Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches: 5 Easy Steps to Make

Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches are the pinnacle of decadent comfort food, a carnival-worthy treat you can easily make in your own kitchen. Imagine two fluffy, silver-dollar pancakes hugging a warm, molten layer of rich Nutella, all encased in a perfectly golden, crispy fried coating. This recipe is pure indulgence, blending the comforting familiarity of pancakes with the irresistible allure of chocolate-hazelnut spread and the satisfying crunch of a fried dessert. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces and turns any occasion into a celebration.

Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping brunch item, a fun dessert for a party, or simply a way to treat yourself after a long week, these pancake sandwiches deliver on every level. They are surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring basic pantry staples and a little bit of time. The result is a heavenly combination of textures and flavors—soft, gooey, and crispy all in one glorious bite. Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite sweet creation.

The first time I encountered a fried dessert sandwich, it was at a state fair, a deep-fried Oreo that was both ridiculously over-the-top and utterly delicious. It got me thinking about what else could be transformed by this magical treatment. My mind immediately went to my two breakfast loves: pancakes and Nutella. The idea for Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches was born from that moment of fairground inspiration. I wanted to create something that captured that same sense of fun and indulgence but felt a bit more homemade.

The first few attempts were messy, with Nutella escaping into the hot oil. But through trial and error, I discovered the secret—a brief trip to the freezer. This simple step solidifies the filling just enough to keep it contained while the outside gets perfectly crispy. And the beauty is, whether you use a from-scratch pancake batter like the one here or a **pre-made pancake mix for convenience**, the result is pure magic. It’s now a go-to special treat in our house, perfect for birthdays or lazy Sunday afternoons.

What Makes These Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches Special

What truly sets these Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches apart is the masterful play on temperature and texture. You experience the immediate crunch of the golden-brown breadcrumb coating, which gives way to the soft, slightly chewy pancake layers. Just as you register that familiar comfort, your palate is flooded with the warm, luscious, and molten Nutella center. It’s a multi-layered sensory experience that standard desserts rarely achieve.

Unlike a simple pancake breakfast, frying these sandwiches transforms them entirely, creating a protective shell that seals in the gooey filling and adds a savory, crispy counterpoint to the sweetness inside. It’s this unique combination—hot and cold, soft and crunchy, sweet and savory—that elevates it from a simple breakfast item to a truly memorable and impressive dessert masterpiece.

Key Ingredients for Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches

• Pancake Batter: A simple mix of flour, sugar, baking powder, egg, and milk creates fluffy pancakes. You can use a boxed mix to save time.
• Nutella: The star of the show! This creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread creates the molten, gooey center.
• Coating Station: A three-step process of flour, an egg wash (egg and milk), and breadcrumbs is what gives the sandwiches their signature crispy exterior.
• Frying Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil, is essential for frying without burning.

How to Make Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches: Step-by-Step

Make & Cool Pancakes:

First, prepare your pancake batter and cook small, 2-3 inch pancakes. Let them cool completely before assembling.

Assemble & Freeze:

Next, create sandwiches by spreading Nutella between two cooled pancakes. The most crucial trick is to freeze the sandwiches for 15-20 minutes. This is the best way to prevent the Nutella from leaking out during frying, ensuring the gooey center stays inside until the first bite.

Coat the Sandwiches:

Set up a three-part breading station with flour, an egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Coat each frozen sandwich thoroughly.

Fry to Perfection:

Finally, fry the coated sandwiches in oil preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 1-2 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy.

Storing Your Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches

These Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches are at their absolute peak when served fresh from the fryer, with a crispy exterior and a molten interior. If you have leftovers, they can be stored, but their texture will change. Let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, avoid the microwave as it will make them soggy. Instead, use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or a toaster oven to help revive some of their original crispiness.

While these are best eaten fresh, you might wonder, can I make these ahead of time? You can cook the pancakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. However, for the best crispy texture, you should assemble, freeze, coat, and fry the sandwiches just before you plan to serve them for the ultimate fresh-from-the-fryer experience.

Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches Variations & Substitutions

While the classic Nutella filling is divine, these sandwiches are a fantastic canvas for creativity. For a fruity twist, add thin slices of banana or a few fresh raspberries inside with the Nutella before freezing. You can also swap the filling entirely; try Biscoff cookie butter, peanut butter and jam, or even a thick cream cheese frosting for a cheesecake-inspired version. The coating is another area for experimentation.

For a crunchier texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones, or mix in some crushed cornflakes or toasted coconut flakes. For a touch of warm spice, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour dredge or the pancake batter itself. If you need to accommodate dietary restrictions, gluten-free pancake mix and gluten-free breadcrumbs can be substituted with great results.

Serving Suggestions for Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches

These decadent treats are fantastic on their own, but a few simple additions can elevate them even further. A generous dusting of powdered sugar is a must for that classic, picture-perfect finish. For an even more indulgent dessert, serve a warm sandwich with a scoop of vanilla bean or coffee ice cream on the side—the contrast between the hot, crispy sandwich and the cold, creamy ice cream is heavenly. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce adds another layer of sweetness. To cut through the richness, serve them with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, which provide a bright, tart counterpoint.

For something different, you can pair savory and sweet by trying recipes like cheddar bay biscuit chicken pot pie or chicken pot pie with cheddar bay biscuits.

The History of Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches

While there isn’t a long, storied history for the Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwich itself, it belongs to a proud tradition of creative, deep-fried fair foods. This movement gained popularity in the United States at state and county fairs, where vendors began experimenting with deep-frying everything from candy bars and cookies to butter and even bubblegum. This dish is a direct descendant of that innovative spirit, combining the comfort of a classic American pancake breakfast with the wildly indulgent technique of deep-frying.

It merges the Italian-born love for Nutella, which became a global phenomenon in the late 20th century, with the very American concept of a sweet ‘sandwich.’ It’s a modern fusion dessert that celebrates creativity, comfort, and the pure joy of a perfectly executed, over-the-top treat.

With a crispy shell giving way to soft pancakes and a molten chocolate-hazelnut core, these Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches are a dessert lover’s dream. This recipe is a fun and delicious project that is guaranteed to impress. Don’t be intimidated by the frying; with a few key tips, you’ll achieve perfect, golden-brown results every time. So gather your ingredients, heat up that oil, and get ready to create a truly spectacular treat. Be sure to share your creations and let us know how you customized them!

Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches

Indulge in crispy Fried Nutella Pancake Sandwiches! Fluffy pancakes, gooey Nutella, fried to golden perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 485 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Pancakes

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For Assembly and Frying

• 1 cup Nutella or other chocolate hazelnut spread
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for dredging
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 3-4 cups vegetable or canola oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

 

• Prepare Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg and milk. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined—do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. Stir in the melted butter.
• Cook the Pancakes: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. Drop the batter by the tablespoon to create small, 2-3 inch silver-dollar pancakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. You should have about 12-14 small pancakes. Let them cool completely.
• Assemble and Freeze: Spread a generous tablespoon of Nutella on one pancake and top with another to create a sandwich. Repeat for all pancakes. Place the assembled sandwiches on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent the Nutella from melting out during frying.
• Set Up Breading Station: While the sandwiches are freezing, prepare your breading station. Place the flour in a shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, whisk together the 2 beaten eggs and 1/4 cup of milk. In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
• Coat the Sandwiches: Remove the chilled sandwiches from the freezer. Dredge each sandwich first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it completely in the egg wash. Finally, coat it evenly in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
• Fry to Golden Perfection: In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place 2-3 coated sandwiches into the hot oil. Fry for about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
• Drain and Serve: Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried sandwiches and place them on a wire rack to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately, dusted generously with powdered sugar. Enjoy the warm, gooey center!

Notes

• Don’t Skip the Freeze: Freezing the assembled sandwiches is the most important step for success. It keeps the filling from melting too quickly in the hot oil.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to keep your oil around 350°F (175°C). Oil that’s too cool will make them greasy, and too hot will burn the outside before the inside is warm.
• Choose the Right Oil: What type of oil is best for frying these pancake sandwiches? Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil, to prevent a burnt taste.
• Get Extra Crispy: For an extra crispy coating on your sandwiches, double-dip them. Go from egg wash to breadcrumbs, back into the egg wash, and then into the breadcrumbs a final time for a thicker crust.