Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe

ByJulia
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 41 reviews

If you’ve been hunting for a dessert that’s both show-stopping and utterly delicious, you’re going to love this Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe. Creamy, rich, and with just that perfect balance of chocolatey indulgence and silky custard, it’s honestly one of the most delightful treats I’ve made for any special occasion—especially Valentine’s Day. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so your flan turns out flawless and absolutely irresistible.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Smooth & Creamy Texture: The sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk create a custard that’s silky and perfectly set without any graininess.
  • Rich Nutella Flavor: Incorporating Nutella and dark chocolate infuses the flan with deep, luscious chocolate notes that feel indulgent but not overpowering.
  • Simple Baking Technique: Using a water bath ensures gentle, even cooking, which helps prevent cracks and keeps the flan smooth.
  • Elegant Presentation: Topped with fresh berries and mint, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for impressing guests or a loved one.
Nutella Chocolate Flan, Chocolate Flan Recipe, Easy Nutella Dessert, Creamy Chocolate Custard, Valentine’s Day Dessert - The image shows three white plates each with a heart-shaped chocolate dessert that has a shiny, smooth surface. On top of each dessert are two small strawberry pieces shaped like hearts. Beside each dessert on the plate, there is a small pile of mixed fresh berries including raspberries, blueberries, and pomegranate seeds, along with bright green mint leaves. The plates are placed on a wooden surface. Some raspberries and mint leaves are scattered around the plates for decoration. The overall look is clean and inviting with a mix of dark chocolate brown, red, blue, and green colors contrasting on the white plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe plays a key role in building that perfect texture and flavor. Plus, I’ll share tips on picking the right ones to elevate your dessert.

Nutella Chocolate Flan, Chocolate Flan Recipe, Easy Nutella Dessert, Creamy Chocolate Custard, Valentine’s Day Dessert - Flat lay of four whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl filled with smooth Nutella chocolate spread, a small white bowl of thick sweetened condensed milk, a small white bowl of creamy evaporated milk, a small white bowl of dark melted chocolate, a few fresh ripe strawberries with green leaves, a small cluster of plump blueberries, a handful of glistening pomegranate arils, and a few sprigs of fresh bright green mint leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and dishes, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Eggs: They’re the backbone of any flan, giving it structure and that custardy firmness without being rubbery.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and a luscious, creamy consistency that balances the bitterness of dark chocolate.
  • Evaporated Milk (or milk of choice): Thins out the condensed milk slightly and helps create that smooth, rich custard texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a splash lifts the chocolate flavors and adds warmth to the overall taste.
  • Nutella: This is the star for flavor—adding hazelnut-chocolate richness that makes this flan unique and addictive.
  • Dark Chocolate: Melting it with Nutella deepens the chocolate flavor and improves the flan’s silky mouthfeel.
  • Fresh Berries & Mint Leaves: They bring brightness and freshness, cutting through the richness and creating a pretty, fresh garnish.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love most about this Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want it less sweet or allergy-friendly, there’s always a way to adapt it without losing the magic.

  • Variation: I once swapped evaporated milk for oat milk to make a dairy-free version that still tasted velvety and creamy—totally worth trying if you’re avoiding dairy.
  • Nutella Intensity: Sometimes I add an extra tablespoon of Nutella for those days when I crave a chocolate hazelnut explosion.
  • Decor Twist: If you’re not into fresh berries, try toasted nuts or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a subtle savory contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe

Step 1: Melting the Magic

Start by warming the milk gently in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add Nutella and chunks of dark chocolate. Stir continuously until everything melts together into a smooth, glossy chocolate milk mixture. Trust me, taking your time here pays off—it ensures no lumps and that rich chocolate flavor is perfectly blended.

Step 2: Smooth Blending

Pour that warm chocolate mixture into a blender and pulse for about 10 seconds. This step might seem small, but it really smooths out any leftover clumps and makes the custard silkier when baked. Don’t skip this—it’s a secret I learned after my first not-so-smooth flan experience!

Step 3: Mixing the Custard

In a large bowl, whisk your eggs until light and foamy. Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk, your chocolate milk blend, and vanilla essence until the whole mixture is smooth and harmonious. This is the heart of your flan, so make sure everything is well combined but don’t overbeat—too much air means bubbles in your custard later.

Step 4: Baking with a Water Bath

Divide your custard into individual ramekins or molds. Place these in a square baking dish, then pour boiling water around them to cover about an inch of the sides. This water bath cooks the flan gently and evenly, preventing cracks or curdling. Bake at 325°F for 30 to 45 minutes—start checking around 30 by inserting a knife; it should come out clean but with a slight wobble.

Step 5: Cooling and Unmolding

Once baked, remove your flans from the water bath and let them cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least an hour or two. When you’re ready to serve, follow my foolproof unmolding trick—let the flan sit at room temp for 10 minutes, dip the mold quickly in hot water, tap until you hear that satisfying seal break, then invert onto a plate. This step makes all the difference to get a perfect, intact flan every time.

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Pro Tips for Making Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe

  • Low and Slow Baking: Don’t rush your flan in a hotter oven; keeping it at 325°F ensures it sets beautifully without cracking.
  • Water Bath Level: Keep the water level consistent, about 1 inch, so the custard bakes evenly—too little and the top might dry out.
  • Room Temperature Rest: Letting the flan sit out before unmolding helps loosen the edges and makes flipping easier without breaking.
  • Gentle Tapping: That tapping step is key—careful but firm taps create the perfect seal break to release your flan with no cracks.

How to Serve Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe

Nutella Chocolate Flan, Chocolate Flan Recipe, Easy Nutella Dessert, Creamy Chocolate Custard, Valentine’s Day Dessert - A heart-shaped chocolate dessert with a shiny, smooth dark brown surface sits on a white plate with a ridged edge, featuring two heart-shaped red strawberry slices on top. A bite is taken from the left side, showing a rich, creamy inside. Near the dessert on the plate are a few fresh berries including blueberries, a raspberry, and pomegranate seeds, along with green mint leaves. A spoon with a thick piece of the chocolate dessert and some small berries is held above the plate. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this flan with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and pomegranate arils, plus a few bright mint leaves. The berries brighten the rich chocolate, and the mint adds a refreshing pop that makes each bite feel lively and decadent all at once. Sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar for that extra special touch.

Side Dishes

While this Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe really shines on its own, I often serve it alongside a simple espresso or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—because who can resist ice cream and chocolate flan on the same plate? For a brunch twist, pair it with some fresh fruit salad or lightly whipped cream.

Creative Ways to Present

For Valentine’s Day or special occasions, I love using heart-shaped ramekins—makes it super festive and romantic. You could also drizzle a bit of melted Nutella or a raspberry coulis over the top, or even sprinkle edible gold dust for that wow-factor at dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This flan actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen—so I usually cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to unmold it before storing, otherwise it might stick to the mold and lose some of its delicate texture.

Freezing

While flan can be frozen, I don’t recommend it for this Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe because the creamy texture can become slightly grainy post-thaw. If you do freeze, place it in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

When reheating, it’s best to serve this flan chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it warmer, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds—it should be just slightly warmed without melting the custard.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk in this Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe?

    Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but evaporated milk gives the flan a richer, creamier texture. Using regular milk will make the custard a bit lighter, which is fine if you prefer a less dense dessert. Just consider whole milk for more creaminess.

  2. How do I know when the flan is perfectly baked?

    Insert a thin knife or toothpick into the center of the flan; it should come out clean or with just a slight wobbly custard. The edges should be set and not jiggly. Overbaking will cause cracks and a rubbery texture, so check early and often after 30 minutes.

  3. Can I prepare the Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! This flan benefits from chilling at least a couple of hours or overnight. Making it ahead helps the custard set fully and develop deeper flavors, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for parties.

  4. What is the best way to unmold the flan without it breaking?

    Let the flan sit at room temperature for 10 minutes, then dip the mold briefly in hot water. Tap gently to break the seal between the custard and mold, then invert onto a plate while holding firmly. These steps help slide the flan out cleanly without cracks.

Final Thoughts

This Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen and heart—it’s the perfect mix of nostalgia and indulgence every time I serve it. Whether you’re making it for a loved one, a dinner party, or just because you deserve a treat, I’m confident you’ll find the same joy in every smooth, chocolatey bite. So grab your ramekins and Nutella, and give this recipe a whirl—you won’t regret it!

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Nutella Chocolate Flan Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 41 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

Delight your Valentine with this luscious Nutella Chocolate Flan, featuring a creamy custard base infused with Nutella and dark chocolate, baked to perfection in heart-shaped molds and topped with fresh berries and mint for a romantic and indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

Custard Ingredients

  • 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

Toppings

  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Pomegranate arils
  • Fresh mint

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the flan evenly.
  2. Prepare Chocolate Milk: In a medium saucepan, heat the evaporated milk with Nutella and dark chocolate, stirring continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and incorporated into the milk.
  3. Blend Mixture: Pour the chocolate milk into a blender and blend briefly for a few seconds until smooth and well combined.
  4. Mix Custard Base: In a large bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Add the sweetened condensed milk, the blended chocolate milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth and uniform.
  5. Fill Molds: Pour the custard mixture evenly into individual heart-shaped molds or ramekins.
  6. Prepare Water Bath: Place the filled molds in a 2-quart square baking dish. Pour boiling water carefully into the baking dish around the molds to reach a depth of one inch to create a water bath for gentle and even cooking.
  7. Bake Flan: Place the baking dish on the oven rack and bake for 45 minutes or until a knife inserted into the center of the flan comes out clean, indicating the custard is set.
  8. Cool Flan: Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the flans to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
  9. Unmold Flan: Once cooled and set, follow the proper unmolding technique to gently release the flan from the molds without damage.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Top each flan with fresh strawberries, blueberries, pomegranate arils, and mint leaves for a colorful and festive presentation.

Notes

  • Before unmolding, let the flan sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to prevent cracking.
  • Dip the mold in hot (not boiling) water for 5 seconds to loosen the custard edges.
  • Tap the edges gently with your palm until you hear the seal break between the custard and mold.
  • Invert the mold onto a plate and shake firmly up and down to release the flan smoothly.
  • You can substitute evaporated milk with almond milk or other favorite milk alternatives.
  • No need to overbake; check doneness by inserting a knife that should come out clean when flan is set.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

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