Name: Nutella Stuffed Pancakes: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8-10 pancakes
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 ¼ cups milk; 1 large egg; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Nutella, for stuffing (about ½ cup); Butter or oil, for greasing the griddle; Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup

Nutella Stuffed Pancakes: Prepare to elevate your breakfast game to a whole new level! Imagine biting into a fluffy, golden pancake, only to discover a warm, gooey center of rich, hazelnutty Nutella. It's a breakfast revelation, and trust me, once you try it, you'll be hooked.

Pancakes themselves have a long and delicious history, with variations found in cultures around the world. From the simple crepe to the hearty flapjack, they've always been a comforting and customizable staple. But the addition of Nutella? That's where the magic truly happens. Nutella, with its smooth, creamy texture and irresistible chocolate-hazelnut flavor, adds a touch of decadence that transforms the humble pancake into a truly special treat.

People adore these Nutella Stuffed Pancakes for so many reasons. The combination of textures – the soft, airy pancake and the molten Nutella – is simply divine. They're also surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weekend brunch or even a quick weekday indulgence. Plus, who can resist the allure of Nutella? It's a universally loved flavor that brings joy to both kids and adults alike. So, get ready to whip up a batch of these delightful pancakes and experience breakfast bliss!

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 ¼ cups milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nutella, for stuffing (about ½ cup)
Butter or oil, for greasing the griddle
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, fresh fruit, maple syrup

Preparing the Pancake Batter

Okay, let's get started! The first step is making our pancake batter. Don't worry, it's super easy, and I'll walk you through it.

Combine the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is nicely combined. This helps ensure the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is key for fluffy pancakes. I like to use a whisk for this because it helps break up any clumps in the flour.
Add the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The melted butter is important because it adds richness and helps prevent the pancakes from sticking to the griddle. The vanilla extract just gives it that little extra something special.
Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Do not overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough pancakes. We want light and fluffy, not chewy! I usually stop mixing when I see just a few streaks of flour remaining.
Let the batter rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate, resulting in even fluffier pancakes. Trust me, this little rest period makes a big difference!

Stuffing the Pancakes with Nutella

Now for the fun part – adding the Nutella! This is what makes these pancakes extra special. There are a couple of ways to do this, and I'll share my favorite method.

Prepare the Nutella: You can either use Nutella straight from the jar, or you can microwave it for a few seconds (about 10-15 seconds) to make it a little easier to work with. Be careful not to overheat it, though! You just want it slightly softened.
First Pancake Layer: Pour a small amount of pancake batter (about 2-3 tablespoons) onto a lightly greased griddle or frying pan preheated to medium heat. You want to create a small, thin pancake base.
Add the Nutella: Quickly dollop a teaspoon of Nutella onto the center of the pancake. Don't spread it all the way to the edges, leave a little border.
Second Pancake Layer: Immediately pour another small amount of pancake batter (about 1-2 tablespoons) over the Nutella, covering it completely. This will seal the Nutella inside the pancake. Try to be quick so the bottom layer doesn't burn.

Cooking the Pancakes

Alright, time to cook these beauties! The key to perfect pancakes is patience and a well-heated griddle.

Heat the griddle: Preheat a lightly greased griddle or frying pan over medium heat. You can use butter or oil to grease the griddle. I prefer butter because it adds a nice flavor, but oil works just as well. The griddle is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.
Pour the batter: Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, pour the batter onto the hot griddle. Remember, we're making stuffed pancakes, so we've already done the first layer, added the Nutella, and covered it with another layer of batter.
Cook the first side: Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set. This is a sign that the bottom is cooked and ready to be flipped.
Flip the pancake: Carefully flip the pancake with a spatula. Be gentle so you don't squish the Nutella out.
Cook the second side: Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the pancake is golden brown and cooked through. You can gently press down on the pancake with the spatula to ensure it's cooked evenly.
Check for doneness: To make sure the pancake is cooked through, you can insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it's done. If not, cook for another minute or two.
Keep warm: Place the cooked pancakes on a plate and keep them warm in a preheated oven (200°F) while you cook the remaining batter. This will prevent them from getting cold and soggy.

Serving and Enjoying Your Nutella Stuffed Pancakes

Finally, the best part – serving and enjoying your delicious Nutella stuffed pancakes! Here are a few ideas for making them even more special.

Plate the pancakes: Arrange the pancakes on a plate. You can stack them or arrange them in a single layer.
Add toppings: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with fresh fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, or bananas. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Serve immediately: Serve the pancakes immediately while they are still warm and the Nutella is gooey.
Enjoy! Take a bite and savor the delicious combination of fluffy pancake and creamy Nutella. These pancakes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert!

Tips for Perfect Nutella Stuffed Pancakes

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the best Nutella stuffed pancakes ever:

Don't overmix the batter: Remember, overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough pancakes. Mix until just combined, and don't worry about a few lumps.
Use a hot griddle: A hot griddle is essential for evenly cooked pancakes. The griddle is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.
Don't flip too early: Wait until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set before flipping. This will prevent the pancake from sticking to the griddle and tearing.
Use a non-stick griddle or pan: This will help prevent the pancakes from sticking and make them easier to flip.
Adjust the heat as needed: If the pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If they're not browning enough, increase the heat.
Get creative with toppings: Don't be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Some other ideas include chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts, and peanut butter.
Make them ahead of time: You can make the pancake batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before using. You can also cook the pancakes ahead of time and reheat them in the microwave or oven.
Use a piping bag for the Nutella: For a neater presentation, you can use a piping bag to pipe the Nutella onto the pancakes. This will also help you control the amount of Nutella you use.
Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter: This will add a warm, cozy flavor to the pancakes.
Use different types of flour: You can experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid as needed.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations you can try:

Chocolate Chip Nutella Stuffed Pancakes: Add chocolate chips to the pancake batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
Banana Nutella Stuffed Pancakes: Add sliced bananas to the pancake batter or top the pancakes with sliced bananas.
Peanut Butter Nutella Stuffed Pancakes: Use peanut butter instead of Nutella for a peanut butter and chocolate combination.
Strawberry Nutella Stuffed Pancakes: Top the pancakes with sliced strawberries and a drizzle of Nutella.
Cinnamon Roll Nutella Stuffed Pancakes: Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar to the pancake batter for a cinnamon roll flavor.

I hope you enjoy these Nutella stuffed pancakes as much as I do! They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Nutella Stuffed Pancakes are truly a breakfast game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe you need to experience the joy they bring. From the fluffy, golden-brown exterior to the warm, gooey Nutella center, every bite is a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. They're surprisingly simple to make, yet they deliver a gourmet experience that's perfect for a special weekend brunch or even a delightful weekday treat. Why are these a must-try? Because they elevate the humble pancake to a whole new level of indulgence. They're not just pancakes; they're a warm hug on a plate, a sweet escape from the ordinary, and a guaranteed way to start your day with a smile. The combination of the familiar comfort of pancakes with the irresistible allure of Nutella is simply magical. Plus, they're incredibly versatile!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

While these pancakes are divine on their own, a few additions can take them over the top. Consider topping them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts for added texture and flavor. Fresh berries, like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, also complement the Nutella beautifully, adding a touch of brightness and acidity to balance the sweetness. A drizzle of maple syrup is always a welcome addition, but honestly, they're so good, they barely need it! For variations, you could experiment with different types of fillings. Peanut butter, cookie butter, or even a homemade chocolate ganache would be delicious alternatives to Nutella. You could also add a touch of spice to the batter, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, for a warmer, more comforting flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey pancake that perfectly complements the Nutella filling. Another fun idea is to make mini Nutella Stuffed Pancakes for a bite-sized treat that's perfect for parties or gatherings. Simply use a smaller scoop of batter and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You could even serve them on skewers with fresh fruit for a fun and festive presentation. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different toppings and fillings to create your own signature version of these delectable pancakes. The possibilities are endless! I truly hope you give this recipe a try. I'm confident that you'll fall in love with these Nutella Stuffed Pancakes just as much as I have. They're a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and they're sure to become a new family favorite. Once you've made them, I'd absolutely love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a review on the recipe page. Let me know what variations you tried and what toppings you loved. I'm always eager to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking, and happy eating! I can't wait to see your pancake masterpieces!