Nutella Tim Hortons Menu Magic: Recipes to Recreate Your Favorite Treats at Home
Tim Hortons, the iconic Canadian coffee and baked goods chain, holds a special place in the hearts of many. And when you combine the comforting familiarity of Tim Hortons with the irresistible hazelnut-chocolatey goodness of Nutella, you get a match made in dessert heaven. While Tim Hortons periodically features Nutella-infused items on their menu, these limited-time offerings often leave us craving more. Luckily, you can recreate some of the most beloved Nutella Tim Hortons-inspired treats right in your own kitchen. This guide will walk you through detailed recipes and instructions, allowing you to enjoy that Nutella Tim Hortons flavor anytime you desire.
## Why Recreate Tim Hortons Nutella Treats at Home?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s consider why making these treats at home is a fantastic idea:
* **Accessibility:** Limited-time offers mean your favorite Nutella item might disappear from the menu. Home baking ensures availability whenever you want it.
* **Customization:** Adjust the sweetness, texture, and ingredients to perfectly suit your taste preferences. Want more Nutella? Go for it! Prefer a different type of chocolate? The choice is yours.
* **Cost-Effective:** Baking at home is often more economical than purchasing individual items from a coffee shop, especially if you’re a frequent consumer.
* **Fun and Engaging:** Baking can be a relaxing and rewarding activity. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends, or simply unwind after a long day.
* **Ingredient Control:** You have complete control over the quality of ingredients used. Choose organic, fair-trade, or locally sourced options to create healthier and more sustainable treats.
## Recipe 1: Nutella Timbit Inspired Mini Donuts
The Timbit, Tim Hortons’ signature bite-sized donut, is a perfect vessel for Nutella’s rich flavor. These mini donuts are easy to make and incredibly addictive.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Donuts:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup milk
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Vegetable oil, for frying
* **For the Nutella Glaze:**
* ½ cup Nutella
* 2 tablespoons milk
* Optional: Chopped hazelnuts, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Dough:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. The batter will be thick.
4. **Heat the Oil:** Pour vegetable oil into a deep pot or Dutch oven to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
5. **Form the Donuts:** There are several ways to form the mini donuts:
* **Piping Bag:** Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe small circles (about 1 inch in diameter) directly into the hot oil.
* **Spoon:** Use two small spoons to drop small balls of batter into the hot oil.
* **Mini Donut Maker:** If you have a mini donut maker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. **Fry the Donuts:** Fry the donuts in batches for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pot.
7. **Remove and Drain:** Use a slotted spoon to remove the donuts from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. **Prepare the Nutella Glaze:** While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the Nutella and milk. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth and melted. Be careful not to overheat the Nutella.
9. **Glaze the Donuts:** Dip each donut into the Nutella glaze, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the glazed donuts back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set.
10. **Garnish (Optional):** Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the glazed donuts for added texture and flavor.
11. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the Nutella-glazed mini donuts warm or at room temperature. They are best enjoyed fresh.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Donut Hole Maker:** If you have a donut hole maker, this recipe works perfectly for it.
* **Cinnamon Sugar Coating:** For a different twist, toss the warm donuts in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing them with Nutella.
* **Chocolate Glaze:** Use a chocolate glaze instead of Nutella for a different flavor profile.
* **Vegan Option:** Substitute the milk with plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk) and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
## Recipe 2: Nutella Iced Capp Inspired Frozen Coffee Drink
The Iced Capp is a Tim Hortons staple, a creamy and refreshing frozen coffee drink. Adding Nutella elevates this classic to a whole new level of indulgence.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups strong brewed coffee, cooled
* ½ cup milk or cream
* 2 tablespoons Nutella
* 2 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2-3 cups ice cubes
* Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
* Chocolate shavings or Nutella drizzle, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Brew and Cool Coffee:** Brew strong coffee and let it cool completely. You can brew it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a blender, combine the cooled coffee, milk or cream, Nutella, sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. **Add Ice:** Add the ice cubes to the blender.
4. **Blend:** Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy. The consistency should be similar to a milkshake.
5. **Adjust Sweetness:** Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed. Add more sugar if desired.
6. **Pour and Serve:** Pour the Nutella Iced Capp into glasses.
7. **Top and Garnish (Optional):** Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a Nutella drizzle for an extra touch of decadence.
8. **Enjoy Immediately:** Serve and enjoy immediately.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Coffee Strength:** Adjust the strength of the coffee to your liking. For a bolder flavor, use espresso.
* **Milk or Cream:** Use milk for a lighter drink and cream for a richer, more decadent drink. You can also use half-and-half.
* **Sweetener:** Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. You can also use other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or artificial sweeteners.
* **Chocolate Syrup:** Add a tablespoon of chocolate syrup for an even more intense chocolate flavor.
* **Frozen Coffee Cubes:** Freeze coffee into ice cube trays for a more concentrated coffee flavor and to prevent the drink from becoming watered down.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Use plant-based milk and whipped cream for a dairy-free version.
## Recipe 3: Nutella Filled Muffins (Inspired by Tim Hortons’ Muffins)
Tim Hortons is known for its variety of muffins. These Nutella-filled muffins bring a surprise element of hazelnut-chocolatey goodness to the center of each bite.
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Muffins:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup milk
* ½ cup vegetable oil
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* **For the Nutella Filling:**
* ½ cup Nutella, chilled
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Nutella Filling:** Place the Nutella in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to chill. This will make it easier to scoop and handle.
2. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the tin well.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
4. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
6. **Fill Muffin Cups:** Fill each muffin cup about halfway with batter.
7. **Add Nutella Filling:** Scoop a teaspoon of chilled Nutella and place it in the center of each muffin cup.
8. **Top with Batter:** Cover the Nutella filling with the remaining batter, filling the muffin cups about ¾ full.
9. **Bake:** Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. **Cool:** Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chilling the Nutella:** Chilling the Nutella is crucial to prevent it from melting and spreading throughout the muffin during baking. You can even freeze small scoops of Nutella for even easier handling.
* **Streusel Topping:** Add a streusel topping (made with flour, butter, and sugar) for extra flavor and texture.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add chocolate chips to the batter for an even more chocolatey treat.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts (like hazelnuts or walnuts) to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the muffins before baking.
* **Different Flavors:** Experiment with different extracts like almond or hazelnut extract to enhance the flavor.
## Recipe 4: Nutella Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast (Tim Hortons Inspired Breakfast Treat)
While not a direct menu item, this recipe takes inspiration from Tim Hortons’ breakfast offerings and elevates it with a Nutella twist. The combination of creamy Nutella cream cheese filling and crispy French toast is simply irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 slices of bread (challah, brioche, or Texas toast work best)
* **For the Nutella Cream Cheese Filling:**
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* ¼ cup Nutella
* 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
* **For the Egg Mixture:**
* 2 large eggs
* ½ cup milk or cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
* Pinch of salt
* **For Cooking:**
* 2 tablespoons butter
* **For Topping (Optional):**
* Maple syrup
* Powdered sugar
* Fresh berries
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Nutella Cream Cheese Filling:** In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the Nutella and powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
2. **Assemble the French Toast Sandwiches:** Spread a generous layer of the Nutella cream cheese filling onto four slices of bread. Top with the remaining four slices of bread to create sandwiches.
3. **Prepare the Egg Mixture:** In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
4. **Dip the Sandwiches:** Dip each French toast sandwich into the egg mixture, ensuring both sides are well coated. Let the excess egg mixture drip off.
5. **Cook the French Toast:** Melt the butter in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the French toast sandwiches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to burn them.
6. **Serve:** Serve the Nutella cream cheese stuffed French toast immediately.
7. **Top (Optional):** Top with maple syrup, powdered sugar, and fresh berries, if desired.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Bread Choice:** Use a thick, sturdy bread like challah, brioche, or Texas toast to prevent the sandwiches from becoming soggy.
* **Cream Cheese:** Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
* **Cinnamon:** Adjust the amount of cinnamon to your liking.
* **Pan Prep:** Ensure your pan or griddle is properly heated before adding the French toast to achieve a golden-brown crust.
* **Overnight Soak:** For an even more decadent French toast, soak the sandwiches in the egg mixture overnight in the refrigerator.
## Final Thoughts: Bringing the Nutella Tim Hortons Experience Home
Recreating your favorite Nutella Tim Hortons treats at home is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. These recipes offer a starting point for your culinary adventures. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients, flavors, and techniques to create your own unique versions. Whether you’re craving a Nutella Timbit, a refreshing Nutella Iced Capp, or a comforting Nutella-filled muffin, these recipes will help you satisfy your sweet tooth and bring the magic of Tim Hortons into your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake some Nutella-infused deliciousness! Enjoy!