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If you want to wow your friends this weekend, try a light but totally satisfying treat like Strawberry Dessert Bruschetta. It’s got crispy sourdough, toasted walnuts, juicy strawberries, and a dreamy layer of Nutella all together. Familiar flavors, but spun into something fresh and fun for any gathering.
I brought this out for a Mother’s Day brunch and the crowd wouldn’t stop asking about it—not even before they grabbed another piece. I’m always surprised how this handful of things turns into such a memorable treat!
Lush Ingredients
- Chopped walnuts: For best flavor, toast these first. They'll bring crunch and a cozy, nutty bite. Grab some fresh ones if you can.
- Diced strawberries: Hunt for sweet and super fragrant berries to keep each bite extra lively.
- Nutella hazelnut spread: The creamy, chocolate-hazelnut stuff that makes everything tastier. This takes center stage in the flavor department.
- Cream cheese: Let it warm up to room temp so it spreads easy and blends up silky-smooth.
- Unsalted butter: Melt and brush it over the bread for golden edges and more depth.
- Sourdough bread: Thick, chewy slices work best and won’t fall apart under toppings.
Dreamy Directions
- Add the Crunch:
- Sprinkle those toasted, chopped walnuts over the top last, pressing them in lightly so they don’t roll off. That mix of nutty with sweet cream gets people talking. Serve right away for the ultimate crunch and creamy combo.
- Get It All Together:
- Swipe your Nutella and cream cheese blend generously over completely cool sourdough pieces. Then heap on big spoonfuls of fresh diced strawberries for a hit of sweet juiciness.
- Whip Up the Nutella Blend:
- Grab a bowl and mix softened cream cheese with Nutella. Beat them together till everything’s totally blended and it looks fluffy with no streaks. You don’t have to use a mixer—a good spatula does the trick too.
- Toast Your Bread:
- After brushing just the tops of your bread slices with melted butter, line them up on a baking sheet (use parchment if you’ve got it) and toast for five minutes at 400°F until golden. Let these cool all the way before adding any toppings.
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This easy dessert always reminds me how much my dad loves chocolate with strawberries. He jokes if I ever quit making it, he’ll just start bringing his own berries and bread along!
How to Keep It Fresh
This one’s best put together right before serving for max crunch. You can toast bread hours ahead and let it hang at room temp. Go ahead and mix up the filling; store covered in the fridge. Wait on cutting strawberries till the last minute to keep them at their juiciest. Try not to assemble extra—it won’t hold up well after a while.
Smart Swap Ideas
If nuts are a no-go, just skip them or swap with pecans. Want more richness? Mascarpone makes a great switch for cream cheese. Need gluten free? Grab a sturdy gluten-free loaf and toast as usual.
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How to Serve
Arrange on a platter for a showy brunch centerpiece or as a standout for evening hangs. Want a little flare? Drizzle with honey or scatter over some fresh mint leaves. Take it next-level by adding a scoop of vanilla gelato alongside.
Tasty Origin Story
Classic bruschetta is usually a savory snack from Italy—think bread, olive oil, and toppings. Here, we flip it on its head for a dessert style. It connects old-school Italian basics with American-style comfort desserts using the same straightforward prep.
Common Questions
- → Can I use another bread besides sourdough?
If you’re out of sourdough, try a crusty baguette or some hearty Italian bread. Anything sturdy enough to toast and stack with toppings will work.
- → Is it possible to make ahead for a party?
You can mix the Nutella and cream cheese and also toast your bread before guests arrive. Just add the fruit and nuts at the last minute so everything stays fresh.
- → What can I use instead of walnuts?
Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts all taste great here. If you need nut-free, toasted seeds will still add a little crunch.
- → Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Definitely. Letting the cream cheese soften means it’ll blend with Nutella way easier, and it spreads on the toast without ripping it up.
- → Can I add other toppings?
Sure! Try tossing on some fresh mint, a squeeze of honey, or even a pinch of sea salt for something a little different.