Homemade Sweet Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza Pastry Recipe

Dessert pizzas have quickly become a culinary sensation, offering a sweet twist on a traditional savory favorite. Among these delightful creations, the Homemade Sweet Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza Pastry stands out, combining the richness of chocolate, the nuttiness of hazelnuts, and the comforting familiarity of pastry dough. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself.

This dessert pizza brings together the best of both worlds: the indulgence of chocolate and the unique flavor profile of hazelnuts, all wrapped up in a tender, flaky pastry. If you’re looking to explore more sweet pizza options, take a look at this Bananas Dessert Pizza Recipe, which offers another delicious variation with a fruity twist.

But before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand what makes this dessert so special and how you can make it your own.

Ingredients and Their Role

Creating the perfect sweet chocolate hazelnut pizza pastry starts with choosing the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture and flavor, so let’s explore them in detail.

Ingredient List

Pizza Dough: The base of your dessert pizza. You can opt for homemade or store-bought, but the key is a soft, slightly chewy texture that complements the sweet toppings.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: This is the heart of your dessert pizza. You can use a popular brand like Nutella, or make your own for a more personalized touch.
Chopped Hazelnuts: These add a crunchy texture and enhance the nutty flavor, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy chocolate spread.
Fresh Fruits (optional): Strawberries, bananas, or raspberries can add a fresh, fruity note that pairs well with the rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
Powdered Sugar: For a final touch of sweetness, dusting the finished pizza with powdered sugar adds a beautiful, delicate finish.
Optional Extras: Mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel can elevate your dessert pizza to the next level.

To explore a healthier dessert option that still delivers on flavor, you might want to try this Makeover Fruit Pizza Recipe, which offers a lighter alternative with less sugar and more fruit.

The Role of Each Ingredient

Flour: The backbone of your dough. Depending on the type of flour you use, you can achieve different textures—bread flour will give you a chewier crust, while all-purpose flour offers a more tender base.
Yeast: This is what makes your dough rise, creating a light, airy texture. Make sure your yeast is fresh and activated correctly to avoid a dense crust.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread: The star of the show, providing that rich, creamy flavor that makes this dessert irresistible. Whether you opt for store-bought or homemade, the quality of your spread will significantly impact the overall taste.
Additional Toppings: Fresh fruits add brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the chocolate and hazelnuts, while extras like marshmallows or caramel can add layers of texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, simply substitute the pizza dough with a gluten-free dough mix or a recipe you trust. You can also use almond flour for a nuttier flavor that complements the hazelnuts.
Vegan: Substitute the chocolate hazelnut spread with a vegan-friendly version and use dairy-free chocolate. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter in the dough.

By carefully selecting and understanding the role of each ingredient, you’ll be well on your way to creating a dessert pizza that’s not only delicious but also tailored to your preferences.

Preparing the Dough

The dough is the foundation of your dessert pizza, and getting it just right is key to a successful dish. Here’s how to make the perfect dough for your Homemade Sweet Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza Pastry.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients for the Dough:

2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar
1 packet of yeast (about 2 1/4 tsp)
1 cup of warm water
2 tbsp olive oil

Mixing the Dough

Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 110°F) with sugar and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Kneading: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.

Rising Process

First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
Punch Down and Shape: After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Shape it into a ball and let it rest for another 10 minutes before rolling it out.

Alternative Dough Recipes

Whole Wheat Dough: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, more robust flavor.
Almond Flour Dough: For a gluten-free option, use almond flour and a gluten-free binder to create a tender, slightly crumbly dough that pairs beautifully with the chocolate hazelnut spread.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Over-Kneading: Kneading too much can result in a tough, chewy crust. Aim for a smooth, elastic dough that springs back when poked.
Under-Rising: If the dough hasn’t risen enough, it will be dense and heavy. Ensure the dough is in a warm place, and give it enough time to rise fully.

Mastering the dough is crucial to achieving a dessert pizza that’s light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced with its rich toppings.

Creating the Chocolate Hazelnut Filling

The filling is the heart of your Homemade Sweet Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza Pastry. It’s what gives the pizza its rich, indulgent flavor and creamy texture. Here’s how to make it.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Spread

Homemade Spread: Making your own chocolate hazelnut spread allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness to your liking. It’s surprisingly easy and can be made in large batches to use in other recipes.
Store-Bought Spread: Brands like Nutella are popular for a reason—they offer a consistent, creamy texture and a balanced flavor that works perfectly in this recipe. However, if you’re looking for something with less sugar or a more intense hazelnut flavor, homemade is the way to go.

Flavor Enhancements

Cinnamon: Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the chocolate hazelnut spread can add a warm, spicy note that enhances the overall flavor.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract can deepen the flavor, making the spread taste even more indulgent.
Espresso Powder: For a more intense chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder. This will amplify the chocolate without adding a coffee taste.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Homemade Spread

Ingredients:

2 cups of raw hazelnuts
1 cup of high-quality dark chocolate, melted
1/2 cup of powdered sugar
1/4 cup of cocoa powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

Roast the Hazelnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes, or until they are fragrant and the skins are starting to crack.
Remove the Skins: Let the hazelnuts cool slightly, then rub them in a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins.
Blend: Place the hazelnuts in a food processor and blend until they form a smooth paste, about 5-10 minutes.
Add the Chocolate: With the food processor running, slowly add the melted chocolate, followed by the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Store: Transfer the spread to an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Tips for Perfect Consistency

Smooth vs. Chunky: If you prefer a chunkier spread, reserve some of the hazelnuts and stir them into the finished product.
Thicker Spread: If your spread is too thin, add more powdered sugar or cocoa powder to thicken it up.
Creamier Texture: For a creamier spread, add a tablespoon of coconut oil or vegetable oil while blending.

This homemade chocolate hazelnut spread is not only perfect for your dessert pizza but also works well in other desserts, like this Moist Chocolate Sponge Cake, where it can be used as a filling or topping.

Assembling the Pizza

Now that you have your dough and filling ready, it’s time to assemble your Homemade Sweet Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza Pastry.

Rolling Out the Dough

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet or pizza stone with parchment paper.
Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle or rectangle, depending on your preference. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6mm).
Transfer to Baking Sheet: Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to your prepared baking sheet.

Spreading the Filling

Spread Evenly: Use a spatula to spread the chocolate hazelnut filling evenly over the dough, leaving about 1/2 inch (1.2cm) of space around the edges.
Add Toppings: If you’re adding fruits, nuts, or other toppings, now is the time to do it. Arrange them evenly over the filling.

Creative Presentation Ideas

Patterned Toppings: Arrange sliced strawberries or bananas in a spiral pattern for a visually striking presentation.
Drizzles and Dustings: Drizzle the top with extra melted chocolate or caramel, and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for a professional look.
Shape Variations: Instead of a traditional round pizza, consider shaping your dough into hearts, stars, or other fun designs, especially for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or birthdays.

Pre-Baking Preparations

Egg Wash (Optional): For a golden, shiny crust, brush the edges of the dough with a beaten egg before baking.
Sugar Dusting (Optional): For a sweet, crunchy crust, sprinkle the edges with granulated sugar.

By taking the time to assemble your pizza carefully, you ensure that every bite is a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Baking the Pizza

Baking is where all your hard work comes together, turning your carefully prepared ingredients into a deliciously gooey, sweet, and crispy dessert pizza.

Oven Preparation

Position the Rack: Place your oven rack in the middle position to ensure even baking.
Use a Pizza Stone (Optional): If you have a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps achieve a crispy crust.

Baking Time and Techniques

Baking Time: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the chocolate hazelnut spread is bubbly.
Rotate the Pizza: Halfway through the baking time, rotate the pizza to ensure even cooking.

Checking for Doneness

Crust: The crust should be golden brown and slightly puffed.
Filling: The chocolate hazelnut spread should be bubbly and set but not burnt.

Common Baking Mistakes

Burnt Crust: If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil halfway through the baking process.
Underbaked Dough: If the center of the dough is still raw, bake for an additional 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Once your pizza is perfectly baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to cut and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation is key when serving your Homemade Sweet Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza Pastry. Here are some ideas to make your dessert shine.

Plating Ideas

Classic Slices: Cut the pizza into traditional triangular slices for easy serving.
Finger Food: For a more casual setting, cut the pizza into small squares or rectangles that can be picked up with fingers.
Garnished Plates: Serve each slice on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pairing with Beverages

Coffee: A strong espresso or cappuccino pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the chocolate hazelnut pizza.
Hot Chocolate: For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a cup of creamy hot chocolate.
Dessert Wines: A sweet, late-harvest wine like Moscato or a rich port can enhance the flavors of the dessert.

Side Dishes

Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a light contrast to the rich pizza, balancing the flavors.
Pastry Bites: Serve with other light pastries or cookies for a dessert spread.

Garnishing Tips

Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and a beautiful finish.
Fresh Mint: Add a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and a refreshing note.
Edible Flowers: For a special occasion, garnish with edible flowers like pansies or violets.

These serving suggestions will help you present your dessert pizza in the best possible light, ensuring it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about the Homemade Sweet Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza Pastry is its versatility. Here are some ideas for customizing the recipe to suit different tastes and occasions.

Seasonal Variations

Summer: Use fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a vibrant, fruity topping.
Fall: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg to the chocolate hazelnut spread, and top with thin slices of apple or pear.
Winter: Incorporate warming spices like ginger and clove into the dough, and top with dried cranberries and orange zest.

Holiday-Themed Pizzas

Valentine’s Day: Shape the dough into a heart and top with strawberries and white chocolate drizzle.
Christmas: Add a peppermint twist by incorporating crushed candy canes into the toppings and using a dusting of powdered sugar to mimic snow.
Halloween: Create a spooky theme with dark chocolate spread, orange sprinkles, and marshmallow “ghosts.”

Healthier Versions

Reduced Sugar: Cut back on the sugar in the dough and spread, and use dark chocolate for a less sweet, more intense flavor.
Whole Grain: Substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour in the dough to add fiber and a nutty flavor.
Low-Calorie Toppings: Use fresh fruits and a light dusting of cocoa powder instead of heavy toppings like marshmallows or caramel.

Kid-Friendly Versions

Mini Pizzas: Make individual-sized pizzas for a fun, customizable dessert that kids can decorate themselves.
Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes with the dough, such as stars, animals, or letters.
Colorful Sprinkles: Add rainbow sprinkles or edible glitter to make the dessert more appealing to children.

For more ideas on creating kid-friendly desserts, check out this Pickle Pie Pizza, which shows how to turn unexpected ingredients into a fun and tasty treat.

FAQs

How can I make the dough rise faster?
To speed up the rising process, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can also place it in an oven with just the light on or in a microwave with a cup of hot water next to it.

Can I use a different type of chocolate or nut?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate or white chocolate can be used in place of milk chocolate. Similarly, you can substitute hazelnuts with almonds, pecans, or walnuts.

What’s the best way to store the pizza?
Store leftover pizza in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore the crispy crust.

How can I make this dessert healthier?
To make this dessert healthier, reduce the sugar in the dough, use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, and add more fruit toppings for natural sweetness. You can also use whole wheat or almond flour in the dough for added fiber and nutrients.

What are some kid-friendly topping ideas?
Kids love colorful and fun toppings like rainbow sprinkles, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and gummy candies. Let them get creative and decorate their own mini pizzas!

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Simply punch it down, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before using.

What if I don’t have an oven?
If you don’t have an oven, you can still make this dessert using a stovetop skillet. Preheat the skillet over medium heat, then cook the pizza dough for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Spread the chocolate hazelnut filling and toppings after cooking.

These FAQs cover the most common questions you might have when making your own Homemade Sweet Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza Pastry. If you have more questions, feel free to experiment and find what works best for you!

Conclusion

The Homemade Sweet Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza Pastry is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that combines the joy of baking with the pleasure of eating something truly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this dessert is sure to impress.

By following this detailed guide, you’ll be able to create a dessert pizza that’s perfectly tailored to your tastes, whether you prefer it rich and indulgent, light and fruity, or somewhere in between. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.

So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of heaven. And don’t forget to share your creations and experiences with others who might be inspired to try their hand at making this delightful dessert.

Happy baking!