Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza with Strawberries and Bananas: A Sweet Slice of Happiness

Are you ready to take your dessert game to the next level? Forget the usual suspects like cake and cookies; we’re diving headfirst into a world of chocolatey, fruity, and utterly irresistible goodness with this Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza recipe. Imagine a warm, crispy crust slathered with a creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, topped with sweet strawberries and ripe bananas. This isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience.

This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity, a show-stopping dessert for a party, or simply a sweet treat to brighten your day, this Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza is the answer.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** Don’t be intimidated! This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to swap out the fruits, add nuts, or experiment with different spreads.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves pizza, and everyone loves chocolate and fruit. It’s a winning combination.
* **Unique and Fun:** It’s not your everyday dessert, making it a memorable treat.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** From casual weeknight desserts to special celebrations, this pizza fits the bill.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza:

**For the Pizza Dough:**

* **1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F):** The right temperature is crucial for activating the yeast.
* **2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast:** This is what makes the dough rise and become light and airy.
* **1 teaspoon granulated sugar:** The sugar feeds the yeast and helps it activate.
* **2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting:** All-purpose flour works perfectly for a slightly chewy crust.
* **1 teaspoon salt:** Salt enhances the flavor of the dough and controls the yeast.
* **2 tablespoons olive oil:** Olive oil adds flavor and helps create a tender crust.

**For the Toppings:**

* **1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella):** The star of the show! Use your favorite brand.
* **1 cup sliced strawberries:** Fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness and a touch of acidity.
* **1 cup sliced bananas:** Ripe bananas provide a creamy texture and sweetness that complements the chocolate and strawberries.
* **Optional: Chopped hazelnuts, powdered sugar, chocolate shavings:** For extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large mixing bowl:** For mixing the dough ingredients.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Baking sheet or pizza stone:** To bake the pizza.
* **Rolling pin:** To roll out the dough.
* **Pizza cutter or knife:** To slice the pizza.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get started! Follow these simple steps to create your own Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza.

**1. Prepare the Pizza Dough:**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. This indicates that the yeast is active and ready to go.
* Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
* Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This rising process is crucial for developing the flavor and texture of the crust.

**2. Preheat the Oven:**

* Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. This will ensure that the stone is hot and ready to create a crispy crust.

**3. Roll Out the Dough:**

* Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air.
* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 12-14 inch circle or any shape you prefer. You can make it thin or thick, depending on your preference.
* Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.

**4. Add the Toppings:**

* Spread the chocolate hazelnut spread evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge.
* Arrange the sliced strawberries and bananas on top of the chocolate hazelnut spread. Be creative with your arrangement!
* If desired, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or chocolate shavings over the fruit.

**5. Bake the Pizza:**

* Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are heated through.

**6. Cool and Serve:**

* Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
* Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
* Slice and serve immediately. Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free pizza dough recipe or store-bought gluten-free pizza crust.
* **Add Different Fruits:** Try adding blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, or peaches.
* **Use Different Spreads:** Experiment with white chocolate spread, almond butter, or peanut butter.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top.
* **Make Mini Pizzas:** Use smaller balls of dough to create individual pizzas.
* **Grill the Pizza:** For a smoky flavor, grill the pizza dough over medium heat before adding the toppings.
* **Add Marshmallows:** Sprinkle mini marshmallows on top before baking for a gooey treat.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use vegan chocolate hazelnut spread and vegan pizza dough.
* **Add a Drizzle:** Drizzle melted white chocolate or caramel sauce over the finished pizza.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of chili flakes to the chocolate hazelnut spread for a subtle kick.

## Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

* **Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream:** The cold ice cream complements the warm pizza perfectly.
* **Pair it with a glass of milk or hot chocolate:** A classic combination that’s always a winner.
* **Enjoy it as part of a dessert buffet:** Add it to a spread of other sweet treats for a truly decadent experience.
* **Cut it into smaller pieces for a party appetizer:** It’s a fun and unexpected addition to any gathering.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Prepare the dough in advance:** You can make the pizza dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling it out.
* **Slice the fruit ahead of time:** Slice the strawberries and bananas a few hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

## Storage Instructions

* **Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.**
* **Reheat the pizza in the oven or microwave.**

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* **Calories:** Approximately 300-400 per slice
* **Fat:** 15-20g per slice
* **Carbohydrates:** 40-50g per slice
* **Protein:** 5-7g per slice

## Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza Recipe Card

**Yields:** 8 slices
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Rise time:** 1-1.5 hours
**Cook time:** 12-15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Pizza Dough:**
* 1 cup (240ml) warm water (105-115°F)
* 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
* 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
* 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

* **For the Toppings:**
* 1/2 cup chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
* 1 cup sliced strawberries
* 1 cup sliced bananas
* Optional: Chopped hazelnuts, powdered sugar, chocolate shavings

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pizza Dough:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, or until the yeast is foamy. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
2. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats.
3. **Roll Out the Dough:** Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a 12-14 inch circle or any shape you prefer. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
4. **Add the Toppings:** Spread the chocolate hazelnut spread evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edge. Arrange the sliced strawberries and bananas on top of the chocolate hazelnut spread. If desired, sprinkle chopped hazelnuts or chocolate shavings over the fruit.
5. **Bake the Pizza:** Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the toppings are heated through.
6. **Cool and Serve:** Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired. Slice and serve immediately.

## Conclusion

This Chocolate Hazelnut Pizza with Strawberries and Bananas is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a sweet slice of happiness! Bon appétit!