These Nutella pancakes with mascarpone cream are a weekend brunch dream! Serve with your favourite fresh fruit and chopped nuts.
At my house, pancakes have always been a special breakfast reserved for weekend brunch.
This is largely because none of us have the time (or patience) to make a cooked breakfast during the week!
But also, weekday breakfast items are usually something healthy that can hold us up until lunchtime.
Whereas weekend brunch, on the other hand, is for fun delicious recipes that we look forward to all week. Like this yummy Nutella pancake recipe with decadent mascarpone cream.
These Nutella pancakes aren't your typical fluffy pancakes. The hazelnut spread makes the batter a bit more dense, so the texture ends up being more like a thick crepe. But oh my goodness, they're so tasty!!!
For me, the mascarpone cream is what makes this recipe extra yummy. The cheese adds just a bit of acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate hazelnut spread.
If you don't like the idea of the mascarpone cream, you could simply eat the Nutella pancakes with maple syrup and/or butter instead.
I topped my pancakes with toasted hazelnuts (for crunch) and slices of ripe banana, but you can definitely make substitutions for those toppings. For example, toasted almonds and slices of strawberries would probably be a delicious alternative.
Nutella Pancakes Ingredients
- Nutella, of course, works best in this recipe. However, you can also use Kraft's Chocolate Hazelnut spread.
- Mascarpone cheese is not the same as cream cheese. It has a slightly sweet flavour, with less tang than cream cheese.
- I have not tested this recipe with a substitute for mascarpone cheese, but if you can't find it you can try this mascarpone cheese substitution instead.
- The toasted hazelnuts can be substituted for any nut, or omitted completely.
- The bananas are also optional. Substitute your favourite fresh fruit or omit entirely.
- I have not tested this recipe with gluten-free flour or non-dairy milk.
Making the mascarpone cream is super simple. All you have to do is mix the cheese, hazelnut spread, and a bit of milk together until it's well incorporated.
I usually use a hand mixer for this because it's fast. If you don't have one, you can use a whisk or a wooden spoon. Just know that the cheese will be a bit stiff at first, but the mixture should loosen up a bit as you go.
When your cream is mixed, put it in the fridge until you've cooked your pancakes and are ready to eat.
When spread on warm pancakes, the cream melts down a bit, so there's no need to warm up the cream. Use it straight out of the fridge.
Do not try to microwave the cream, as it will melt and ruin the texture completely.
I usually have some of the cream leftover when I'm done with my breakfast, so I keep it in the fridge to enjoy with the remaining pancakes the next day.
The only tip for making the pancake batter is to make sure to whisk the Nutella in thoroughly. You don't want to have any lumps of chocolate hazelnut spread.
Use a large bowl so you have lots of room to whisk, without having to worry about batter spilling everywhere.
Once the batter is ready, you're ready to start cooking the pancakes.
These pancakes cook best in a non-stick skillet on a non-stick griddle.
The sugar in the Nutella can cause these pancakes to burn quite easily! Be careful not to have your heat too high, and keep an eye on the pancakes while they're cooking.
When the pancake has bubbles on the surface that's how you know it's time to flip it over. The second side usually only takes about a minute more to cook.
Both sides of the pancake should be a light golden brown colour when fully cooked.
I like to stack my cooked pancakes on a plate while I'm making the rest of the batter. If you find your pancakes are sticking together, you can put pieces of parchment paper in between each layer.
I recommend topping these pancakes at the last minute for the best flavour and texture.
I like to take a couple of spoonfuls of the cream and spread it over the warm (not hot) pancakes, then I add my banana slices and crushed toasted almonds.
If you're serving this to guests at brunch, I'd recommend putting the cream and crushed nuts into bowls with spoons and letting your guests build their own pancakes. That way, everyone can have as much or as little toppings as they like.
That's everything you need to know to make this delicious Nutella pancake recipe! If you make these, I'd love to know how they turn out! Let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cooking!
Nutella Pancakes with Mascarpone Cream
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Medium Bowl
- Whisk
- Large Skillet
- Silicone Spatula
Ingredients
For the Mascarpone Cream:
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese
- ¼ cup Nutella, or Kraft chocolate hazelnut spread
- 2 tablespoon 2% milk
For the Crushed Hazelnuts:
- ½ cup hazelnuts, toasted
For the Pancakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup salted butter, melted
- ½ cup Nutella, or other chocolate hazelnut spread
For Serving:
- 2 bananas, sliced into rounds
Instructions
To Make the Mascarpone Cream:
- Add all of the ingredients into a large bowl and blend with a hand mixer until everything is well combined, and the mixture forms soft peaks.
- Set in the fridge until ready to serve.
To Crush the Hazelnuts:
- Add the toasted nuts to a zip-top bag, and smash (carefully!) with a rolling pin. OR add to a nut/spice grinder and blitz until you reached your desired texture.
To Make the Pancakes:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, add the milk, eggs, and melted butter, and whisk until blended.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and whisk to combine.
- Add the Nutella and whisk until well incorporated. The batter should be uniformly brown now.
- Use a little butter or cooking spray to grease a non-stick skillet or griddle, and place over medium heat.
- Use a ladle to pour a scoop of batter into the pan.
- Cook until you see bubbles breaking on the surface of the pancake and the edges are firm enough to lift.
- Use a spatula to flip the pancake over, and cook for another minute or so. The pancake should be a light golden brown colour on both sides.
- Place the cooked pancake on a plate and repeat the process with the remaining batter. If your skillet starts to look dry, you can add more butter or cooking spray as needed.
To Serve:
- Spread a few spoonfuls of the mascarpone cream on the pancake, then top with the sliced bananas and sprinkle with the ground toasted hazelnuts.
Notes
See blog post for detailed tips and explanations.
Nutrition
Please note that these nutritional values are only an estimate, and have been generated from a database using generic products.
This recipe card may contain affiliate links that support this website.
Tara Maini
I LOVE pancakes and I LOVE Nutella. Shareba, you are a genius!! Definitely making these very soon for my familia! Nutella makes the the my day that much better, that much sweeter and that much nuttier. A great way to start the day with something so delectable!
Shareba Abdul
Thanks Tara! I hope you enjoy making and eating these pancakes!! Do you have a favourite way to enjoy Nutella?
Tara Maini
By the spoonful!!! When I'm feeling a little naughty when I'm trying to be good I also put it in my overnight oats! Yum.
Teresa
There is a Nutella tartine that includes orange marmalade and brioche that I just love.
Shareba Abdul
That sounds really tasty Teresa! Do you have a recipe?
June Burns
Nutella is always great on pancakes! Or in oatmeal! Or on toast! Or anything ,really 🙂
Shareba Abdul
I haven't tried Nutella in oatmeal yet! Thanks for the idea 🙂
Julie Dyer
I can't tell you how much joy it brings to eat it straight out of the jar! Or on toast. 🙂 Or waffles. 🙂 Or pancakes. 🙂 And definitely with my kids!
Shareba Abdul
I like to bake Nutella into pre-made croissant dough, have you tried that yet? It's good!
Jonnie
I would spread some Nutella over a toasted english muffin
Shareba Abdul
Do you like plain ones or whole wheat?
Jolie
Love Nutella with everything but especially on a warm baguette.
Shareba Abdul
Oh my gosh, why haven't I tried that yet?? YUM!
ivy pluchinsky
great on toast
Shareba Abdul
I agree!
Anna (Hidden Ponies)
Nutella on zucchini muffins makes my day...and my little guy loves it on his toast 🙂 Love this post - pancakes are totally special breakfast for me too, and I love having them on hand in the freezer to make any random weekday feel more special!
Shareba Abdul
I haven't tried it on zucchini muffins before! That sounds good, do you have a recipe for them?
Anna (Hidden Ponies)
I make some with nutella swirled right in... https://2012/03/zucchini-muffins-with-nutella-swirl/ or it's good on regular zucchini muffins too 🙂
Shareba Abdul
Thanks for the link! You should share this on my Facebook page for an extra entry! Just follow the prompts in the Rafflecopter form!
Angie
I would use Nutella in a latte. That would definitely make my day!
Shareba Abdul
Angie, your Nutella latte looks AWESOME! I need to try it soon!
If anyone else is interested, here's the link to Angie's Nutella Latte: https://www.fridaycakenight.com/2015/01/nutella-latte/#NutellaCanada
Tina L.
I will be using it on toast or waffles.
Shareba Abdul
Sounds good!
Simply called food
It really looks like a delicious breakfast! I love the combination of mascarpone and chocolate! I'm a cheese lover! 🙂 Beautiful pictures too!
Shareba Abdul
Thanks so much! I really liked the mascarpone with the Nutella. The hazelnut and cocoa flavours really come through, but you still taste the rich creamy cheese. Yum!
suki
🙂 Oh shareba! Anything with Nutella 🙂 is heaven!!!
Shareba Abdul
It really does pair well with a lot of food items, doesn't it? 😀
Florence c
I love it on English Muffins for breakfast
Shareba Abdul
I haven't tried Nutella on an English Muffin yet. That's going on my to-try list!
Ayngelina
I love hazelnut cream, it makes everything taste so delicious. Great recipe.
Shareba Abdul
Thanks!
ceecee
We put them in crepes - so good!
Shareba Abdul
I love Nutella in crepes too!
Julia @ Swirls and Spice
Would you believe I have never tried Nutella? I'd like to change that with these pancakes though!
Shareba Abdul
I'd love for you to try making these pancakes Julia! If you're interested, you could try playing the Spoon it or Spread it game on the Add a Little Joy site. The last time they did an instant prize game like that, some people won samples of Nutella!
Julia
How fun! Thanks, Shareba!
Raj @ www.ThePrimalDesire.com
Long ago I kicked the Nutella addiction. And then you bring us this....
Shareba Abdul
Sorry!! 😀
Ziandra Abdul-Martin
Our kids love Nutella on anything but especially spread on a wrap and rolled with a banana!
Shareba Abdul
Mmm, that sounds good!
Kristen
I may be the last person on earth who has not tried Nutella!
I'd try it either on toast, on a banana or on a green apple.
Shareba Abdul
I definitely recommend toast or bananas. Or toast WITH bananas!
Joyce
Love spreading Nutella on a piece of warm toast for breakfast! My guilty pleasure in the morning!
Shareba Abdul
Mmm, I enjoy that too! No need to feel guilty about it though!
Sarah | (Cooking for) Kiwi & Bean
Oh man do these ever look GOOD. Your photos are simply beautiful! Love the hand sprinkling one :-).
Shareba Abdul
Thanks for your support Sarah!
krystyl olson
on toast, bagels, pancakes.... I AM SURE I CAN FIND A WAY TO ENJOY IT ON/IN CEREAL!
Shareba Abdul
LOL! Maybe if you warm it up and drizzle it on?
LauraD
Nutella toast and latte. Yum
Shareba Abdul
That's a yummy breakfast!
lynn clayton
I MAKE NUTELLA CHOCOLATE MUFFINS THERE GOOD.
Shareba Abdul
Nice!
Carey Hurst
This would be awesome for topping for our crepes also my toddler loves grilled nutella sandwichs, we hhaven't had any in awhile he would be so happy.
Shareba Abdul
Ooh grilled Nutella sandwiches sound yummy!
michelle tremblett
mmm we mix a spoonful of nutella into our waffle mix, so delicious 🙂
Shareba Abdul
What a good idea!
Courtney
Aside from simply a spoonful of nutella, we love to spread some on a tortilla, add a banana and roll it up. Super easy and so delicious!
Shareba Abdul
That's a great classic snack 🙂
Ian
Yummy Pancakes! 2 helpings please, they look so good!
Shareba Abdul
They are really tasty!
Stephanie
I would use the nutella on toast, classic.
Shareba Abdul
An excellent choice 😉
Suzie M
I love Nutella on toast, topped with bananas & then walnuts
Shareba Abdul
Walnuts sound like a tasty addition! I'll have to try that 🙂
angela m
My kids love Nutella and it would add joy to their morning breakfast.
Shareba Abdul
I'm glad to hear it, thanks for entering 🙂
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner?
I like to make toast with Nutella and berries as a treat for my kids in the morning.
Shareba Abdul
That sounds delicious, your kids must love that!
LILLIAN BROWN
I put it on my toast-so simple but tasty and quick
Shareba Abdul
I love it on toast too. Sometimes I add peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and it's really good!
Wayne Lecoy
I am entering your giveaway.
It would be great to win a Nutella Prize Pack.
Nutella would add some joy to my breakfast because
i could use it on my toast,waffles or pancakes.
Thank you for having this giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shareba Abdul
Thank YOU for entering!
Karine
I love Nutella on my toasts, with some yummy banana on top! Also.. It's good on bacon too!
Shareba Abdul
I've heard that it pairs well with bacon, but I've never tried that. It's weird how bacon seems to work so well with sweet things...
Glogirl
I would use Nutella on a cinnamon raisin bagel.
Shareba Abdul
I enjoy that too!
Wendy hutton
I use it on toast or a bagel
Shareba Abdul
I love it on cinnamon raisin bagels 😛
Pat B
I'd put some Nutella in a smoothie (and maybe even have a spoonful right out of the jar!)
Shareba Abdul
I haven't tried making smoothies with Nutella yet. That's going on my to-do list!
Amy C
I would make happy faces on the waffles with the Nutella to add a little joy to the morning.
Shareba Abdul
That's a cute idea!
Judy Cowan
I love mixing a spoonful with some hot milk to start my day!
Shareba Abdul
I definitely need to try this! Does it taste like hazelnut hot cocoa?
Judy Cowan
Yes it does! It is amazing, my favourite way to make Hot Chocolate!
Emily Smith
A Nutella and banana smoothie. Maybe even add some peanut butter.
Shareba Abdul
That's an excellent idea!
heidi c.
I love Nutella on toast or as a dip for apple slices.
Shareba Abdul
I like the idea of using it as a dip! That's a great alternative to caramel sauce 🙂
Jenny
i add to my toast
Shareba Abdul
I wonder if it would taste good in a warm croissant... what do you think?
Jennie Ouellette
I love Nutella, especially right on a spoon 😉 Pancake day will be so much yummier this year thanks to your recipe <3
Shareba Abdul
Thanks Jennie 🙂
Jenn
I love Nutella on toast, and even in hot chocolate!
Shareba Abdul
I don't know why I never thought to stir it into hot chocolate... yum 🙂
Brenda Haines
My son absolutely loves Nutella on his pancakes!
Shareba Abdul
He obviously has great taste!
Andrew P
By adding it on toast 🙂
Shareba Abdul
Do you prefer whole wheat, or white bread? I think it's best on white bread, personally.
maria
Nutella would be good on some pancakes or crepes!
Shareba Abdul
Try the Nutella mascarpone cream in this recipe, it's delicious!
sarah sar
My kids and I love nutella on toast with banana slices and honey drizzled on top. Soooooo good!
Shareba Abdul
I haven't tried adding honey, that's a good idea!
Rhonda W G.
Fruit dipped in Nutella would be great...
Shareba Abdul
I agree! Bananas and strawberries would be really good.
Nuran
Hi Shareba,
It looks wonderful and so delicious ! 🙂
Thanks!
Shareba Abdul
Thanks Nuran!
Lauren
I would stir Nutella in my coffee.
Shareba Abdul
I really need to try this, it seems to be a popular idea!
lori b
I like it by the spoonful 🙂 lol
Shareba Abdul
You're in good company, quite a few people here seem to enjoy that too!
Nicole Jubleew
I would add it to the filling of my home made cinnamon rolls.
Shareba Abdul
What a great idea! Hmm.. now I'm craving cinnamon rolls 😀
Yuen C
I sometimes make a nutella milkshake instead of drinking plain milk
Shareba Abdul
YUM! I'd love that!
Angie In My 30s (@My30sAndItsTime)
i love nutella in brownies it's so rich and creamy!
Shareba Abdul
That sounds fabulous, I'll have to try that 🙂
Eldon L
I would spread it onto my bread.
Shareba Abdul
A classic choice!
TJ Turnbull
strawberries & Nutella
Shareba Abdul
Sounds good!
Gene D
i'll admit I am new to Nutella - but after all these great suggestions...I think I'll pick some up!
Shareba Abdul
If you're interested, you could visit the Nutella Add A Little Joy website. They have an instant prize giveaway happening over there, and you could win samples of Nutella: https://bit.ly/18UThjG
Chris B
I enjoy Nutella on toasted raisin bread! It's delish
Shareba Abdul
I enjoy that too!
Twila O.
We like to add nutella to oatmeal in the mornings.
Shareba Abdul
I've been meaning to try this. I don't love oatmeal, but I know it's good for me. Maybe adding Nutella will make it more interesting 🙂
joy
Nutella on toast suits me just fine! Adds a little zip to my step!
Shareba Abdul
LOL!
Brenda Penton
I make Kraft's Overnight French toast recipe. I bet this would be great added in with the cream cheese in that recipe or spread on top
Shareba Abdul
That sounds interesting, could you share the link to that recipe?
Brenda Penton
Sure! I tried earlier but your page doesn't allow pasting. The recipe is at http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/overnight-stuffed-french-toast-120728.aspx
I had to manually enter it. I hope it worked 🙂
Shareba Abdul
Oh shoot! I didn't realize that. I've got a pretty aggressive anti-theft plugin on my website right now, because I've been having some issues with people taking my work, but I didn't realize it was causing that problem. I'll look into it, thanks for letting me know! And yup, the link works, thanks!
Theresa Black
I love it inside a crepe with Bananas:) Yum!!
Shareba Abdul
That's always a good choice 🙂
Brenda Lacourciere
For the kids ill put it on French toast, for me, Im going to try a swirl on my coffee.
Shareba Abdul
Those are both great ideas!
Nate Fuller
My kids love it ke nutella and when they are eating something they like they are quiet, which would make my mornings more peaceful!
Shareba Abdul
I've noticed that too. When kids really like something, they focus on the food!
Karla Sceviour
My teen son is a Nutella addict,lol..,so he would enjoy it on his toast,as he always has it!...I love eating it off a spoon! I have never tried it on waffles pr pancakes,,but bet that would be delicious!!
Shareba Abdul
I definitely recommend trying it on waffles or pancakes, it's so so good!
Belinda McNabb
I usually use it on toast but I would love to try it on waffles now
Shareba Abdul
I think you'll like it 🙂
Valerie Mallette
I could use Nutella to add a little joy to my mornings by trying it in or on pancakes and waffles 🙂
Shareba Abdul
You won't be disappointed 🙂
Rebby
I Looove Nutella in Crepes with strawberries!
Shareba Abdul
I do to, especially with whipped cream on top 🙂
Josh S
Nutella and bananas, can't get much more joyful than that!
Shareba Abdul
I agree with you 🙂
Lori Bazan
Nutella on a toasted English muffin topped with bacon is pure bliss
Shareba Abdul
That's an interesting combination!
andrea amy
I'm pretty basic. We like nutella on toast 🙂 If I'm feeling fancy I add sliced bananas and strawberries 🙂
Shareba Abdul
Nothing wrong with being basic 😀
Judy Nguyen
Classic Nutella, Walnuts, and banana crepe
Shareba Abdul
I have to try walnuts in my crepes, I usually go with hazelnuts or almonds!
Bonnie
I just made this for two out of three kids. The one doesn't like nutella. I couldn't eat it due to losing weight but I did take a taste. My two kids LOVED it and I thought it was really good. Don't skimp on the marscapone topping. That was heaven. Will have to make for the hubby on a weekend. Thank you for the recipe. Bonnie
Shareba Abdul
I'm so glad that they enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know, you made my day 🙂