1. Introduction to the Recipe
If you think pancakes are the ultimate comfort breakfast, prepare to meet their upgraded cousin: Nutella stuffed pancakes. These golden, fluffy pancakes hide a molten Nutella center that oozes out with every forkful—making them an irresistible morning indulgence or a show-stopping brunch treat.
This recipe is built on simplicity with a creative twist. Using just a few pantry staples—pancake mix, milk, melted butter, and a generous scoop of Nutella—you can transform ordinary pancakes into dessert-worthy breakfast magic. The best part? It’s easier than you might think. The secret lies in pre-freezing small Nutella discs ahead of time and sandwiching them between layers of batter before cooking. Once they hit the skillet, the heat does all the work, melting the Nutella into that iconic gooey center.
Not only are Nutella stuffed pancakes visually impressive, but they’re also endlessly customizable. Serve them with sliced bananas or strawberries for a fruity twist, drizzle with chocolate syrup or maple syrup, or add a dusting of powdered sugar for a café-style finish. Whether you’re making a weekend breakfast for the family or treating yourself to a sweet weekday morning, these pancakes never disappoint.
Need tips on flipping pancakes like a pro? Check out this guide to perfect pancake flipping. And for more creative pancake variations, this list of pancake topping ideas will inspire your next breakfast creation.
Let’s dive into the full recipe and see how to make your own batch of these dreamy, oozy Nutella stuffed pancakes.
2. Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
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Breakfast Nutella Stuffed Pancakes
Description
Fluffy Nutella stuffed pancakes with a gooey center—perfect for indulgent breakfasts or brunch with a twist.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Pillsbury™ Pancake Mix
- 1½ cups milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil (as per preference)
- 1 jar Nutella (you’ll use about ½ cup)
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Instructions
- Prep the Nutella Discs
Line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoon-sized dollops of Nutella onto the tray and flatten slightly into discs. Freeze for 1–2 hours until firm. - Mix the Pancake Batter
In a bowl, combine pancake mix, milk, and melted butter/oil. Stir until smooth. Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes while Nutella firms up. - Heat the Pan
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with oil or butter. - Cook the Pancakes (First Layer)
Pour about 2 tablespoons of pancake batter onto the pan for each pancake. Quickly place a frozen Nutella disc in the center of each one. - Cover the Nutella
Pour another tablespoon or two of batter over each disc, making sure Nutella is completely sealed inside. - Flip and Cook
Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface. Flip gently and cook another 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. - Serve Warm
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings—banana slices, strawberries, whipped cream, or maple syrup.
Notes
Keep heat on medium-low to avoid burning the outside while the inside heats through.
Make extra Nutella discs and store in the freezer for quick pancakes next time.
Don’t overfill pancakes—too much Nutella can leak out while cooking.
You can also use homemade pancake batter if preferred.
3. Advanced Techniques
Pre-Freezing Nutella Discs for Efficiency
Freezing Nutella in advance helps you avoid mess and ensures the filling stays centered while cooking. Make a batch of discs and store them in a freezer-safe bag to have them on hand anytime.
Whipping the Batter for Extra Fluffiness
For lighter, fluffier pancakes, whisk your pancake batter vigorously for about 1 minute to incorporate air. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before cooking to activate the leavening agents.
Add Vanilla or Cinnamon to the Batter
A splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the flavor of the pancake base and complement the Nutella beautifully. Just a small amount goes a long way.
Layered Pancake Stack Presentation
For a brunch-worthy presentation, layer three Nutella stuffed pancakes and top with whipped cream, powdered sugar, and a drizzle of Nutella or chocolate syrup. This gives a bakery-style finish.
Pan Temperature Control for Perfect Results
Use medium-low heat to cook these pancakes. High heat will cook the outside too fast while leaving the Nutella cold. Slow and steady ensures the center melts and the pancake cooks evenly.
4. Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Refrigerating Leftovers
Store leftover Nutella pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or on a skillet over low heat.
Freezing for Meal Prep
Cook a batch and freeze individually wrapped pancakes in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, microwave or toast from frozen for a quick breakfast treat.
Preventing Pancake Sogginess
Let pancakes cool completely before storing to prevent condensation. Store with parchment between each pancake to maintain texture.
Make-Ahead Pancake Batter
Mix pancake batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Stir gently before using. This makes the morning rush easier while preserving fluffiness.
Nutella Storage Tip
For easy scooping and disc-making, store your Nutella jar at room temperature. If it becomes too runny in warm environments, chill it for 10–15 minutes before shaping.
5. Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Vegan Nutella Stuffed Pancakes
Use a plant-based pancake mix or make your own using non-dairy milk and egg replacer. Choose a vegan chocolate spread (like Justin’s or homemade vegan Nutella).
Gluten-Free Version
Use a gluten-free pancake mix and ensure your Nutella or chocolate spread is gluten-free. Cook as usual—gluten-free pancakes tend to be slightly more delicate when flipping.
Dairy-Free Adaptation
Use almond, oat, or soy milk in the batter. Choose a dairy-free chocolate spread and replace butter with a neutral oil or plant-based margarine.
Low-Sugar Version
Use a sugar-free or low-sugar chocolate hazelnut spread, and opt for a lower-carb pancake mix. Serve with fresh berries instead of syrup to keep sugar in check.
Nut-Free Option
If you’re allergic to nuts, substitute Nutella with a nut-free chocolate spread or sunflower seed butter chocolate blend. Always check labels to ensure safety.
6. FAQs About the Recipe
Can I use homemade pancake batter instead of mix?
Absolutely! A simple batter of flour, baking powder, milk, and eggs works well. Just keep the consistency slightly thick so it seals in the Nutella during cooking.
What if the Nutella leaks out while cooking?
Be sure to fully cover the Nutella disc with batter on all sides. Also, avoid overfilling—1–2 tablespoons of Nutella per pancake is perfect.
Can I cook these on an electric griddle?
Yes! Set your griddle to 325°F and cook as directed. A griddle makes it easy to cook multiple pancakes at once while maintaining consistent heat.
What toppings go best with Nutella pancakes?
Fresh strawberries, bananas, powdered sugar, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or maple syrup all pair well. For extra indulgence, drizzle more Nutella on top.
Can I make mini Nutella pancakes for kids?
Yes—just use smaller Nutella discs and pour less batter. They’re perfect for little hands or a party platter. Kids love the melted center!
7. Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Nutella stuffed pancakes are the perfect fusion of breakfast comfort and dessert indulgence. With their crisp golden edges, fluffy interior, and gooey Nutella core, they’re a guaranteed hit for breakfast, brunch, or even a late-night snack.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity and adaptability. With just a few ingredients and a little prep, you get maximum reward—both in taste and presentation. Whether you’re cooking for a family breakfast or surprising someone with breakfast in bed, these pancakes offer that delightful “wow” factor with minimal effort.
Plus, this recipe is easy to modify. Whether you want to go dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, or just customize toppings for fun, these pancakes are endlessly flexible. Freeze them, reheat them, stuff them with other spreads—make them your own.
So next time you’re craving something comforting and indulgent, skip the basic flapjacks and go for Nutella stuffed pancakes. Once you taste that warm, melty center, there’s no going back.