Nutella Pancake Bites: A No-Fuss, Fluffy Breakfast Treat

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious breakfast, these Nutella Pancake Bites are just what you need! Fluffy Greek yogurt pancake batter surrounds a gooey Nutella center, creating a bite-sized breakfast treat that’s perfect for busy mornings, brunches, or even a sweet snack.

The best part? No flipping pancakes or standing over a griddle! Just mix, fill, bake, and enjoy. These little bites of heaven are kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Serve them with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.

If you love fun and creative breakfast ideas, be sure to check out these Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and this Classic French Toast Recipe for more inspiration.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick & Easy – No flipping required, just pop them in the oven
• Kid-Friendly – Perfect for little hands and great for lunchboxes
• Make-Ahead – Store them in the freezer and reheat when needed
• Customizable – Swap out Nutella for peanut butter, fruit preserves, or even cream cheese

Taste & Texture

These pancake bites are light, fluffy, and slightly tangy from the Greek yogurt, with a rich and creamy Nutella center. The outside bakes up golden and soft, while the inside stays deliciously gooey.

Dietary Attributes

• Can be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Easily dairy-free by substituting coconut yogurt and almond milk
• No refined sugar (except for Nutella), so they’re a better option than store-bought pastries

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk (any kind)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup Nutella or hazelnut spread

Notes on Quality

• Greek Yogurt – Full-fat yogurt works best for extra fluffiness
• Milk – Whole milk adds richness, but any variety will do
• Nutella – Use the real deal or a healthier hazelnut spread alternative

Possible Substitutions

• For a protein boost – Use protein-rich yogurt and add a scoop of vanilla protein powder
• For a fruitier version – Swap Nutella for strawberry or raspberry jam
• For a nut-free option – Try sunflower butter instead of Nutella

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray two 24-count mini muffin tins with non-stick cooking spray.
• Mix the dry ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Whisk the wet ingredients – In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, egg, milk, and vanilla extract.
• Combine wet and dry – Gently stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
• Fill the muffin tins – Spoon batter into each mini muffin cup, filling about ¼ of the way.
• Add the Nutella – Drop about ½ teaspoon of Nutella into the center of each cup.

• Top with more batter – Cover the Nutella with additional batter, filling the cups about ¾ full.
• Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown and set in the center.
• Cool & serve – Let the bites cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or maple syrup.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Use a piping bag or small spoon for clean Nutella placement
• Let the batter sit for 5 minutes before baking to help activate the baking soda
• Lightly tap the muffin tin on the counter before baking to settle the batter

Common Mistakes

• Overmixing the batter – This leads to dense, chewy bites instead of light and fluffy ones
• Filling tins too full – The batter needs room to rise, so stick to ¾ full
• Skipping the cooling step – Letting them cool slightly helps them firm up for easier removal

Time-Saving Tips

• Make the batter the night before and refrigerate for quick morning prep
• Use a mini ice cream scoop for even portions and less mess
• Bake in batches and freeze extras for grab-and-go breakfasts

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or blueberries
• Crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast
• A side of French Omelette with Fines Herbes for a more complete brunch

Presentation Ideas

• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch
• Serve on a wooden board with berries and syrup for a fun brunch spread
• Stack on skewers for a playful, portable snack

Beverage Pairings

• Classic hot coffee or a vanilla latte
• Iced chai tea for a spiced contrast
• A kid-friendly glass of cold milk or hot cocoa

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Freezer – Freeze in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag; keeps for up to 3 months

Reheating Methods

• Microwave – Heat in 10-second bursts until warm
• Oven – Reheat at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore texture

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Make them a day ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

You can, but the texture may be slightly less fluffy. Greek yogurt adds a nice tang and richness.

What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?

You can use a regular muffin tin, but increase the baking time to about 20-22 minutes.

How do I make these without Nutella?

Try filling them with peanut butter, almond butter, jam, or even a cream cheese mixture.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version
• Swap out the Nutella for sun butter for a nut-free option
• Use coconut yogurt and plant-based milk for a dairy-free version

Flavor Twists

• Add cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg for warmth
• Mix in mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence
• Top with chopped hazelnuts for a crunchy contrast

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Fill with pumpkin butter in the fall
• Add crushed peppermint for a festive winter twist
• Use lemon curd for a bright springtime variation

Conclusion

These Nutella Pancake Bites are a game-changer for breakfast lovers. They’re quick, fluffy, and packed with a delicious surprise in the center. Whether you’re making them for meal prep, a special brunch, or a fun family breakfast, they’re sure to be a hit.

Don’t forget to check out more tasty recipes like Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Classic French Toast for even more delicious inspiration.

Looking for more breakfast ideas? Follow along on Pinterest for more recipes: Cooking with Callie on Pinterest. Let me know in the comments if you tried this recipe—I’d love to hear how they turned out!

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