Nutella ring

Nutella Ring: A Sweet Delight for Unforgettable Moments

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour (total)
Baking time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8

The history of this delicious Nutella ring is rooted in the pastry traditions of many cultures, where yeast dough has been used to create sweet and savory treats. Today, we will explore how to transform simple ingredients into this quick dessert, perfect for a snack or a special treat. This ring is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a wonderful serving option for gatherings with friends or family.

Necessary ingredients:

- 500 g flour
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 1 egg
- 70 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 120 ml warm water
- 100 g sugar
- Grated zest of lemon and orange (about 1 teaspoon each)
- 3-4 tablespoons of Nutella
- A pinch of salt

Step by step to a perfect result:

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the yeast cube, one teaspoon of sugar, and 2-3 tablespoons of warm water. Gently mix and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential to ensure proper rising of the dough.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl or a food processor, sift the flour. Make a well in the center and add the activated yeast, a pinch of salt, the remaining sugar, the egg, the grated lemon and orange zest, and the rest of the warm water. Mix all the ingredients until a homogeneous dough forms.

3. Kneading the dough: Add the soft butter and continue to knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough sticks to your hands, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as a dough that is too dry will result in a less fluffy texture.

4. Rising the dough: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 40 minutes or until it doubles in size. A good idea is to place it in an oven preheated to 30 degrees Celsius, where the constant warmth will aid in rising.

5. Shaping the ring: Once the dough has risen, sprinkle the work surface with flour and roll it out into a rectangular sheet about 1 cm thick. Evenly spread Nutella over the entire surface, leaving a 1 cm margin on each side.

6. Rolling the dough: Roll the dough tightly to form a log, then join the ends to form a ring. Make sure it is well sealed to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

7. Creating the pattern: Using a sharp knife, make cuts along the entire length of the ring without cutting all the way through, leaving the bottom intact. These cuts will allow the ring to open beautifully during baking, giving it a spectacular appearance.

8. Second rising: Let the ring rise again for 30 minutes, covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Brush the ring with beaten egg, then bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and it sounds hollow when lightly tapped on the bottom. It is important not to open the oven in the first 20 minutes of baking to allow the dough to rise evenly.

10. Cooling and serving: After removing the ring from the oven, let it cool on a rack. Once completely cooled, slice it and enjoy! It is delicious on its own or dusted with powdered sugar, or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Practical tips:

- Nutella: You can substitute Nutella with other chocolate spreads or peanut butter, depending on personal preferences. Additionally, adding slices of banana or strawberries between layers of Nutella can add a fresh and delicious touch.

- Rising: If you have time, let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavor and improve the texture.

- Serving: The Nutella ring pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. A vanilla sauce or caramel syrup can also turn it into a special dessert.

Nutritional benefits:

This Nutella ring offers a balance of carbohydrates and fats, making it a satisfying choice for an occasional dessert. The wheat flour used in the recipe is a good source of fiber, and the butter provides a dose of fat-soluble vitamins. However, due to the sugar and fat content in Nutella, it is recommended to enjoy it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can replace fresh yeast with dry yeast. Use about 7 g of dry yeast, and there's no need to activate it. Just add it directly to the flour.

2. How do I keep the ring fresh?
Wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, the Nutella ring stays fresh for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

3. Can I add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Add nuts, almonds, or chocolate chips for a crunchy texture. Dried fruits or even white chocolate can add a different and delicious flavor.

4. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This recipe contains animal-derived ingredients, but it can be adapted using vegan butter and chia or flax eggs to maintain the moisture of the dough.

This Nutella ring is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that will bring joy in every bite. So put on your apron and let your imagination run wild in the kitchen!