The Nutella roll has become a classic dessert that we are all now familiar with: simple, easy and cheap to make, it is a cake for every occasion. This dessert, with its relatively straightforward method of construction, is lovely whether presented whole or sliced. When cut the slices show the graceful swivels inside, where the Nutella peeps out in all its deliciousness. Nutella roll is ideal for breakfast, as a snack, simply accompanied with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a dessert for a dinner or lunch party – it’s enjoyed by everyone. The rolled up dough is well suited to various flavourings: citrus or liqueur. Even with the final decorations there are endless possibilities: a tasty glaze or a sprinkling of icing sugar ... So let’s make this fantastic dessert together, just follow the recipe and photos which show you step-by-step what you have to do to get the perfect Nutella roll.
* approximate values per serving
Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture is white and fluffy. Add the flour, cornflour, cinnamon and vanilla. Mix well, then fold in the beaten egg whites, taking care not to lose too much air from the mixture. Butter a piece of baking parchment for lining a baking tray. Spread the mixture out in the tray with a spatula in a rectangular shape, keeping it as level as possible. Bake at 170°C for 7 minutes: as soon as the mixture takes on some colour, remove it from the oven. Excessive cooking will make the rolling up difficult subsequently. Place the dough on a clean, damp cotton towel and roll it into a long tube while on the cloth. (If the dough doesn’t come off the baking parchment easily, wet the back of the parchment with a sponge soaked in water.) At this point put it in the refrigerator a few minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the filling by mixing the ricotta with 30g of Nutella, beating well to remove any lumps of ricotta. Take the dough from the fridge, unroll it, spread Nutella on the dough, and re-roll it. Then finally spread the Nutella and ricotta mixture over the surface of the roll, using a spatula. Scatter over chocolate sprinkles.
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Butter the baking parchment and, placing it on a baking tin, pour over the mixture
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With the spatula, level the cake mixture well, making sure that the thickness is the same throughout
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Bake for 7 minutes being careful not to cook it for too long, or else it will make it difficult to roll subsequently
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With the help of a clean tea towel, roll up the dough still on the cloth, and leave in the fridge to rest
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After resting in the fridge, roll the pasta out again and completely spread with Nutella
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Roll the dough up again with the Nutella inside taking care that the Nutella doesn’t spill out the sides
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Mix the ricotta and the Nutella, ensuring that there are no lumps of ricotta left. For the best finish, strain the ricotta through a sieve
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Spread the ricotta and Nutella mixture over the surface of the roll, covering it all uniformly
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Finally, decorate with chocolate sprinkles over the surface and edges
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One of the most indulgent variations of the classic Nutella roll is undoubtedly the addition of ricotta and chocolate. This preparation enriches the filling, making it even creamier and tastier. To make it, simply mix the ricotta with the Nutella, creating a smooth cream. At this point, you can add dark chocolate flakes for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch. Once the roll is filled with this delicious cream, it is carefully rolled up and left to cool in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. The result is a dessert that not only satisfies sweet cravings but is also perfect for special occasions, such as birthday parties or family dinners.
The Nutella roll has origins intertwined with Tuscan pastry traditions. This regional variation includes the addition of typical local ingredients, such as cinnamon, which gives the dessert a particular and enveloping aroma. Additionally, the preparation can be enhanced with a pinch of vin santo, a sweet Tuscan wine, to further elevate the flavors. To achieve a perfect roll, it is essential to carefully follow the cooking times and temperature, avoiding the dessert from drying out too much. The combination of this traditional recipe with Nutella makes the roll a sweet that celebrates the sweetness and tradition of Tuscany, ideal to serve on special occasions.
For those who want to enjoy a Nutella roll without guilt, there is a light version that eliminates refined sugar. In this preparation, natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup can be used, which provide sweetness without adding unnecessary calories. The flour can also be replaced with whole grain or oat flour to make the dessert healthier and richer in fiber. Additionally, for a lighter filling, Nutella can be mixed with Greek yogurt, creating a lighter and fresher cream. This variant is perfect for those following a balanced diet, without giving up the pleasure of a homemade dessert.
The Nutella roll, while being a dessert, offers some benefits thanks to the ingredients used. Eggs, for example, are a valuable source of protein and contain B vitamins, essential for energy metabolism. Type "00" flour provides carbohydrates, while Nutella adds fats and sugars. It is important to consider that a piece of Nutella roll can contain about 250-300 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used. For a more balanced preparation, alternative ingredients can be chosen, such as ricotta, which offers a higher protein content and a creamy texture, making the dessert less caloric and more nutritious.
Yes, the Nutella roll can be frozen without any problems. To do this, it is advisable to wrap it well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing odors from the freezer. It is preferable to freeze the roll before slicing it, in order to maintain its shape and consistency. When you wish to consume it, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours, or at room temperature for a shorter period. However, it is recommended to consume it within a month to keep its flavor and freshness intact. This practice is ideal for those who love to prepare desserts in advance and always have a treat ready to serve.