Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwich

These fried Nutella pancake sandwiches are my guilty pleasure weekend breakfast treat. I stumbled on this recipe last winter when I was craving something indulgent on a snowy morning, and they've become legendary in my household since. They're essentially a magical hybrid between a donut, French toast, and a grilled Nutella sandwich – crispy on the outside, fluffy pancake-like coating in the middle, and warm, melty Nutella at the center.

Last month, my niece stayed over, and I made these for breakfast. This kid, who normally picks at her food, ate two full sandwiches and then asked if she could help make more. She's been begging her mom to get my recipe ever since.

Key Ingredients

• White bread: Regular sandwich bread works perfectly here because it compresses easily. Nothing fancy needed!
• Nutella: The star of the show. That chocolate-hazelnut spread melts into a warm, gooey center that's irresistible.
• Homemade buttermilk: The milk and vinegar combination creates that tangy flavor that makes the pancake coating so delicious.
• Hot water: This might seem odd, but it helps thin the batter to the perfect consistency for coating.
• Cinnamon sugar: That final roll in cinnamon sugar elevates these from great to absolutely incredible. Don't skip it!

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Sandwich Magic

Perfect your pancake batter

Let the milk and vinegar sit the full 10 minutes to properly sour. This creates that distinct buttermilk tang that makes the coating so flavorful.

Bread preparation

Brushing the bread with milk before flattening it keeps it moist and helps it seal better. Use gentle pressure with the rolling pin to avoid tearing.

Nutella strategy

Keep the Nutella dollop in the center rather than spreading it - this prevents it from oozing out the sides when sealed. A tablespoon is usually the perfect amount.

Sealing technique

Press the edges firmly all the way around to create a good seal. Any gaps will allow Nutella to escape during frying, which can cause splattering.

Batter consistency

The batter should be thick enough to coat the sandwich but thin enough to drip off slightly. If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

Frying tips

Maintain medium heat - too hot and the outside will burn before the inside warms, too cool and they'll absorb too much oil. Look for that golden brown color as your guide.

I created this recipe during lockdown when my kids were going stir-crazy and needed something fun for breakfast. We had a Nutella Phase in our house (who hasn't?), and I was looking for new ways to use it beyond spreading it on toast. What started as an experiment turned into a Saturday morning tradition. My teenage son has now mastered making these himself, which is both wonderful and dangerous for our Nutella budget.

Serving Ideas

Serve these sweet treats with fresh berries on the side to cut through the richness. A dusting of powdered sugar on top makes for a pretty presentation if you're feeling fancy. For an over-the-top dessert version, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Tasty Twists

Try using cookie cutters for fun shapes - hearts for Valentine's Day or stars for special celebrations. Add a thin slice of banana in with the Nutella for a banana-chocolate combination. For a grown-up version, mix a teaspoon of espresso powder into the Nutella before spreading.

Quick Tips

These are definitely best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. Reheat briefly in a toaster oven to recrisp the exterior. The pancake batter can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator overnight - just give it a good stir before using.

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I've made these fried Nutella pancake sandwiches for weekend family breakfasts, sleepovers, and even as a quirky dessert for dinner guests. There's something about that combination of crispy, cinnamon-sugar coating and warm, melty Nutella that brings out the kid in everyone. They're admittedly not an everyday breakfast, but for those mornings when you want something special to brighten the day, these hit all the right notes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use other fillings besides Nutella?

Yes, try peanut butter, jam, cookie butter, or chocolate spread.

→ What bread works best?

White sandwich bread is ideal as it's soft and flattens easily.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Best served immediately while warm and crispy.

→ Can I bake instead of fry?

The batter is designed for frying, but you could try air frying at 375°F.

→ What shapes can I cut these into?

Any cookie cutter shape works - hearts, stars, circles, or squares.