Nutella Danube: A Heavenly Sweet Treat
If you’re craving a dessert that’s not only indulgent but also a delight to share, look no further than this Nutella Danube. This soft, fluffy, and decadent treat combines the irresistible allure of Nutella with a beautifully braided dough. Perfect for gatherings or as an afternoon snack with your favorite cup of coffee, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00) | 200g |
| Manitoba flour | 200g |
| Brown sugar | 50g |
| Eggs | 110g |
| Butter | 35g |
| Whole milk | 130g |
| Vanilla bean | 1 |
| Fresh brewer’s yeast | 10g |
| Nutella | 200g |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
| Egg (for egg wash) | 55g |
| Fresh liquid cream | 20g |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by placing both the all-purpose flour (00) and the Manitoba flour into the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a dough hook. Add the crumbled fresh brewer’s yeast, followed by the milk at room temperature. Gently stir in the brown sugar. Allow the mixture to absorb before proceeding with the next ingredients.
Step 2: Adding the Flavorings
Once the initial ingredients are well incorporated, add a pinch of fine salt and scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean directly into the bowl. This will give your dough a wonderfully fragrant vanilla undertone that pairs perfectly with the Nutella.
Step 3: Mixing in the Butter
Now, it’s time for the butter! Add the butter, which should be at room temperature, in small chunks. Don’t rush this step—allow the butter to fully absorb into the dough before adding the next piece. Continue this process until all the butter is incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and well-formed. You’ll know the dough is ready when it’s beautifully attached to the hook and appears slightly elastic.
Step 4: Kneading and Rising
Once the dough reaches the perfect texture, transfer it to a floured work surface and briefly knead it by hand to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Form the dough into a ball, then place it into a clean bowl. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature for about 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The ideal temperature for this step is around 25-27°C (77-80°F).
Step 5: Shaping the Dough
After the dough has risen, remove it from the bowl and divide it into 20 equal pieces, each weighing around 35 grams. Use a dough scraper or your hands to make the divisions. With a rolling pin, gently flatten each piece of dough into a small disc.
Now comes the fun part! Place a generous spoonful of Nutella in the center of each disc. Carefully fold up the edges, one at a time, towards the center. Pinch the edges together to seal the Nutella inside, creating a little dough pouch. After sealing, gently roll each piece into a ball, ensuring that the Nutella stays inside. Be sure to pinch the seams well to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Step 6: Arranging the Dough Balls
Grease a 22 cm (8.6 inch) round baking pan with butter, then arrange the dough balls inside the pan, placing them close together but not touching. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your pan. Once all the dough balls are in the pan, cover the top loosely with plastic wrap and allow them to rise for an additional hour, or until they have puffed up.
Step 7: Egg Wash and Final Rise
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Before baking, prepare an egg wash by whisking together the egg and fresh cream in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to gently coat the surface of the dough balls with the egg wash, giving them a golden, shiny finish once baked.
Step 8: Baking
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the Nutella Danube is golden brown and fully cooked through. You may want to check the bread with a toothpick or skewer to make sure it comes out clean from the dough.
Step 9: Cooling and Serving
Once the Nutella Danube is done baking, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. When it’s ready, serve it warm for an irresistibly gooey treat, or at room temperature for a more structured, pull-apart experience.
Tips for Success:
- Be patient when incorporating the butter. This ensures a smooth, elastic dough that will result in a light and fluffy Danube.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area to help it double in size.
- If you prefer a stronger vanilla flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract along with the vanilla bean seeds.
- Nutella can be replaced with other spreads like almond butter or peanut butter for a different twist, but Nutella’s creamy texture and rich flavor make it the star of this recipe.
This Nutella Danube is not just a dessert—it’s an experience, combining the sweetness of Nutella with the pillowy softness of freshly baked dough. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to delight everyone at the table, especially those with a sweet tooth. Enjoy this indulgent, shareable treat with friends and family, and prepare for them to ask for seconds!
