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Warm crispy fried Nutella pancake sandwiches are the ultimate treat when you want something fun and decadent for breakfast or dessert. This recipe brings together soft, fluffy pancakes with a gooey chocolate hazelnut center, wrapped in a golden breadcrumb crust. The magic happens when you take just one bite and the creamy Nutella melts out between the lightly sweet pancakes. I first made these pancakes for a birthday breakfast surprise and they have been a party favorite ever since
What Makes It Special
- Crispy outside and melt-in-the-middle center
- Perfect for breakfast or dessert
- Kids and grownups both love it
- Invites easy add-ons like berries or whipped cream
- Flexible with swaps to fit your pantry
Once you see the joy on everyone’s faces after the first bite you will keep these in your back pocket for every celebration or lazy weekend
What You’ll Need
- All purpose flour: gives your pancakes the classic tender bite look for a flour with a fresh smell and no off odor
- Sugar: adds a little sweetness to the batter use fine granulated for even mixing
- Baking powder: gives the pancakes their lift and fluff double check it is still active by testing in warm water
- Salt: balances the flavors opt for fine sea salt so it dissolves well
- Milk: brings the wetness and softness to the pancakes whole milk is best for richness but non dairy works too
- Egg: adds structure and helps everything bind together use large fresh eggs with clean uncracked shells
- Melted butter: lends richness and a hint of flavor use unsalted butter so you keep control of saltiness
- Vanilla extract: lifts and rounds out the chocolate flavor choose pure vanilla over imitation for depth
- Nutella or your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread: makes the magic happen always give it a good stir before using for peak creaminess
- Breadcrumbs: both panko and regular give a crunchy coating choose fresh panko for extra crisp or regular for a finer crunch
- Flour for dredging: helps the coating stick use the same type as the batter for consistency
- Eggs for dredging: stick everything together use two large eggs lightly beaten for a light cling
- Vegetable oil for frying: lets everything get golden and crisp neutral oils like canola or sunflower are perfect
- Powdered sugar for dusting: gives a bakery finish sift it on while the sandwiches are still warm for the prettiest look
- Fresh berries: bring brightness and color always smell them to check for ripeness at the store
- Whipped cream: gives that final touch with cold creamy peaks make your own for extra wow
Let’s Cook This Together
- Mix the Pancake Batter:
- In a medium bowl whisk flour sugar baking powder and salt together to combine all the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl combine milk egg melted butter and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry stirring gently until just combined. Stop while the batter still has a few lumps to keep pancakes tender
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat your nonstick skillet or griddle over medium. Add a swipe of butter or oil. Use a quarter cup of batter for each pancake. Let them cook for two to three minutes until bubbles form and the sides start to set. Flip with a spatula and cook the other side for one to two minutes until deeply golden. Place finished pancakes on a plate and repeat until all batter is used
- Sandwich with Nutella:
- Spread a generous thick layer of Nutella on one pancake and top with another to make a sandwich. Repeat until you have used up the pancakes keeping the number even so you do not run out of tops or bottoms
- Set Up the Breading Station:
- Layout three shallow bowls. Put flour in the first bowl. Beat eggs in the second bowl. Pour breadcrumbs into the third bowl. Dip each sandwich first in flour then in eggs then coat all sides with breadcrumbs pressing gently so it sticks
- Fry the Sandwiches:
- Heat about a half inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles right away you are ready. Arrange the sandwiches in the pan in batches without crowding. Fry two to three minutes per side until crisp and golden. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain and cool slightly
- Top and Serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar while still warm from the pan. Add a handful of fresh berries and a swirl of whipped cream if you have it on hand. Serve right away for the crunchiest bite
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Good to Know
- Super satisfying and a fun twist on classic pancakes
- Can be prepped ahead up to the assembly step for busy mornings
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or air fryer
Nutella’s hazelnut charm always reminds me of cozy family brunches and the joy we all feel making a sweet mess together The way the chocolate oozes out is my favorite part to sneak a taste before serving
Keeping It Fresh
Store any extras in a container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in a low oven or air fryer for a few minutes to get the crispy exterior back Microwaving will soften the coating but still tastes great for a quick treat
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Swap the Nutella for crunchy peanut butter or almond butter for completely new flavors. You can also use whole wheat flour for a heartier base or choose oat milk and a flax egg for a dairy free and egg free version
How to Serve It Right
Pile up the sandwiches on a big platter and sprinkle powdered sugar right before carrying to the table. Serve with pitchers of warm syrup or bowls of fresh fruit so everyone builds their perfect plate. They also pair beautifully with a mug of hot chocolate or fresh brewed coffee
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Behind the Dish
These pancakes are inspired by European café snacks where chocolate and breaded treats often meet. My family loves taking classic recipes and giving them a playful spin so breakfast feels like a mini celebration
Kitchen Wisdom
- If you want even more crunch chill the pancake sandwiches in the freezer for ten minutes before dredging and frying
- A little extra flour in the breading bowl keeps the breadcrumbs from clumping and gives a lighter coating
- Always watch your oil temperature for the first sandwich if it browns too quickly reduce the heat so the filling has time to warm through
Tout savoir sur cette recette
- → Can I use a different spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! Almond butter, peanut butter, or other chocolate spreads offer tasty alternatives and unique flavors.
- → What’s the key to crispy fried pancakes?
Coating each sandwich well with flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs before frying ensures a crunchy, golden shell.
- → Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free chocolate spread for a great result.
- → Do I need to serve them immediately?
They’re best enjoyed warm right after frying, so the inside stays gooey and the outside remains crisp.
- → Is there a healthier option for the flour?
Swapping all-purpose flour for whole wheat can add fiber and nutrients while still delivering a tasty result.