Nutella Crepe Cake Recipe

This Nutella crepe cake recipe is my absolute favorite because it’s both a nostalgic trip back to the perfect brunches of my Parisian dreams and a decadent dessert that’s ridiculously easy to make. I love how the layers of delicate crepes and creamy Nutella create a deliciously impressive masterpiece that totally wows without breaking the bank or requiring an entire day in the kitchen.

My Nutella Crepe Cake is one of my favorite desserts to create. Tender layers of crepes, rich with Nutella, are the centerpiece of this delicately structured cake.

The simple ingredients and straightforward assembly make for a not-so-scary baking endeavor. Despite its dramatic flair and French patisserie origins, the cake is a cinch to whip up.

You need only basic baking skills along with a modicum of patience and resolve.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour: Delivers structural support; serves mainly as a carbohydrate source.

Sugar, in granulated form, serves as a sweetening agent and an enhancer of flavor.

Whole milk: Provides moisture and richness; is a supply of protein and calcium.

Butter without salt: Provides richness; improves flavor with fat.

Nutella: Delivers a flavor of chocolate and hazelnuts that is rich and creamy and perfectly sweet.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups Nutella, slightly warmed
• Whipped cream or powdered sugar for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a bowl of medium size, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt, and whisk them together.

2. In another spacious basin, thoroughly mix the ovums. Effortlessly, add the liquid dairy, whisking all the while.

3. The dry ingredients should be added to the wet mixture in a slow, steady manner, and the combined ingredients should be whisked until they reach a smooth consistency. At this point, it is vital that no lumps remain in the mixture.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and vanilla extract until fully integrated.

5. Ensure that the batter is covered and then let it rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.

6. Place a skillet without a stick coating over a medium flame and add just enough butter so that it lightly greases the pan.

7. Pour in approximately 1/4 cup of batter, swirling to cover the skillet completely. Allow it to cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges appear to be lifting away from the skillet, then flip and cook the other side for about half a minute.

8. Move the crepe to a plate and do the same with the rest of the batter, stacking crepes with parchment paper in between.

9. After cooling, place a crepe on a serving platter, spread a thin layer of warmed Nutella on top, and repeat the process until all the crepes and Nutella are used.

10. Chill the assembled crepe cake for a minimum of 1 hour. If you prefer, you can top it with whipped cream right before serving. The cake is equally stunning with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Equipment Needed

1. Medium-sized mixing bowl
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Whisk
4. Spoon or spatula
5. Plastic wrap or lid for covering
6. Non-stick skillet
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Spatula or crepe turner
9. Plate
10. Parchment paper
11. Serving platter

FAQ

• Q: Can I make the crepes in advance?Q: Can you make the crepes in advance, and if so, how far in advance can you make them?
• Q: Can I use a different type of milk?Yes, you can replace whole milk with skim milk, almond milk, or soy milk, but the texture of the crepe may be slightly different.
• Q: What is the best way to warm Nutella?A: To warm Nutella, put it in a bowl that can go in the microwave and heat it in 15-second increments, stirring in between, until it’s warm enough to spread.
• Q: How many layers does this crepe cake typically have?A: Depending on how thick your crepe batter is, you can typically achieve 18-20 layers for a striking visual and delicious texture.
• Q: Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?You can absolutely substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour called for in this recipe.
• Q: How should I store the finished crepe cake?The refrigerated assembled crepe cake should be covered with plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container. It is good for up to three days.
• Q: Can I freeze leftover crepe cake?A: You should not freeze the crepe cake, as the texture may suffer, especially where the Nutella is concerned.

Substitutions and Variations

All-purpose flour: Whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier texture. A gluten-free flour blend can be used if you are avoiding gluten.
For granulated sugar, use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but remember that this will slightly change the liquid content. Another option is to use coconut sugar, which offers an entirely different flavor.
Whole milk: Substitute almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative; buttermilk will yield a tangier product.
If you prefer a plant-based alternative, use coconut oil or a vegan butter spread.
Nutella: If desired, substitutes like peanut butter, almond butter, or any chocolate hazelnut spread can be used.

Pro Tips

1. Rest the Batter Allowing the batter to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes helps to relax the gluten and results in more tender crepes. This also ensures that the flour fully hydrates, making for a smoother batter.

2. Perfect Heat Keep your skillet at a consistent medium heat. If it’s too hot, the crepes may cook too quickly and become crispy instead of soft and pliable. A good test is to sprinkle a few drops of water on the pan; if they dance around before evaporating, the pan is ready.

3. Even Spread When pouring the batter into the pan, quickly lift and swirl the pan to spread the batter evenly and thinly. This ensures that your crepes are uniformly thin, which is essential for stacking into a crepe cake.

4. Warm Nutella Slightly warming the Nutella will make it much easier to spread evenly on the crepes. You can warm it up by placing the jar in a bowl of warm water or microwaving it for a few seconds if suitable.

5. Chill Before Serving After assembling the crepe cake, chilling it for at least an hour allows the layers to meld together, making it easier to slice and enhancing the overall flavor profile.