Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe
If you’re anything like me and a chocolate lover to boot, you’re going to fall hard for this Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe. It’s like the perfect marriage of creamy flan and rich Nutella that just melts in your mouth. I made it for a Valentine’s Day treat once, and honestly, it stole the show — people asked for seconds! Keep reading because I’m sharing all my tips to make sure your flan comes out silky smooth and full of that dreamy chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Creaminess: The combination of sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk gives the flan that luscious, creamy texture you expect.
- Chocolate-Hazelnut Flair: Using Nutella with melted dark chocolate layers in complexity, making each bite rich and indulgent.
- Water Bath Baking: Baking the flan in a water bath prevents curdling and creates that signature smooth custard consistency.
- Easy to Unmold Trick: The quick water dip before unmolding helps the flan slide out perfectly without cracking or sticking.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe is here for a reason — they work together to create that perfect custard texture with rich flavor beneath that silky chocolate. Here’s my quick rundown so you’ll know what to look for when you’re shopping.
- Eggs: The backbone of any flan, eggs provide the structure and help set that creamy custard.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and richness without any grainy texture—just smooth, creamy goodness.
- Evaporated Milk: I like using evaporated milk for a mellow dairy flavor, but any milk works if you want a lighter flan.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash brightens the whole flan and complements the Nutella beautifully.
- Nutella: The star nutty, chocolate flavor makes this flan extra special and irresistible.
- Dark Chocolate: Melting a few ounces with Nutella amplifies the chocolate depth and balances the sweetness.
- Fresh Berries & Mint: These aren’t just for looks—they add a refreshing contrast to the rich flan when serving.
Make It Your Way
This flan is already a star, but I love how easy it is to put your own spin on it. Whether it’s switching up the chocolate, adding a swirl of caramel, or tweaking the toppings — the possibilities are endless!
- Nutella & Sea Salt Blend: I sometimes sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top after unmolding — the salty-sweet combo is addictive.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut evaporated milk and almond milk instead, and it still sets beautifully for those avoiding dairy.
- Spiced Chocolate Flan: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to your chocolate mixture for a subtle, warming kick that’s perfect in cooler months.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate Magic
Start by heating the evaporated (or almond) milk in a medium saucepan on low heat. Once it’s warm, add the Nutella and the dark chocolate. Stir gently but constantly until everything is completely melted and smooth—this is the base of your flan’s flavor, so take your time! Be patient and avoid high heat to prevent burning the chocolate.
Step 2: Blend for Silky Smooth
Pour your warm Nutella-chocolate milk mixture into a blender and blend for a few seconds until perfectly smooth. This step ensures no lumps and makes the custard irresistibly silky.
Step 3: Mix the Custard
In a large bowl, beat the eggs gently—no need to overbeat, just enough to combine. Add the sweetened condensed milk, your chocolate milk blend, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything comes together smoothly. I usually give it a quick taste here to confirm I’ve got that rich Nutella flavor locked in.
Step 4: Pour and Prepare the Water Bath
Pour the custard evenly into individual molds or ramekins. Set those in a square baking dish, then carefully pour boiling water around the ramekins — about 1 inch deep. This water bath is key to gentle cooking and a velvety texture, so don’t skip it!
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake at 325°F for 30 to 45 minutes. To test doneness, insert a knife in the center — it should come out clean or with just a little wobble. Remove from oven and cool completely before refrigerating. This cooling step really helps the flan set perfectly.
Step 6: The Secret to Unmolding
This is where many people worry, but trust me, it’s easier than it looks! Let the flan sit out for 10 minutes at room temp, dip the ramekin briefly in hot tap water for 5 seconds, then tap around the edges gently to loosen. Place a plate on top, flip, and shake firmly — your flan will slide right out like magic.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Low and Slow Heat: Heating the milk slowly makes a smoother chocolate base without scorched flavors.
- Don’t Overbeat the Eggs: Too much air in the eggs can cause bubbles, so mix gently for a creamy texture.
- Watch the Water Level: Keep an eye on the water bath during baking and add boiling water if it evaporates too much.
- Test Early: Check your flan at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can make it rubbery.
How to Serve Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this flan with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and pomegranate arils — the tartness brightens the rich chocolate and the colors make it look so festive. A sprig of fresh mint adds a lovely pop of herbal freshness and a touch of elegance on your dessert plate.
Side Dishes
Pair your Nutella Chocolate Flan with a lightly brewed espresso or a cup of herbal tea to balance the sweetness. For a whole meal vibe, serve it after a light salad or grilled chicken — the flan really shines as a decadent finale!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes unmold the flan into heart-shaped ramekins for a Valentine’s Day surprise. A drizzle of dark chocolate sauce or caramel over the top makes it extra luxe. You could also layer flan slices in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and berries for something unexpected and stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, I keep my Nutella Chocolate Flan covered tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just make sure to keep it chilled to maintain that creamy custard texture.
Freezing
Freezing flan isn’t my go-to because it can change the texture, but if you must, freeze it in individual portions and thaw overnight in the fridge. It won’t be as silky, but still great in a pinch!
Reheating
If you want to warm it slightly, I recommend bringing it to room temperature then briefly microwaving in short bursts—like 10-15 seconds—to avoid curdling or drying out the custard.
FAQs
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Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk in this Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with regular milk or even almond milk. Keep in mind that evaporated milk adds a richer, creamier texture, so using regular milk might result in a slightly lighter flan, but it will still be delicious!
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How do I know when the flan is perfectly baked?
The best test is inserting a knife into the center of the flan—it should come out clean or with just a little custard clinging to it. The flan should be set but still slightly jiggly in the middle for that creamy texture.
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My flan cracked or curdled. How can I avoid this?
To prevent cracking or curdling, bake the flan in a water bath and use low, gentle heat. Also, avoid overbaking and don’t overbeat the eggs, which adds too much air. These small steps keep the custard smooth and silky.
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Can I make the Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe vegan?
Traditional flan relies on eggs and dairy for structure and creaminess, so a vegan version would require substitutes like silken tofu or agar-agar, and dairy-free milks. I haven’t tested this recipe vegan, but you might find vegan flan adaptations online to try alongside incorporating Nutella alternatives.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe holds a special place in my heart—it’s the perfect mix of indulgence and comfort, and such a fun way to impress guests with something a little different. Honestly, once you master the water bath technique and realize how smooth and luscious this flan gets, you’ll want to make it again and again. So go ahead, treat yourself (and someone you love) to this dreamy dessert—I promise, it’s worth every bite!
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Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Valentine’s Day dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Nutella Chocolate Flan Heart Shaped Valentine’s Dessert features a rich and creamy chocolate custard infused with Nutella and dark chocolate, baked to perfection and served with fresh berries and mint. It’s a decadent and elegant treat perfect for celebrating love and special occasions.
Ingredients
Flan Mixture
- 4 eggs
- 1 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 12 ounce can evaporated milk (or milk of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup Nutella
- 4 ounces dark chocolate for melting
Garnishes
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Pomegranate arils
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the flan.
- Melt chocolate mixture. In a medium saucepan, heat almond milk, add Nutella and dark chocolate. Stir continuously until the chocolate has completely melted and combined with the milk.
- Blend chocolate milk. Pour the chocolate mixture into a blender and blend for a few seconds until smooth and uniform.
- Mix flan base. In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk, blended chocolate milk mixture, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour into molds. Pour the egg mixture evenly into individual heart-shaped molds or ramekins.
- Prepare water bath. Place the filled molds inside a 2-quart square baking dish. Carefully pour boiling water into the baking dish around the molds to a depth of 1 inch to create a water bath.
- Bake the flan. Place the baking dish with molds on the oven rack and bake for 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center of the flan comes out clean.
- Cool the flan. Remove the molds from the oven and allow the flans to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Unmold. Before serving, use the recommended technique to easily unmold the flans without damaging them.
- Garnish and serve. Top each flan with fresh strawberries, blueberries, pomegranate arils, and fresh mint leaves to finish the presentation.
Notes
- To unmold flan easily: Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Fill a shallow dish with hot tap water and place the mold in it for 5 seconds to loosen the custard.
- Tap the sides of the mold with your palm until you hear a sucking sound to break the seal.
- Place a plate on top of the mold, invert it, and shake firmly up and down until the seal breaks and the flan slides out.
- You can substitute almond milk with evaporated milk or whole milk if preferred.
- Ensure the water bath does not enter the molds to avoid soggy custards.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
