🥞 Fluffy Pancakes with Chocolate Filling

Ingredients (Makes 8–10 pancakes)

For the pancakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 large egg

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, rested 5 min)

• ½ cup milk (adjust for batter consistency)

• 2 tbsp melted butter (plus more for cooking)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the filling:

• ½ cup chocolate spread (Nutella, ganache, or melted chocolate)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chocolate filling (important step):

   • Line a tray with parchment paper.

   • Spoon small dollops (about 1 tbsp each) of chocolate spread and freeze for 30 minutes until firm.

   • This makes it easier to seal the filling inside the pancakes.

2. Make the pancake batter:

   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

   • In another bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, milk, melted butter, and vanilla.

   • Pour wet ingredients into dry, gently mixing until just combined (don’t overmix; lumps are okay).

3. Cook the pancakes with filling:

   • Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter.

   • Pour about 2 tbsp batter onto the skillet. Place a frozen chocolate disk in the center, then cover with another 2 tbsp batter.

   • Cook 2–3 minutes, until bubbles form and edges look set. Flip carefully and cook 1–2 minutes more until golden brown.

4. Serve:

   • Stack the fluffy pancakes, dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate syrup, or top with fresh berries and whipped cream.