For many of us, our days are flanked by sweets on either side.  Along with morning tea or coffee, the first food many people put into their body in the morning is something sweet.  Then the last thing many people eat before going to bed, is also a sweet.  I know it definitely gets my kids going in the morning – even though we try to limit the syrup intake.  I saw this recipe in Gourmet a long time ago, and it was one that I knew I would get to eventually.  A pancake for dessert – sounds perfect!  I have always wanted to make a pancake in the oven – a big giant one, and this was my chance.  I told the girls that we were going to have a “special dessert” that was like a pancake – and they were so excited they ate up their dinner in record time.  When the crespella came out of the oven, it looked amazing.  I cut it up and drizzeled the Nutella sauce on top – and I just couldn’t wait to dig right in.  It was warm, sweet, tender, delicious – and the Nutella sauce on top was just perfect.  I had seconds, and then thirds…it was fabulous.

The next morning when I woke up – I went right to the refrigerator, and what did I eat?  The leftovers…

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups plus 3 tablespoons whole milk, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread such as Nutella
• Confectioners sugar

Preparation

Put a 12-inch ovenproof heavy skillet in middle of oven and preheat oven to 450°F.

Whisk together flour, eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt, and 1 1/2 cups milk in a bowl.

Add butter to skillet and heat in oven until golden, about 1 minute. Pour batter into skillet and bake until puffed, set, and golden, 20 to 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together Nutella and remaining 3 tablespoons milk until smooth. Thin sauce with additional milk if necessary.

Cool pancake in skillet on a rack 5 minutes (it will sink). Dust with confectioners sugar and drizzle with sauce.

For a printer-friendly version of this recipe, click here:  Oven Crespella with Nutella Sauce