Nutella Canelés

Crispy, custardy, and unapologetically indulgent — this Nutella canelé recipe is what happens when French tradition meets your chocolate-hazelnut obsession. The classic caramelised shell stays true to its Bordeaux roots, but the inside is where things get deliciously rebellious. Silky custard infused with Nutella turns every bite into a gooey dream, with just enough bite to keep you coming back for more.

This isn’t your average sweet treat. It’s for the bakers who like their desserts rich, their copper molds hot, and their cravings satisfied with flair. Whether you’re serving them at brunch, dinner, or hoarding them for yourself (we don’t judge), these Nutella canelés are guaranteed to steal the show.

Ingredients

500ml whole milk
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
50g unsalted butter
200g granulated sugar
100g all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
30ml dark rum
Pinch of salt
100 g Nutella (plus extra for filling, optional)

Let's Get Baking: Step-by-Step

  1. Warm the base — In a saucepan, heat the milk, butter, and split vanilla bean (scraping in the seeds) until just before boiling. Remove from heat and let it infuse while cooling slightly.
  2. Mix the dry team — In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  3. Add the eggs — Whisk in the whole eggs and egg yolks until smooth.
  4. Bring it all together — Slowly pour in the warm milk mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once smooth, fold in the Nutella and rum until fully combined.
  5. Rest, always rest — Cover the batter and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Yes, 24. This is not negotiable—your canelés deserve patience.
  6. Preheat like a pro — Preheat your oven to 220°C (fan off). Place your copper molds in the oven for 5 minutes to heat.
  7. Pour and bake — Remove the molds, coat with a thin layer of butter if desired, and fill them almost to the top with batter. Bake at 220°C for 15 minutes, then reduce to 180°C and continue baking for another 45–55 minutes. You’re chasing that deep, dark caramelised crust.
  8. Cool it — Remove from the oven and let them sit for 5 minutes before unmolding. Place on a wire rack to cool completely. The insides will settle into a dreamy custard texture.

Pro Tips for Canelé Perfection

1. Once cooled, use a piping bag to inject a tiny core of Nutella into each canelé. It’s not traditional, but neither is your sweet tooth.

2. These caneles are best enjoyed the same day—but they’ll keep in an airtight container for 2 days. Re-crisp in the oven at 180°C for 5–10 minutes if needed.

3. Let the batter rest for a full 24 to 48 hours. The longer the rest, the deeper the flavour and the better the crust-to-custard contrast.

4. Use a digital oven thermometer. Canelés are picky about heat—an accurate oven means fewer disappointments and more caramelised perfection.

5. Never neglect to lightly grease the copper molds with melted butter before pouring in the batter. It helps with that signature dark shell and makes unmoulding smoother.