Nutella Napoleon

Nutella Napoleon is a dreamy, decadent dessert made with layers of crisp, golden puff pastry and rich, creamy Nutella. A twist on the classic French mille-feuille, this simplified version swaps traditional pastry cream for the beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread. It’s elegant enough to impress guests, yet easy enough to whip up anytime you’re craving a show-stopping sweet treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutella Napoleon combines everything you love—flaky pastry, smooth Nutella, and a touch of sweetness—in an irresistibly simple dessert. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a bakery-worthy dessert with zero stress. It’s versatile, make-ahead friendly, and totally customizable with fruit, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Puff pastry sheets, thawed
• Nutella (or any chocolate-hazelnut spread)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Optional: whipped cream, strawberries, bananas, or crushed hazelnuts

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry slightly and cut into rectangles or squares of equal size.
3. Place on the baking sheet and prick each piece with a fork to prevent excessive puffing.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Let cool completely.
5. Once cooled, spread Nutella over one piece of pastry, layer another on top, and repeat if doing a 3-layer stack.
6. Dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with optional toppings like whipped cream or berries.
7. Serve immediately or refrigerate briefly to firm up before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4–6 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Fruit-filled: Add sliced strawberries or bananas between layers.
• Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or almonds between layers.
• Whipped cream: Add a layer of sweetened whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Mini Napoleons: Cut smaller rectangles for bite-sized desserts.
• Espresso twist: Add a touch of espresso powder to the Nutella for a mocha flavor.

storage/reheating

Nutella Napoleons are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store assembled pastries in the fridge for up to 1 day.

To store components separately, keep baked pastry layers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Assemble just before serving to maintain crispness. Avoid microwaving.

FAQs

What is a Napoleon?

A Napoleon (or mille-feuille) is a layered French dessert traditionally made with puff pastry and pastry cream or custard.

Can I use store-bought puff pastry?

Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly and saves lots of time.

Can I make this ahead?

You can bake the pastry in advance and assemble just before serving for best texture.

Does Nutella need to be warmed?

If it’s too thick to spread, gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds to loosen.

Can I add fruit?

Yes! Sliced strawberries, bananas, or raspberries pair wonderfully with Nutella.

Can I freeze Nutella Napoleons?

It’s best not to freeze assembled Napoleons, as the texture will suffer. You can freeze baked pastry separately.

What kind of puff pastry should I use?

Use an all-butter puff pastry for the flakiest, most flavorful result.

How do I keep the pastry from puffing too much?

Prick the dough all over with a fork before baking, or place another sheet pan on top while baking.

Can I make it a round shape?

Yes, you can cut puff pastry into circles or any shape you like before baking.

What can I serve with it?

Serve with espresso, coffee, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra richness.

Conclusion

Nutella Napoleon is a dessert that delivers both elegance and ease. With flaky puff pastry and the rich, creamy goodness of Nutella, each bite is layered with indulgent flavor and crisp texture. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, this simple twist on a French classic is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

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