface bubbles and the edges begin to firm up.
Gently flip and cook another 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6 – Repeat and serve

Transfer the cooked pancake to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter and Nutella discs.
Serve warm with your favorite toppings, or let cool slightly for storage.

Pro Tips and Variations

Making Nutella pancakes is simple, but a few smart tips can take your results from good to exceptional. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend brunch or prepping ahead, these tricks will help you get the perfect fluffy texture and rich, molten center every time.

Pro Tips

1. Freeze the Nutella discs completely
Make sure the Nutella discs are solid before adding to the batter. If they’re soft, they may melt too early and leak during cooking.

2. Don’t overmix the batter
Combine the wet and dry mixtures only until blended—don’t overmix. Overmixing can result in dense, chewy pancakes rather than light and fluffy ones.

3. Let the batter rest
Allow the pancake batter to rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking. This gives the flour time to hydrate and the batter to rise slightly, leading to a more tender result.

4. Cook on medium heat
Too high, and the outside will brown before the inside cooks; too low, and the pancakes can turn dry. Stick to a steady medium heat for even cooking.

5. Cover the Nutella completely
Be sure to spoon enough batter to cover the Nutella entirely. This helps keep the filling from leaking out and ensures a gooey center.

6. Use a non-stick skillet or griddle
A non-stick surface prevents sticking and helps achieve a golden finish without burning or tearing the pancakes.

Variations to Try

• Nutella banana pancakes
Add thin banana slices between the batter layers along with the Nutella disc for a fruity twist.

• Strawberry Nutella pancakes
Top with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of melted Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread.

• Hazelnut crunch
Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts into the batter or on top before serving for extra texture and flavor.

• Nutella swirl pancakes
Instead of stuffing, swirl a small spoonful of Nutella into the top of each pancake as it cooks.

• Mini Nutella pancakes
Use smaller scoops of batter and frozen mini Nutella discs to create bite-sized pancakes—great for kids or serving on a brunch board.

Serving Suggestions

These Nutella pancakes are indulgent on their own, but how you serve them can take the experience to the next level. From simple toppings to eye-catching brunch presentations, here are a few delicious ways to enjoy them.

Classic and Simple

Dust with powdered sugar for a clean, sweet finish.
Add a drizzle of warm Nutella or maple syrup for extra indulgence.
Serve with a pat of butter on top while the pancakes are still warm.

Fresh and Fruity

Pair with sliced strawberries, bananas, or blueberries for a fresh contrast.
Make a fruit stack: alternate pancakes with layers of fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Serve with a spoonful of fruit compote or berry sauce on the side.

For a Full Breakfast Spread

Serve alongside scrambled eggs for a sweet-and-savory combo.
Add a side of Greek yogurt with honey and nuts to balance the richness.
Offer a variety of toppings on a pancake bar—great for brunch parties or family mornings.

Garnish Ideas

Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for crunch.
Add a swirl of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert-style presentation.
Use chocolate shavings, cinnamon, or a touch of orange zest for a gourmet finish.

No matter how you serve them, these Nutella-filled pancakes are guaranteed to impress. Let’s wrap up with a few final thoughts and frequently asked questions to help you get the best results every time.

Conclusion

Nutella pancakes are more than just a fun breakfast—they’re a rich, satisfying treat that blends the comfort of fluffy pancakes with the indulgence of warm, creamy hazelnut filling. Easy enough for a weekday morning and special enough for weekend brunch, they hit the sweet spot between simple and show-stopping.

By using frozen Nutella discs, you get perfectly melted centers without the mess. A balanced pancake batter, combined with smart cooking techniques, ensures that each pancake is golden on the outside and tender on the inside. And with endless ways to top, fill, and serve, this recipe can be customized to fit any craving or occasion.

Cut-open Nutella pancake with hazelnut filling oozing out

Nutella Pancakes

Emily

Learn how to make nutella pancakes with a gooey center and fluffy texture. This easy recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or sweet cravings anytime!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 8 Pancakes

Calories 280 kcal