INTRODUCTION
Mini Nutella Pancake Stacks are small, sweet stacks of tiny pancakes layered with Nutella and fresh strawberries. They are fun to make and fun to eat. You can make them for a quick breakfast, a snack, or a small dessert. This recipe uses simple ingredients and little time, so anyone can try it. If you like small plated treats, you might enjoy the fluffy pumpkin cottage cheese pancakes recipe as another fun idea.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will like this recipe because it is quick, sweet, and easy. The pancakes are small, so they cook fast. The Nutella gives a rich chocolate and hazelnut taste that most people love. Fresh strawberries add a bright, fresh bite and a pop of color. The stacked look makes each plate feel special. You do not need any fancy tools or skills. The recipe is also easy to change. You can add fruit or swap toppings to fit your mood.
HOW TO MAKE Mini Nutella Pancake Stacks
This recipe uses small pancakes so you can make neat stacks. You mix dry and wet ingredients, cook mini pancakes in a skillet, and stack them with Nutella and strawberries. Use a gentle hand when spreading Nutella so the pancakes do not tear. Warm Nutella slightly if it is too thick so it spreads smoothly. Work on a flat plate and stack as many mini pancakes as you want for each serving.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Mixing bowls (one for dry, one for wet)
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Small ladle or spoon to pour batter
- Spatula
- Plate for stacking
- Butter knife or small offset spatula to spread Nutella
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Nutella
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream (optional)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour small amounts of batter to make mini pancakes. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
- Stack pancakes, spreading Nutella and adding strawberries between layers.
- Top with whipped cream if desired.
HOW TO SERVE Mini Nutella Pancake Stacks
Serve the stacks warm for the best taste. Place three to five mini pancakes per stack depending on appetite. Use a small spoon or knife to spread a thin layer of Nutella on each pancake. Add a few thin slices of strawberry between layers. Finish with a light dollop of whipped cream or a few extra strawberries on top. Serve on a small plate for a pretty look. You can make each plate look like a small cake. If you want a sweeter touch, dust a little powdered sugar over the top.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Mini Nutella Pancake Stacks
Leftover pancakes will keep in the fridge for up to two days. Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft. If you stack them with Nutella and strawberries, they may get soggy after a short time. For best texture, store plain pancakes without toppings and add Nutella and fruit when ready to eat. To freeze, cool pancakes fully on a tray, then place them in a zip-top bag with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to two months. Reheat in a toaster oven or a skillet over low heat until warm. Do not microwave frozen stacks with fresh fruit; thaw first and then add fresh fruit.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
You can serve mini stacks in many simple ways. Try a small scoop of vanilla ice cream beside a warm stack for dessert. For a brunch board, arrange a few stacks with fruit, nuts, and a small jar of extra Nutella for dipping. If you want a mix of sweet and savory, add a side of crispy bacon or a small cup of cottage cheese. For a kid’s party, set out bowls of toppings—banana slices, mini chocolate chips, or chopped nuts—and let kids build their own stacks. Pair these stacks with a light coffee or milk drink for a cozy table.
You can also pair these stacks with other small treats to build a varied spread. A plate with tiny pastries and sweets works well, such as the mini cheesecake bites with raspberry hearts. This makes a pretty and tasty mix for guests.
VARIATIONS
Keep the base the same and change the toppings to make new flavors. Here are some simple swaps:
- Banana and hazelnut: Use thin banana slices with Nutella in the stack.
- Berry mix: Use a mix of blueberries and raspberries instead of strawberries.
- Peanut butter: Swap Nutella for peanut butter for a different but simple taste.
- Citrus twist: Add a little orange zest to the batter for bright flavor.
- Mini savory flip: Leave out Nutella and serve stacks with butter and a pinch of sea salt for a savory bite.
You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder to the batter for mild flavor changes. Try different nut spreads or fruit jams for new versions.
You can present the pancakes next to small baked bites for a fuller table. Try serving them with the savory-sweet contrast of mini cranberry brie bites with puff pastry for a special brunch or party tray.
FAQs
Q: How small should the mini pancakes be?
A: Make them about 2 to 3 inches wide. Use a tablespoon or small ladle to pour batter. Small pancakes cook faster and stack well.
Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
A: Yes. If you use regular milk, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and let it sit for five minutes. This will mimic buttermilk and help the pancakes stay light.
Q: How do I stop Nutella from tearing the pancakes?
A: Warm the Nutella for a few seconds in the microwave to make it spreadable. Use a thin layer and a small knife to spread gently. Do not press hard on the stack.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: You can mix the dry parts ahead and keep wet parts separate. Mix them together just before cooking for best fluff.
Q: Are these safe for kids with nut allergies?
A: Nutella contains hazelnuts, so it is not safe for people with nut allergies. Use a nut-free chocolate spread to make a safe version.
Q: How long does it take to cook each mini pancake?
A: Each mini pancake needs about 1 to 2 minutes per side over medium heat. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Mini Nutella Pancake Stacks
You can plan ahead to save time on the day you serve them. Mix dry ingredients the night before and keep them in a sealed bowl. In the morning, mix wet ingredients and stir them into the dry mix. You can also make plain mini pancakes ahead and freeze them in a single layer. When you need them, warm the frozen pancakes in a toaster oven or skillet and assemble stacks with fresh Nutella and strawberries. If you want to prep toppings, slice strawberries and store them in a small airtight container in the fridge for a few hours. Warm the Nutella slightly before serving so it spreads easily.
If you need to prepare many stacks, set up an assembly line. Put pancakes, a small jar of warmed Nutella, a bowl of sliced strawberries, and small spatulas on the table. Let one person stack while another person spreads. This moves the process fast and keeps every stack neat.
Mini Nutella Pancake Stacks
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour small amounts of batter to make mini pancakes.
- Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
- Stack pancakes, spreading Nutella and adding strawberries between layers.
- Top with whipped cream if desired.