Decadent Nutella Caramel Drizzle
Indulge in the lusciousness of this Decadent Nutella Caramel Drizzle! This thick and velvety sauce combines the rich flavors of chocolate and hazelnut with a smooth caramel base, creating a decadent topping that transcends ordinary sauces. Perfect for drizzling over ice cream sundaes, layering between cake tiers, or serving as an irresistible ganache, this sauce is a must-have in any dessert lover's repertoire. Whether it's a special occasion or simply a sweet treat at home, this versatile sauce will elevate your desserts to gourmet status.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
300g (Granulated)
Water
60g (Cold)
Corn Syrup
15g (Or liquid glucose)
Cream
180g (Heavy or whipping cream)
Cocoa Powder
35g (Unsweetened)
Butter
15g (Unsalted)
Salt
3g (Kosher or sea salt)
Nutella
150g (Chocolate hazelnut spread)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup (or liquid glucose) over medium-high heat. Using a wet pastry brush, carefully wash down any sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pot to prevent crystallization.
2
Important: Once the mixture is on the heat, refrain from stirring. Allow the sugar to melt undisturbed. Ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate the mixture when it bubbles up after adding the cream.
3
In a separate bowl, create a smooth slurry by gradually mixing the cream with the cocoa powder, stirring gently to avoid lumps.
4
Continue heating the sugar mixture until it begins to turn a golden amber color. At this stage, you can gently stir to redistribute heat if necessary. Monitor the caramel closely as it approaches a deep amber color or a temperature of around 360-370°F (182-188°C).
5
Immediately after reaching the desired color, remove the pot from the heat and carefully whisk in the cream and cocoa slurry. Pour in the mixture slowly to manage the dramatic bubbling and prevent overflow.
6
Once the cream slurry is completely incorporated, add the salt and butter, stirring until fully combined. Finally, fold in the Nutella until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7
Let the Decadent Nutella Caramel Drizzle cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
8
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month, or freeze for several months. To return the sauce to a pourable consistency, gently reheat it in a double boiler.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Nutella Caramel Drizzle?
It is a thick and velvety dessert sauce that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and hazelnut with a smooth caramel base.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are sugar, water, corn syrup or liquid glucose, heavy cream, unsweetened cocoa powder, unsalted butter, salt, and Nutella.
How do I prevent sugar crystals from forming during the cooking process?
Use a wet pastry brush to carefully wash down any sugar crystals that form on the sides of the pot.
Should I stir the sugar while it is melting?
No, you should refrain from stirring once the mixture is on the heat to allow the sugar to melt undisturbed.
Why is a large pot required for this recipe?
A large pot is necessary to accommodate the mixture when it bubbles up dramatically after the cream is added.
How do I prepare the cocoa mixture?
Create a smooth slurry by gradually mixing the heavy cream with the cocoa powder, stirring gently to avoid lumps.
What temperature should the caramel reach?
The caramel should reach a temperature of approximately 360-370°F (182-188°C).
What color should the caramel be before adding the cream?
It should reach a deep golden amber color.
How should I add the cream slurry to the hot caramel?
Remove the pot from the heat and pour in the mixture slowly while whisking to manage bubbling and prevent overflow.
When do I add the butter and salt?
Add the salt and butter once the cream slurry is completely incorporated into the caramel.
At what point is the Nutella added?
The Nutella is folded in at the very end until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
How should the sauce be cooled?
Let it cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface.
How long can I store the Nutella Caramel Drizzle in the refrigerator?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Can this sauce be frozen?
Yes, the sauce can be frozen for several months.
What is the best way to reheat the sauce?
To return it to a pourable consistency, gently reheat the sauce in a double boiler.
What are some recommended uses for this sauce?
It is perfect for ice cream sundaes, layering between cake tiers, or using as a ganache.
Can I substitute liquid glucose for corn syrup?
Yes, liquid glucose is a suitable substitute for corn syrup in this recipe.
What type of cream is best for this recipe?
Heavy or whipping cream is recommended for the best texture.
What type of salt should be used?
Kosher salt or sea salt is ideal for this recipe.
Is the cocoa powder sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe specifically calls for unsweetened cocoa powder.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
What kind of butter should I use?
Unsalted butter is preferred to better control the saltiness of the sauce.
What is the purpose of the corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent the sugar from recrystallizing, ensuring a smooth sauce.
Can I use a different brand of hazelnut spread?
Yes, while Nutella is specified, other chocolate hazelnut spreads can be used.
What should I do if the mixture bubbles too much?
Pour the cream slurry very slowly and ensure you are using a heavy-bottomed pot with high sides.
Should I use hot or cold water?
The recipe specifies using 60g of cold water.
How much Nutella is required?
You will need 150g of Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread.
Is this sauce considered a ganache?
Yes, its thick and velvety texture makes it an irresistible ganache alternative.
Can I stir the caramel once it starts changing color?
Yes, once it begins to turn golden, you can gently stir to redistribute heat.
What makes this sauce gourmet status?
The combination of homemade caramel with rich cocoa and hazelnut spread creates a complex, professional-quality flavor.