Not exactly a traditional dessert, but who cares? Let's dive straight into creating this delightful and somewhat outrageous Nutella Dessert Chocolate Pizza. It's a fusion of flavours that you didn't know you needed until now. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this sweet treat that’s sure to wow everyone, especially the kids!
Nutella Dessert Chocolate Pizza: A Sweet Twist on a Classic
Ingredients:
For the Dough:
125g '00' flour
125g wholemeal spelt flour
5g salt
3g fast-acting yeast
A generous splash of olive oil
1 tbsp plain yoghurt
1 tsp sugar
170ml warm water
For the Toppings:
Nutella (or your preferred chocolate and hazelnut spread)
Whole almonds, shelled and peeled
A few dollops of yoghurt
Fresh fruit, particularly strawberries, sliced
1 box Cantucci Biscotti
1 box Chocolate Biscotti
1 milk chocolate bar
1 white chocolate bar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparing the Dough:
Mix the Dry Ingredients: Begin by combining the '00' flour, wholemeal spelt flour, salt, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. It’s crucial to keep the salt and yeast separate at this stage to ensure the yeast activates properly. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Add the yoghurt, a splash of olive oil, and most of the warm water into the bowl. Stir until the mixture begins to come together. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly – the dough should be moist but not sticky.
Kneading the Dough: Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead it by hand for about 10 minutes or use a mixer fitted with a dough hook. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. This process is essential for developing the gluten, which gives the dough its structure and chewiness.
First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot. This should take about 2 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. You’ll know it’s ready when you poke it gently, and the indentation remains.
Preparing the Pizza Base:
Rolling Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release any air bubbles. On a floured surface, roll the dough out with a rolling pin to fit the largest flat tray you have that will fit into your oven. Aim for a thickness of about 1cm to ensure it cooks through without burning.
Preparing the Tray: Dust your baking tray with semolina or flour to prevent sticking. Carefully place the rolled-out dough onto the tray, making sure it’s spread out evenly and the edges don’t overlap. This creates a nice, even base for your toppings.
Preheating and Preparing the Toppings:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to its highest temperature, ideally 250°C. This high heat is crucial for getting a crispy base.
First Layer of Toppings: Spread a generous layer of warm Nutella over the dough, leaving about a centimetre around the edges. If your Nutella is too thick, you can warm it slightly in the microwave or add a little bit of milk to loosen it up. The goal is a smooth, even layer of chocolate goodness. Next, dot the surface with spoonfuls of yoghurt and scatter whole almonds across the pizza. The yoghurt adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the Nutella, and the almonds provide a delightful crunch.
Baking the Pizza Base:
Initial Cooking on the Hob (Optional): For an extra crispy base, you can place the tray directly on a hob burner set to medium-high heat. This step isn’t mandatory but adds a nice, crunchy texture to the bottom of the pizza. Let it sit for a few minutes until the base is slightly browned.
Baking in the Oven: Transfer the tray to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the edges to turn golden brown, and the base should be crisp and fully cooked. The Nutella will melt and create a luscious layer over the dough.
Preparing the Final Toppings:
Chopping and Melting the Chocolate: While the pizza is baking, roughly chop the Cantucci Biscotti and Chocolate Biscotti into bite-sized pieces. Slice your strawberries into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Break the milk and white chocolate bars into pieces and place them in separate microwave-safe bowls. Microwave the chocolates in short bursts of 10 seconds, stirring in between until they are completely melted and smooth.
Adding the Finishing Touches: Once the pizza is out of the oven and still warm, scatter the chopped biscotti and sliced strawberries over the top. Drizzle the melted milk and white chocolate in swirls across the pizza, creating a beautiful, marbled effect. Finish by sprinkling any leftover biscotti crumbs and chopped almonds on top for an extra crunch.
Serving the Dessert Pizza:
Presentation: Serve your Nutella Dessert Chocolate Pizza warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The cold, creamy ice cream perfectly balances the warm, gooey chocolate topping.
Enjoying with Family and Friends: This dessert is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s fun, it’s messy, and it’s absolutely delicious. Gather everyone around, slice up the pizza, and enjoy the smiles and satisfied sighs as they take their first bites. This is the kind of treat that brings people together, sparking joy and creating memories.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Pizza
Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your Nutella and chocolate biscuits will make a significant difference. Opt for the best you can find for a richer flavour.
Adjust the Toppings to Taste: Feel free to experiment with different fruits and nuts. Bananas, raspberries, or even a sprinkle of sea salt can add interesting twists.
Serve Immediately: This dessert is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the chocolate is still melty and the base is warm and crisp.
This Nutella Dessert Chocolate Pizza is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, crunchy, and creamy, making it a delightful end to any meal or a special treat for any occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative, and enjoy every delicious bite of this unconventional yet irresistible treat!