The Best Nutella Toast Pies You Have to Try Now

Introduction: Why Nutella Toast Pies Are the Snack You Never Knew You Needed

Nutella Toast Pies are a simple yet irresistible treat—just sandwich Nutella between two slices of bread, seal the edges, and cook until golden and crispy. The result is a warm, crunchy pocket of chocolatey-hazelnut goodness that feels like breakfast, dessert, and the ultimate comfort snack all at once.

These little pies are endlessly customizable. Add sliced bananas, juicy strawberries, peanut butter, or even mini marshmallows for a s’mores-inspired twist. Once you master the basic method, you’ll find yourself creating new, delicious combinations again and again.

Nutella Toast Pies are quick and easy, requiring no special equipment—just a skillet, panini press, or even an air fryer. Perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts, after-school treats, or fun cooking activities with kids, they deliver warm, melty, golden perfection every single time.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Perfect Nutella Toast Pies

Core Ingredients (Makes 4 Pies)

• 8 slices soft white sandwich bread – The foundation of your pies
• ½ cup Nutella (about 125g) – Approximately 2 tablespoons per pie
• 3 tablespoons softened butter – For spreading on the outside

Optional Fillings (Choose Your Favorites)

• 1 medium banana, thinly sliced – Classic combination
• ½ cup sliced fresh strawberries – Berry-chocolate perfection
• 4 tablespoons peanut butter – Peanut butter-chocolate dream
• ½ cup mini marshmallows – S’mores style
• ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts – Extra crunch and nuttiness
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon sugar mixture – Warm, spiced twist
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened – Rich and creamy addition

For Finishing (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar – Classic dusting
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder – Mixed with powdered sugar
• Flaky sea salt – Sweet-salty contrast
• Chocolate sauce or caramel – For dipping
• Fresh berries – For serving alongside

Equipment Options

• Skillet or frying pan (non-stick preferred) – Basic method
• Sandwich maker or pie iron – Traditional method
• Panini press – Quick and even results
• Air fryer – Less oil, still crispy
• Fork – For crimping edges if needed
• Pastry brush or butter knife – For applying butter

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Perfect Nutella Toast Pies

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread and Filling (3 minutes)

Lay out all eight slices of bread on a clean, flat surface. Using a butter knife or small offset spatula, spread softened butter on one side of each slice—this is the side that will face the pan and become golden and crispy. Make sure the butter reaches all the way to the edges, including the corners. This thorough buttering is what creates even, beautiful golden color across the entire surface.

Now flip four of the slices over (buttered side down) and spread Nutella generously on the unbuttered side of each. You want approximately 2 tablespoons of Nutella per pie—enough to create a substantial filling that melts beautifully, but not so much that it spills out during cooking. Spread it to within ¼ inch of the edges, leaving a small border all around.

If you’re adding extra fillings, layer them on top of the Nutella now. Banana slices should overlap slightly, strawberries should be patted dry with paper towels first (to prevent sogginess), and other additions should be distributed evenly across the Nutella.

Step 2: Seal the Pies (2 minutes)

Place the remaining four bread slices on top of the Nutella-covered slices, buttered side facing up. You now have four sandwiches with butter facing outward on both sides.

For the best results and to prevent filling from escaping, press the edges of each sandwich firmly together with your fingers, pressing all around the perimeter to seal. For an even more secure seal—and a beautiful crimped edge reminiscent of actual pies—press around the edges with the tines of a fork. This crimping both seals the pie securely and adds a lovely decorative touch.

Some people like to trim the crusts before sealing for cleaner-looking pies. This is entirely optional but does give a more polished appearance and makes crimping easier if you’re using a fork.

Step 3: Pan-Fry to Golden Perfection (5-7 minutes)

Heat a non-stick skillet or regular frying pan over medium heat. You don’t need any additional oil or butter in the pan—the butter you’ve spread on the outside of the bread will do all the work. Medium heat is important; too high and the bread burns before the Nutella warms through, too low and it takes forever and doesn’t crisp properly.

Once the pan is heated (test by holding your hand about 3 inches above it—you should feel warmth), carefully place your Nutella Toast Pies in the pan. Don’t overcrowd; cook two at a time in a standard skillet for best results.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them. You’ll see the edges starting to turn golden and hear gentle sizzling from the butter. The bread should release easily from the pan when ready to flip—if it sticks, it needs more time. Carefully flip with a flat spatula and cook the second side for another 2-3 minutes until equally golden.

The finished pies should be deep golden brown on both sides with slightly crispy, buttery surfaces. Press gently on the top—you should feel the filling has softened and warmed inside.

Step 4: Alternative Cooking Methods

Sandwich Maker or Pie Iron: This is arguably the easiest method. Place the assembled pies in a greased sandwich maker, close the lid, and cook for 3-4 minutes. The machine seals the edges automatically, creating perfect little sealed pockets. No flipping required.

Panini Press: Preheat and lightly grease. Place pies inside, close the lid, and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden. The press creates beautiful grill marks and seals the edges simultaneously.

Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F. Lightly spray pies with cooking spray (instead of buttering the outside). Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. Less fat but still wonderfully crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Finish (2 minutes)

Remove the Nutella Toast Pies from the pan and let them rest on a cutting board for 1-2 minutes. This brief rest prevents burning your mouth on the molten Nutella inside—it’s hot enough to cause genuine discomfort if you bite in immediately, trust me on this one.

Cut diagonally to reveal the warm, melted Nutella inside. Dust with powdered sugar if using, add a pinch of flaky salt for sophisticated sweet-salty contrast, and serve with fresh berries, ice cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Nutella Toast Pies

Tip 1: Soft Bread is Your Best Friend

Thick, soft sandwich bread is ideal for Nutella Toast Pies—it seals better, crisps beautifully, and creates the right ratio of crispy exterior to warm filling. Avoid sourdough, baguette slices, or any bread with an open, holey crumb. Those types don’t seal properly and the filling can escape. Brioche is exceptional if you want an elevated version—the extra richness creates an almost croissant-like result.

Tip 2: Room Temperature Nutella Spreads Better

Cold Nutella is thick and difficult to spread without tearing the bread. If your Nutella has been sitting in a cool pantry or refrigerator, warm the jar briefly in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes, or microwave just the amount you need for 10 seconds. Room temperature Nutella spreads effortlessly and evenly without ripping your bread.

Tip 3: Butter All the Way to the Edges

The most common visual mistake is uneven browning because butter wasn’t spread to the edges and corners. Take an extra 20 seconds to make sure every millimeter of the bread’s exterior surface gets buttered. This ensures uniform golden color from edge to edge, just like at a restaurant.

Tip 4: Medium Heat is Non-Negotiable

High heat makes beautiful golden color happen fast, but the filling doesn’t have time to warm through before the outside burns. Medium heat allows the bread to toast gradually, giving the Nutella enough time to melt completely into that warm, gooey, almost liquid state that makes these pies so irresistible.

Tip 5: Don’t Skip the Resting Time

The Nutella inside gets extremely hot during cooking—genuinely hot enough to cause burns if you bite in immediately. Let the pies rest for 90 seconds to 2 minutes after cooking. They’ll still be warm and the Nutella will still be wonderfully melted, but at a safe temperature for eating.

Tip 6: Pat Wet Fillings Completely Dry

If adding strawberries, other fresh fruits, or any wet fillings, pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels before adding to the Nutella. Excess moisture creates steam pockets that can make your bread soggy instead of crispy, and can cause the pies to burst open during cooking.

Tip 7: The Fork Crimp Creates Magic

Beyond sealing the pies securely, the fork crimp creates those beautiful ridged edges that look like actual miniature pies. This small detail elevates the presentation dramatically and also gives you extra crispy, buttery edges since those crimped areas get especially golden during cooking.

Tip 8: Make Them Mini for Parties

Instead of using full slices of bread, use cookie cutters to cut circles or squares from the bread slices. Fill and seal small pies for elegant party appetizers or children’s party food. Mini Nutella Toast Pies on a platter with powdered sugar dusting look impressive and disappear instantly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Nutella Toast Pies

Mistake 1: Overfilling the Pies

More Nutella sounds better, but too much filling prevents proper sealing and causes molten Nutella to leak into the pan during cooking. Once it hits the hot pan, it burns and creates smoke and mess. Stick to approximately 2 tablespoons per pie—it’s genuinely enough to create that satisfying, gooey filling experience without the drama of overflow.

Mistake 2: Using Cold Butter

Cold butter tears bread instead of spreading smoothly. Either leave butter at room temperature for 30 minutes before using, or soften it quickly in the microwave for 5-10 seconds. You want it spreadable, not melted—melted butter will soak into the bread rather than creating that protective outer layer that crisps so beautifully.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Sealing Step

If you don’t press and seal the edges properly, your Nutella Toast Pies become Nutella Open-Faced Toasts very quickly during cooking. The heat causes the Nutella to become liquid and flow outward. Spend 20 extra seconds pressing the edges firmly with your fingers and/or crimping with a fork. It makes all the difference between intact, beautiful pies and a Nutella mess in your pan.

Mistake 4: Cooking on Too-High Heat

I’ve mentioned medium heat multiple times because this mistake is genuinely the most common. People see the pan getting warm and impatiently turn up the heat, resulting in burnt exterior and cold, solid Nutella inside. If you’re finding the bread getting too dark before the inside warms up, turn the heat down, not up.

Mistake 5: Moving the Pies Too Soon

Let the pies sit undisturbed on the first side for the full 2-3 minutes. Moving them too early tears the bread and prevents proper golden crust formation. If the pie doesn’t release easily when you try to flip, it needs more time. A properly cooked side will release naturally from a non-stick pan.

Mistake 6: Using Too Much Additional Filling

If you’re adding banana, strawberries, or other extras alongside the Nutella, be conservative with quantities. Too much filling makes the sandwich too thick to seal properly and causes bursting during cooking. A thin layer of Nutella with just a few pieces of fruit per pie is plenty.

Mistake 7: Cutting Immediately After Cooking

Cutting into a just-cooked Nutella Toast Pie releases all that superheated filling onto your plate (and possibly your hand). Beyond the safety issue, letting them rest briefly allows the filling to settle into a perfect gooey (rather than liquid) state that stays inside the pie when you cut it, giving you that beautiful interior reveal.

Mistake 8: Using Wet or Fresh Bread

Very fresh, soft bread that’s slightly sticky can tear when you try to spread Nutella. Bread that’s one or two days old spreads more cleanly. If your bread is very fresh, handle it gently and use a light touch with the Nutella spreading.

Storage and Serving Suggestions for Nutella Toast Pies

How to Store

Best Fresh: Nutella Toast Pies are genuinely best eaten immediately after resting, while the exterior is crispy and the interior is warm and gooey. The quality declines as they cool because the exterior softens and the Nutella solidifies.

Room Temperature: If you must hold them briefly (up to 30 minutes), place on a wire rack rather than a plate—this prevents the bottom from getting soggy from steam. Don’t cover them, as trapping steam will destroy the crispiness.

Refrigerator: Cooked Nutella Toast Pies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though the texture changes significantly. They lose their crispiness and become more like a regular Nutella sandwich. Refrigerate only if necessary.

Uncooked Assembly: You can assemble the pies (without cooking) and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours wrapped individually in plastic wrap. Cook fresh when ready—this is actually a great meal prep strategy for quick breakfasts or snacks.

Freezer: Assembled, uncooked pies can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer bag, and freeze. Cook directly from frozen on a skillet over medium-low heat, adding 2-3 extra minutes per side to ensure the filling heats through.

Reheating Tips

Skillet (Best Method): Reheat in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side until re-crisped and warmed through. This restores most of the original texture.

Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. The air fryer does an excellent job of re-crisping the exterior.

Oven: Place on a baking sheet at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until heated through. Not as crispy as the skillet method but works for larger batches.

Microwave: Avoid this method—it makes the bread soggy and rubbery. If you must use it, 20-30 seconds is maximum.

Serving Ideas

Breakfast Service: Cut diagonally, dust with powdered sugar, and serve alongside fresh fruit and a glass of cold milk or warm coffee. The sweet-and-crispy combination is a beautiful morning treat.

Dessert Presentation: Serve warm pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside. The contrast of warm, crispy pie and cold ice cream is exceptional. Add chocolate sauce and a few fresh raspberries for a plated dessert that looks restaurant-quality.

Kids’ Snack Platter: Cut into quarters, arrange on a platter with fresh strawberries, banana slices, and a small bowl of extra Nutella for dipping. Kids love dipping almost as much as eating.

Brunch Spread: Include mini Nutella Toast Pies cut into triangles as part of a sweet brunch spread alongside French toast, fresh fruit, and pastries.

Party Appetizer: Make bite-sized versions using cookie-cutter-shaped bread rounds, serve on a platter dusted with powdered sugar. These disappear at parties faster than anything else on the table.

Flavor Variation Ideas

S’mores Pies: Add mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs to the Nutella filling. Coat the outside with a mixture of butter and crushed graham crackers instead of plain butter.

Banana-Nutella Pies: Thin banana slices layered over the Nutella create a warm banana-chocolate filling that’s absolutely divine. A sprinkle of cinnamon takes it to another level.

Strawberry-Nutella Pies: Thinly sliced, patted-dry strawberries with Nutella create a chocolate-covered strawberry experience in pie form.

Peanut Butter-Nutella Pies: Spread one slice with Nutella and the other with peanut butter. The combination is extraordinary.

Raspberry Jam-Nutella Pies: A thin layer of raspberry jam alongside the Nutella creates a sophisticated chocolate-berry combination.

Cinnamon Roll Pies: Mix the Nutella with a touch of cinnamon and top the finished pie with cream cheese glaze for a cinnamon roll-inspired treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make Nutella Toast Pies without butter?

Yes, though the result won’t be quite as rich or golden. You can substitute margarine or dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version. Coconut oil (solid, not melted) works surprisingly well and adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with Nutella. You can also use cooking spray on the outside of the bread, though the color won’t be as evenly golden and the flavor won’t be as rich.

2. What’s the best type of bread for Nutella Toast Pies?

Soft, standard white sandwich bread is ideal because it seals easily, doesn’t tear, and crisps beautifully. Brioche creates an incredibly rich, almost pastry-like result. Whole wheat bread works well and adds a slightly nutty flavor that actually complements the Nutella. Avoid sourdough, artisan breads with open crumbs, or very thick slices—these don’t seal properly and the texture contrast doesn’t work as well.

3. Can I make Nutella Toast Pies for a large group?

Absolutely! The easiest large-batch approach is to use a panini press or sandwich maker that can cook two at a time, and work in batches. You can also use the oven method: assemble all pies, place on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. This isn’t quite as golden as the skillet method but allows you to make many simultaneously.

4. Is there a way to make Nutella Toast Pies healthier?

Several modifications reduce the calorie count: use whole wheat bread instead of white, reduce the Nutella amount to 1 tablespoon per pie, use a light spray of cooking spray instead of butter on the outside, and add sliced banana inside which adds filling without extra calories. An air fryer version with cooking spray instead of butter reduces fat significantly. However, these pies are a treat and meant to be enjoyed as such—occasional indulgence is completely reasonable.

5. Can children help make Nutella Toast Pies?

This is one of the best recipes for cooking with kids! Children can spread Nutella onto the bread (with supervision), press the edges to seal, and do the fork crimping. Adults should handle all stovetop cooking, but kids can watch and help with everything else. The activity of building their own pies and choosing their own fillings gets kids genuinely excited about cooking.

6. What can I use instead of Nutella?

Any chocolate hazelnut spread works as a direct substitute. For nut-free versions, try sun butter (sunflower seed spread) mixed with a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a teaspoon of powdered sugar. Cookie butter (Biscoff) creates a completely different but equally delicious pie. Peanut butter with chocolate chips creates a warm, melty alternative. Even just chocolate chips alone, which melt into a simple chocolate filling, are wonderful.

7. Can I bake Nutella Toast Pies in the oven instead of frying?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place assembled pies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, flip carefully, and bake another 5-7 minutes until golden. The oven method doesn’t create quite the same deep golden color as the skillet, but it allows you to make more at once and requires zero monitoring.

8. Why is my Nutella leaking out during cooking?

Leaking almost always means either the edges weren’t sealed properly or the pan is too hot. Make sure you’re pressing the edges firmly together and crimping with a fork all around the perimeter. Also ensure you’re cooking on medium, not medium-high or high heat. If leaking persists, slightly reduce your Nutella filling amount.

Nutrition Information (Per Nutella Toast Pie, Based on Standard Recipe)

Calories: 295 kcal
Total Fat: 14g

• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g

• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 18g

Protein: 5g

Vitamin A: 3% DV
Vitamin C: 0% DV
Calcium: 6% DV
Iron: 10% DV
Potassium: 145mg

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and based on standard white sandwich bread, 2 tablespoons Nutella per pie, and ¾ tablespoon butter per pie exterior. Values will vary based on bread type, specific Nutella amount, and any additional fillings added. Adding banana increases potassium significantly; adding strawberries adds vitamin C. These are treats and should be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion: Nutella Toast Pies Deserve a Permanent Place in Your Recipe Rotation

Nutella Toast Pies are the rare recipe that delivers maximum satisfaction for minimum effort—a combination that’s nearly impossible to find in cooking. Three ingredients, ten minutes, zero special skills required, and the result is something genuinely special that people of all ages absolutely love.

What I treasure most about this recipe is how it proves that extraordinary food doesn’t require extraordinary ingredients or extraordinary technique. Taking humble sandwich bread, everyone’s favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread, and butter—three ingredients sitting in nearly every kitchen right now—and transforming them into something that feels like a treat, a comfort, and a little luxury all at once? That’s actual kitchen magic.

Since that rainy Saturday discovery, Nutella Toast Pies have become a beloved ritual in my house. Slow weekend mornings, post-school snack time, last-minute dessert needs, cooking with the kids—these little golden pies fit every occasion with effortless grace. I’ve served them to adults who eat fancy restaurant food regularly and watched their eyes light up like children. That reaction never gets old.

The customization possibilities mean you’ll never run out of new versions to try. Banana-Nutella, peanut butter-chocolate, s’mores style, strawberry-Nutella—each variation feels like a brand new discovery while the fundamental technique remains the same reliable foundation.

So grab your bread, warm up that Nutella, and get your skillet ready. Ten minutes from now, you could be biting into the crispiest, warmest, most chocolatey little pies you’ve ever made in your own kitchen. Your Nutella Toast Pies journey starts now.

Happy cooking!

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