Indulge in the irresistible Cherry Nutella Auflauf, a delightful German-style baked dessert that beautifully combines the tartness of cherries with the rich, indulgent flavor of Nutella, perfect for a comforting treat or an impressive dessert. This recipe is incredibly useful for anyone looking to create a simple yet decadent dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Key Ingredients for Cherry Nutella Auflauf
- 2 cups (approximately 300g) pitted cherries, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) Nutella
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for greasing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Optional toppings: Powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh cherries
How to Make Cherry Nutella Auflauf
This Cherry Nutella Auflauf is a dream to make, offering a delightful symphony of flavors and textures without the fuss. Its simplicity makes it a go-to for any occasion, promising a deeply satisfying experience with every spoonful thanks to its rich, creamy center and pockets of warm, melted Nutella. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with an additional 30-35 minutes for baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prepare your dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish (approximately 8×8 inches or a similar oval gratin dish) generously with butter.
- Prepare the cherry base: If using fresh cherries, ensure they are pitted. If using frozen cherries, thaw them and drain any excess liquid. Spread the pitted cherries evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Create the Nutella swirl: In a small bowl, gently warm the Nutella slightly (you can do this in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or by placing the jar in warm water) to make it more pourable. Drizzle the slightly warmed Nutella over the cherries in a decorative pattern, aiming for swirls or dollops. Don’t worry about perfect coverage; some gaps are good!
- Whisk together the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Pour the batter over the cherries and Nutella: Carefully pour the batter evenly over the cherries and Nutella mixture in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter if needed, ensuring it covers most of the cherries.
- Bake until golden and set: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the Auflauf is golden brown on top, set in the center, and a toothpick inserted near the edges comes out clean. The center might still be slightly moist due to the Nutella and cherries.
- Rest and serve: Remove the Cherry Nutella Auflauf from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly. Dust with a little extra granulated sugar or powdered sugar for a final touch.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Nutella Auflauf
You’ll absolutely adore this Cherry Nutella Auflauf for its incredible combination of warm, tender cherries and molten hazelnut chocolate bliss, creating a dessert that feels both comforting and luxuriously decadent. Making this at home offers fantastic cost savings compared to purchasing a similar dessert from a bakery or cafe, allowing you to enjoy gourmet flavors without the premium price tag. The interplay of tart cherries and the sweet, nutty embrace of Nutella, enhanced by aromatic cinnamon, creates a flavor profile that is truly special and far more exciting than a simple fruit crumble or bread pudding.
This delightful German dessert is wonderfully forgiving and incredibly adaptable, making it perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It’s the kind of treat that brings smiles to faces and leaves everyone asking for the recipe, so go ahead and whip up this Cherry Nutella Auflauf for your next gathering or a cozy night in – you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Cherry Nutella Auflauf can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the Auflauf has cooled completely before sealing it to prevent condensation.
To reheat, you have a few delicious options:
- Oven Reheating: For the best results, reheat individual portions or the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly gooey again. This method helps maintain its delightful texture.
- Microwave Reheating: For a quicker option, microwave individual slices on a plate on medium power in 30-second intervals until heated through. Be mindful that the texture might be slightly softer than oven-reheated.
- Freezing for Future Meals: If you wish to freeze the Cherry Nutella Auflauf, bake it and allow it to cool completely. You can freeze the entire dish or individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or placed in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the methods above.
Final Thoughts
The Cherry Nutella Auflauf is a wonderfully simple yet deeply satisfying dessert that brings together classic flavors with delightful ease. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, so don’t hesitate to try it and share the joy of this incredible treat!
Cherry Nutella Auflauf
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish (approximately 8×8 inches or a similar oval gratin dish) generously with butter.1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- If using fresh cherries, ensure they are pitted. If using frozen cherries, thaw them and drain any excess liquid. Spread the pitted cherries evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.2 cups pitted cherries, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen)
- Gently warm the Nutella slightly (you can do this in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or by placing the jar in warm water) to make it more pourable. Drizzle the slightly warmed Nutella over the cherries in a decorative pattern, aiming for swirls or dollops. Don’t worry about perfect coverage; some gaps are good!1/2 cup Nutella
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine.1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Carefully pour the batter evenly over the cherries and Nutella mixture in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter if needed, ensuring it covers most of the cherries.1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 cups pitted cherries, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen), 1/2 cup Nutella
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the Auflauf is golden brown on top, set in the center, and a toothpick inserted near the edges comes out clean. The center might still be slightly moist due to the Nutella and cherries.
- Remove the Cherry Nutella Auflauf from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set slightly. Dust with a little extra granulated sugar or powdered sugar for a final touch.1/4 cup granulated sugar, Powdered sugar