Step 1: Prepare the Buttermilk

In a small bowl, combine 1+1/2 cups of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Stir well and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This will help the milk curdle slightly, creating a makeshift buttermilk. This addition will make your pancake batter light and fluffy.

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter

In a separate, larger bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ cup of caster sugar. Use a whisk to mix the dry ingredients together until they are well incorporated.

Once the dry ingredients are combined, add the wet ingredients to the bowl: the milk and vinegar mixture (your homemade buttermilk), ¼ cup of vegetable oil, and ½ cup of hot water. Stir until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

Tip: The batter should be pourable, but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, add a bit more flour.

Step 3: Prepare the Bread

While your batter sits for a minute, get the bread ready for assembly. Take 10-12 slices of white bread (depending on how many sandwiches you want to make) and lightly brush one side of each slice with milk. This step helps seal the bread when it’s pressed together and adds a touch of moisture.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread. This helps them hold more filling and gives the sandwich a more compact, crispy texture when fried.

Next, spread Nutella generously on one slice of bread. Place another slice of bread on top, Nutella-side down, and press the edges together gently. You want to seal the sandwich, but don’t squish it too hard—just enough to keep the filling inside. If you want to get fancy, you can use a cutter to trim the edges into a fun shape, like a heart or a square, which will make the presentation extra special.

Step 5: Dip and Fry the Sandwiches

Now, it’s time to dip your Nutella-filled sandwiches into the pancake batter. Carefully dip each sandwich into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated but not overloaded with batter. Gently shake off any excess batter to avoid too much of a mess.

Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add just enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, making sure you don’t submerge the sandwiches completely. Once the oil is hot, place the battered sandwiches into the pan. Fry for about 2 minutes on one side, or until golden brown, then flip them over and cook for another minute or so on the other side.

Note: Be sure to monitor the heat. If the sandwiches are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to avoid burning the batter before the inside heats through.

Step 6: Cinnamon Sugar Coating

While your sandwiches are still warm, prepare the cinnamon sugar by combining ¾ cup of caster sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll each fried sandwich in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it’s evenly coated.

The warm, crispy bread will absorb the sugar, creating a sweet and aromatic exterior. The Nutella inside will still be melty, adding a rich, chocolatey center to every bite.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once all the sandwiches are coated, serve them warm. You can slice them into halves or quarters for easier sharing or keep them whole for a decadent treat.