These Nutella Stuffed Pancakes are the ultimate breakfast indulgence. Perfectly fluffy pancakes hide a molten Nutella core that oozes out with every bite. The clever trick? Freezing discs of Nutella before cooking ensures a neat, gooey center without the mess. Served warm with fresh strawberries, they’re just the right mix of comfort and decadence.
Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast or a special brunch occasion, these pancakes are a guaranteed hit. They’re surprisingly easy to make and offer a fun twist on a classic dish. Plus, no syrup needed—Nutella is the star here. Kids love them, adults adore them, and they’re bound to become a regular treat in your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Nutella Discs:
10–14 tbsp Nutella
Dry Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups plain flour
3 tsp baking powder
4 tbsp sugar
Pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients:
1 egg
1 cup + 2 tbsp milk (low-fat or full cream)
1 tsp vanilla essence (optional)
Other:
1 tsp butter (divided into 2 x 1/2 tsp)
Sliced strawberries for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Dollop 1 1/2–2 tbsp Nutella onto the tray and spread into discs (approx. 2.5″ diameter, 1/5″ thick).
Freeze until firm (1 to 1.5 hours). Keep frozen until ready to use.
In a mixing bowl, whisk dry ingredients.
Make a well in the center and pour in wet ingredients. Whisk until just smooth (don’t overmix).
Melt 1/2 tsp butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Wipe off excess for even browning.
Remove 3 Nutella discs from freezer just before cooking.
Pour 1/4 cup pancake batter into pan. Quickly place one Nutella disc in the center, then cover with more batter (about 2/3 of a 1/4 cup).
Cook for about 2 minutes, until bubbles appear and edges look set.
Flip and cook the other side until golden.
Repeat process, re-buttering pan after every 3-4 pancakes. Makes 6–7 pancakes total.
Serve warm with fresh strawberries. Cream is optional but not necessary.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Freezing Time: 90 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Kcal: 308 kcal per pancake | Servings: 6–7 pancakes
Nutella Stuffed Pancakes – A Decadent Brunch Delight
The Rise of Stuffed Pancakes in Home Cooking
In recent years, the brunch scene has evolved beyond basic breakfast fare into a full-blown culinary experience, often shared on social media for the world to drool over. Among the many elevated comfort food options, stuffed pancakes have carved a special place in food lovers’ hearts. These decadent creations go far beyond traditional flat pancakes or even their stacked cousins. When filled with luscious spreads like Nutella, they offer a unique texture and taste adventure that is both nostalgic and indulgent.
Stuffed pancakes, particularly those filled with chocolate or hazelnut spreads, have surged in popularity due to their visual appeal and crowd-pleasing flavor. The contrast between a fluffy, slightly crispy pancake exterior and a warm, gooey center is irresistible. They also offer the home cook a touch of gourmet sophistication without being complicated or time-consuming to make. Nutella Stuffed Pancakes epitomize this trend with a clever technique that ensures a neatly melted core of chocolate hazelnut goodness in every bite.
The Magic of Frozen Nutella Discs
What makes these Nutella Stuffed Pancakes stand out is the smart and efficient method used to achieve the gooey center: frozen Nutella discs. This method not only makes the process mess-free, but it also ensures consistency and ease of handling during cooking. Unlike other methods where Nutella is spread directly onto batter in the pan (which often results in uneven melting or batter that won’t cook properly), freezing discs of Nutella allows the filling to stay intact until the pancake sets.
The frozen Nutella technique was inspired by the molten center found in lava cakes—a dessert known for its rich chocolate interior. Freezing the filling before incorporating it into the batter ensures that it melts slowly during cooking, creating a dramatic molten center without making the pancake soggy or burnt. This clever hack transforms what would otherwise be a tricky process into something approachable for any skill level.
Why Nutella Is the Perfect Filling
Nutella, the beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread, brings more than just sweetness to this dish—it delivers nostalgia, creaminess, and a unique flavor that sets it apart from basic chocolate. Its texture, especially when warmed, becomes incredibly smooth and luxurious, making it ideal for pancake fillings. The hazelnut undertones give a slightly roasted, earthy depth that balances out the sweetness and pairs beautifully with the pancake’s slightly savory base.
Another advantage of Nutella is its accessibility. Available in most supermarkets and online, it’s a pantry staple for many households, especially those with kids or anyone who enjoys a late-night spoonful (we see you!). Including Nutella in a pancake recipe makes the dish feel special without the need for elaborate ingredients.
Perfect for Celebrations and Weekend Brunches
Nutella Stuffed Pancakes are an ideal treat for weekend brunches, holidays, or anytime you want to impress with minimal effort. They’re particularly well-suited for occasions like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or Mother’s Day, where something sweet and visually stunning can elevate the experience. Unlike other celebratory recipes that may require extensive prep or exotic ingredients, these pancakes feel indulgent but are straightforward to make.
Because they’re so easy to batch, they’re also perfect for serving to a crowd. You can prepare the frozen Nutella discs ahead of time, store them in the freezer, and simply pull them out when you’re ready to cook. This makes morning meal planning far less stressful and allows the cook to enjoy the occasion, too.
Serving Suggestions and Customizations
Although Nutella Stuffed Pancakes are delicious on their own, they can be dressed up in a variety of ways to suit your preferences or seasonal ingredients. One popular pairing is fresh strawberries or sliced bananas, which add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate center. A dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup can further elevate the dish.
For those who like a bit of crunch, consider sprinkling chopped hazelnuts or toasted almonds on top. You could also add a touch of sea salt for a salted chocolate twist. And while syrup isn’t necessary due to the Nutella, a light drizzle of maple syrup can add another layer of flavor for those with a serious sweet tooth.
If you’re feeling experimental, you can even flavor the pancake batter itself with a hint of cinnamon, orange zest, or even a splash of espresso for a mocha-like flavor. The base recipe is flexible and forgiving, allowing for plenty of personalization.
Tips for Perfect Nutella Stuffed Pancakes
To achieve the best results, a few key tips can make all the difference:
Use a non-stick pan: This helps the pancakes cook evenly and prevents sticking, especially since the filling can get messy if it leaks.
Wipe excess butter: Too much butter in the pan can create uneven browning. Wiping most of it off ensures golden, even results.
Work in small batches: Only remove a few Nutella discs at a time from the freezer to keep them firm and manageable.
Don’t overfill with batter: Use just enough to cover the Nutella disc—too much batter results in a thick, undercooked pancake.
Watch the heat: Medium heat is best. Too high and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too low and the Nutella may not melt properly.
With these tips, even novice cooks can produce café-style pancakes with a molten center and perfect texture.
Kid-Approved and Adult-Adored
These pancakes are guaranteed to be a hit with kids, thanks to their sweet, gooey center and the familiarity of Nutella. But they’re also sophisticated enough to satisfy adult palates, especially when paired with fruits, nuts, or a rich coffee. Their dramatic presentation when cut open to reveal the melting Nutella core makes them feel like a special treat, even on an ordinary day.
They also make for excellent meal memories—imagine serving a plate of these at a family brunch and watching the delighted reactions of everyone at the table. Pancakes are already associated with comfort and togetherness, and stuffing them with Nutella only doubles that joy.
A New Staple in Your Brunch Rotation
Once you try Nutella Stuffed Pancakes, they’re likely to become a permanent fixture in your breakfast or brunch repertoire. They combine ease of preparation with impressive results, making them the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. With a bit of planning (making the Nutella discs ahead of time), you can whip them up quickly, and their crowd-pleasing nature means you won’t be stuck with leftovers.
They’re also great for introducing kids to the fun side of cooking. Let them help spread Nutella onto the parchment paper or decorate the finished pancakes with fruits and sprinkles. Cooking can be an engaging, creative family activity—and this recipe is a delicious place to start.
Conclusion
Nutella Stuffed Pancakes offer a fusion of playful indulgence and clever culinary technique. They take a universally loved breakfast item and give it a twist that’s both visually striking and immensely satisfying to eat. Whether you’re preparing a weekend treat, entertaining guests, or just rewarding yourself after a long week, these pancakes deliver joy in every warm, melty bite.
With simple ingredients, a smart method, and endless customization options, they represent everything we love about modern home cooking: accessible, fun, and absolutely delicious. So grab that jar of Nutella (just try not to eat it all with a spoon before starting) and treat yourself to a stack of fluffy pancakes hiding molten chocolatey gold inside. You won’t regret it.