Planning a delicious treat for a gathering or simply craving something sweet? Look no further than Nutella Fudge Hearts! These little bites of heaven are everything you want in a dessert: rich, chocolatey, and oh-so-decadent. They nestle perfectly in their heart-shaped form, made even sweeter by the luscious Nutella that brings a familiar warmth and comfort. You’ll find that each bite melts in your mouth, offering a blend of creamy chocolate with the unmistakable nuttiness of hazelnuts.

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When I first made Nutella Fudge Hearts, I was on a quest to find a crowd-pleasing dessert that wouldn’t take all day in the kitchen. The ease of this recipe caught my attention immediately; it’s quick and requires just a handful of basic ingredients. I was pleasantly surprised by how simple it was to bring such rich flavors together! They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a special day or just indulging on a cozy afternoon at home. I can’t wait for you to create them and share the joy they bring!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Nutella Fudge Hearts
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Nutella Fudge Hearts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes of prep, with minimal cooking time required!
Irresistible Flavor: Silky chocolate texture combined with chocolatey hazelnut goodness to savor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Adorable heart shapes that make impressive gifts or festive additions to any dessert table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, gift-giving, or a midday snack when your sweet tooth calls.
Diet-Friendly Options: With a few tweaks, easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

½ cup hazelnuts (60 grams): Toasting enhances their aromatic flavor. You can substitute walnuts if needed.
14 ounce can condensed milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess. Sweetened condensed coconut milk works as a dairy-free alternative.
2 teaspoons vanilla: Pure vanilla extract brings out the chocolate’s flavor. Always choose pure for the best taste!
8 ounces semisweet chocolate (225 grams): This chocolate provides a deep, rich base. For a sweeter fudge, you could use milk chocolate instead.
1 cup Nutella: The star of this dessert! It gives it that indulgent, fudgy quality we all adore.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (45 grams): Helps achieve that smooth texture along with taste. Stick with unsalted for precise control over flavor.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Just a hint to enhance sweetness. You can adjust according to your preference.

How to Make Nutella Fudge Hearts

Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch square pan with foil, leaving enough overhang to lift the fudge out later. Spray the foil with a non-stick baking release to ensure the fudge doesn’t stick.
Toast the Hazelnuts: Spread the hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 7 to 10 minutes until they turn golden brown and fragrant. This step intensifies their natural flavor. Check on them frequently to prevent burning!
Melt the Ingredients: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the condensed milk, Nutella, unsalted butter, and semisweet chocolate. Microwave for about 3 minutes on half power to slowly melt everything together. You can also melt them in a bowl over simmering water, stirring gently until fully combined.
Mix & Add Salt: Stir all the ingredients together until completely smooth and uniform. If you like, sprinkle in a teaspoon of sea salt for flavor. The salt will balance the sweetness beautifully.
Pour & Set: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. If you’re using sea salt, sprinkle it over the surface now.
Chill the Fudge: Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and let it chill for several hours until it firms up completely. Patience here is key; this step ensures the fudge reaches the perfect texture.
Cut the Hearts: Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the overhanging foil and place it on your counter. Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to press out the fudge hearts. Don’t forget to push them out carefully from the top!
Store and Enjoy: Place the cut hearts in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You’ll also want to enjoy those leftover scraps around the cutter — they’re too good to waste!

Storing & Reheating

For optimal freshness, store Nutella Fudge Hearts in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, they’ll last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. These little treats also freeze beautifully for up to three months. Just make sure to layer between parchment paper in an airtight container. If you want to enjoy them again, simply let them sit at room temperature until soft or give them a gentle quick nuke in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Remember, the fudge may slightly change in texture once frozen, but a quick reheat will refresh the flavor nicely!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure that the hazelnuts are toasted properly; they should be fragrant and golden brown for the best flavor.
Be cautious when melting chocolate; overheating can cause it to seize. Melting it slowly helps prevent this.
For an extra fancy touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the set fudge before cutting it into hearts.
If you’re cutting out hearts, try using different sizes or shapes for a fun variety!
Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts on top for added texture and visual appeal.

The luscious Nutella Fudge Hearts are such a treat that they might just become your new go-to indulgence! With their rich chocolate flavor and satisfying texture, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying by yourself (we won’t judge!). As you experiment with this recipe, you might find unique variations to make it your own. Whether you’re baking these for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, I hope you enjoy every bite!

Recipe FAQs

How should I store Nutella Fudge Hearts?

Nutella Fudge Hearts should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer to keep them longer, refrigerate for two weeks, or freeze them for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Can I use different types of chocolate for this recipe?

Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate gives the best balance of sweetness and richness, you can also try using dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter bite. Just remember to adjust your sugar levels if desired.

What can I do if my fudge is too soft?

If your fudge isn’t setting up properly, try returning it to the refrigerator for a bit longer. If it’s still too soft after chilling, you can add a touch more melted chocolate to help it firm up.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can easily make Nutella Fudge Hearts vegan by substituting the butter with a dairy-free alternative and using a plant-based chocolate. Additionally, ensure you choose a vegan-friendly Nutella or a comparable nut spread!

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Nutella Fudge Hearts

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Author: Krista
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 135 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 25 servings 1x
Category: Brownies and Bars
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy delicious Nutella Fudge Hearts that are rich, creamy, and easy to make. This simple recipe combines the goodness of hazelnuts and chocolate, perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup hazelnuts (60 grams)
14 ounce can condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
8 ounces semisweet chocolate (225 grams)
1 cup nutella
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (45 grams)
1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch square pan with foil, ensuring the foil overhangs the sides of the pan. Spray the pan with non-stick baking release.
Spread the hazelnuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast for 7 to 10 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. For easy skin removal, refer to the post on Hazelnut Gianduja Cake.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the hazelnuts, condensed milk, vanilla, semisweet chocolate, Nutella, and unsalted butter. Microwave for about 3 minutes on half power until melted.
Alternatively, melt the mixture by setting the bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally.
Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth out the top. Sprinkle with sea salt, if desired.
Chill in the refrigerator for several hours to set and firm up.
Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the overhanging foil. Turn the foil down to lay flat on the table.
Cut out heart shapes using a cutter, pushing them out from the top.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Enjoy the tasty scraps around the cutter!

Notes

For a richer flavor, try using dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate.
Ensure the fudge is fully chilled before cutting for best results.
These fudge hearts make a delightful homemade gift or party treat.