When I crave something quick and sweet, I make pancakes with Nutella. I often prepare them when I have eggs in the fridge and want to try something different from classic pancakes. I love that I don't have to cook them for too long and that I can quickly turn them into an improvised cake, just by sticking them together with cream.
Quick Info
Total time: about 35 minutes
Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 slices (or 1 small 'cake')
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: quick dessert, hearty breakfast
Ingredients
4 eggs
4 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons oil
60 ml milk
vani... (optional, to taste)
a pinch of salt
Nutella (enough to cover each pancake)
Preparation method
1. Separate the eggs. Put the egg whites in a larger bowl with a pinch of salt.
2. Beat the egg whites with a mixer until a firm foam forms. When the foam is stable, gradually add the sugar and mix until you get a glossy meringue.
3. Incorporate the yolks one at a time, then pour in the oil and mix for a few more seconds, just to combine the composition.
4. Add the flour, mixing gently with a wooden spoon, not with the mixer. Be careful not to lose too much volume.
5. Thin the batter with the milk, poured gradually. I want it to be a bit denser than classic pancake batter, but still flow easily from the ladle.
6. If I want, I can also add a little vanilla essence.
7. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. I don't add extra oil if the pan is good.
8. Take a ladle of batter and pour it into the pan, forming medium discs. Let them cook for a few minutes until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip with a spatula and let cook for another 1-2 minutes.
9. Repeat with the remaining batter until finished.
10. When all the pancakes are ready, spread Nutella on each one. Stack them to form a layered cake. Usually, I spread enough Nutella to cover the surface, not too thick or too thin.
Why I make this recipe often
It's very quick and doesn't require complicated ingredients. It's great for breakfast or when I have guests and want to improvise something sweet with little effort. It works for both kids and adults, and I love that I don't have to bake it in the oven.
Tips and variations
Tips
To make the pancakes fluffy, I don't mix too much when adding the flour and milk. If the pan isn't non-stick, it can be greased with a little oil at the beginning. The pancakes are removed onto a napkin or a rack to avoid sweating.
Substitutions
Nutella can be replaced with any chocolate spread, jam, or even peanut butter if you like the combination. If you don't have vanilla essence, it can be omitted.
Variations
If you want a taller cake, double the quantities. For a version with less sugar, reduce to 2-3 tablespoons. The pancakes can be made smaller or larger, according to preference.
Serving ideas
The Nutella pancake cake can be cut into slices, like a classic cake. Whipped cream, fresh fruits, or nuts can be added on top of the last layer if you have them. It also goes well plain, with a coffee or a glass of milk.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another spread instead of Nutella?
Yes, any chocolate spread, jam, or even preserves will work if you don't want something very sweet.
2. What do I do if the batter is too thick?
Thin it with a little milk until you achieve the desired consistency. It shouldn't be like classic pancake batter, though.
3. Can it be made without a mixer?
Yes, but the meringue turns out better with a mixer. With a whisk, it takes longer and you won't achieve the same stability with the egg whites.
4. How thick should the pancakes be?
About 0.5-1 cm thick. If you make them thinner, they resemble regular pancakes.
5. Can I put filling between the pancakes, not just on top?
Yes, each pancake can be spread on one side and then stacked to create layers with cream.
Nutritional values
Approximately, for one serving (1 slice out of 6):
Calories: about 250-300 kcal
Protein: 6-8 g
Fat: 13-16 g
Carbohydrates: 25-30 g
Values vary depending on how much Nutella you put on each layer and how thick the pancakes turn out.
Storage and reheating
Simple pancakes without Nutella can be stored for 1 day in the fridge in a closed container. They can be briefly reheated in the microwave. If they are already spread with cream, they will soften and won't have the same texture. I recommend spreading them with Nutella just before serving, not earlier. The assembled cake doesn't keep well from one day to the next.
Quick Info
Total time: about 35 minutes
Preparation time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 slices (or 1 small 'cake')
Difficulty: easy
Recipe type: quick dessert, hearty breakfast
Ingredients
4 eggs
4 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons oil
60 ml milk
vani... (optional, to taste)
a pinch of salt
Nutella (enough to cover each pancake)
Preparation method
1. Separate the eggs. Put the egg whites in a larger bowl with a pinch of salt.
2. Beat the egg whites with a mixer until a firm foam forms. When the foam is stable, gradually add the sugar and mix until you get a glossy meringue.
3. Incorporate the yolks one at a time, then pour in the oil and mix for a few more seconds, just to combine the composition.
4. Add the flour, mixing gently with a wooden spoon, not with the mixer. Be careful not to lose too much volume.
5. Thin the batter with the milk, poured gradually. I want it to be a bit denser than classic pancake batter, but still flow easily from the ladle.
6. If I want, I can also add a little vanilla essence.
7. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. I don't add extra oil if the pan is good.
8. Take a ladle of batter and pour it into the pan, forming medium discs. Let them cook for a few minutes until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip with a spatula and let cook for another 1-2 minutes.
9. Repeat with the remaining batter until finished.
10. When all the pancakes are ready, spread Nutella on each one. Stack them to form a layered cake. Usually, I spread enough Nutella to cover the surface, not too thick or too thin.
Why I make this recipe often
It's very quick and doesn't require complicated ingredients. It's great for breakfast or when I have guests and want to improvise something sweet with little effort. It works for both kids and adults, and I love that I don't have to bake it in the oven.
Tips and variations
Tips
To make the pancakes fluffy, I don't mix too much when adding the flour and milk. If the pan isn't non-stick, it can be greased with a little oil at the beginning. The pancakes are removed onto a napkin or a rack to avoid sweating.
Substitutions
Nutella can be replaced with any chocolate spread, jam, or even peanut butter if you like the combination. If you don't have vanilla essence, it can be omitted.
Variations
If you want a taller cake, double the quantities. For a version with less sugar, reduce to 2-3 tablespoons. The pancakes can be made smaller or larger, according to preference.
Serving ideas
The Nutella pancake cake can be cut into slices, like a classic cake. Whipped cream, fresh fruits, or nuts can be added on top of the last layer if you have them. It also goes well plain, with a coffee or a glass of milk.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another spread instead of Nutella?
Yes, any chocolate spread, jam, or even preserves will work if you don't want something very sweet.
2. What do I do if the batter is too thick?
Thin it with a little milk until you achieve the desired consistency. It shouldn't be like classic pancake batter, though.
3. Can it be made without a mixer?
Yes, but the meringue turns out better with a mixer. With a whisk, it takes longer and you won't achieve the same stability with the egg whites.
4. How thick should the pancakes be?
About 0.5-1 cm thick. If you make them thinner, they resemble regular pancakes.
5. Can I put filling between the pancakes, not just on top?
Yes, each pancake can be spread on one side and then stacked to create layers with cream.
Nutritional values
Approximately, for one serving (1 slice out of 6):
Calories: about 250-300 kcal
Protein: 6-8 g
Fat: 13-16 g
Carbohydrates: 25-30 g
Values vary depending on how much Nutella you put on each layer and how thick the pancakes turn out.
Storage and reheating
Simple pancakes without Nutella can be stored for 1 day in the fridge in a closed container. They can be briefly reheated in the microwave. If they are already spread with cream, they will soften and won't have the same texture. I recommend spreading them with Nutella just before serving, not earlier. The assembled cake doesn't keep well from one day to the next.