Save Pin
Whenever I want something fun for friends that feels fancy but not too heavy, I whip this up. It’s crispy sourdough, cozy Nutella, juicy strawberries, and crunchy walnuts all stacked up. You get a hit of toast, sweetness, and dessert vibes in every bite—like a summertime treat, but easy to share.
Made this once for a Mother’s Day brunch, and folks wanted the how-to before I could offer seconds. Always cracks me up how these few basics make such a big splash.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Chopped walnuts: Give these a quick toast so you get that warm, nutty crunch. Fresh ones make all the difference!
- Diced strawberries: Go for ripe, fragrant berries—makes every bite pop.
- Nutella hazelnut spread: The creamy, chocolate part that sets off the whole thing.
- Cream cheese: Pull it out of the fridge so it softens up—this makes spreading a breeze and the mix extra smooth.
- Unsalted butter: Melt for slathering over your bread before it hits the oven. Adds awesome richness.
- Sourdough bread: Pick a nice, chewy loaf with a thick crust. That’s your foundation—holds it all together.
Easy Step List
- Finish with Walnuts:
- Top each toast with a handful of toasted walnuts. Press gently so they stick and dig in while it's fresh.
- Assemble the Bruschetta:
- Generously spread the creamy chocolate filling onto cooled sourdough. Load up with piles of chopped strawberries for a burst of flavor.
- Mix the Creamy Nutella Spread:
- Beat up room-temp cream cheese with Nutella in a bowl until it’s fully mixed and smooth—use a spatula or mixer.
- Prep and Toast the Bread:
- Slather the top of your bread slices with melted butter, pop them (buttered side up) on a lined sheet pan, and toast at 400 F until they’re nice and golden, about five minutes. Let cool all the way before anything goes on top.
Save Pin
Every time I make this, I laugh because my dad can’t get enough of the chocolate-strawberry combo. He always teases he’ll show up with his own toast and berries if I ever skip making it.
How to Store
This sweet toast tastes best right after it’s stacked up, but you can get ahead. Toast the bread a few hours early, let it hang out at room temp. Whip the cream cheese and Nutella and keep that mix in the fridge, sealed up. Only slice strawberries when you’re almost ready to serve for max juiciness. Don’t make extras—leftovers go soggy pretty quick.
Switch-Ups
No walnuts on hand? Pecans work, or leave them off for nut allergies. For a richer vibe, swap in mascarpone for cream cheese. Need gluten free? Toast up your favorite gluten free bread instead.
Save Pin
How to Serve
Show these off on a big platter for brunch or fancy evenings. Drizzle a little honey over the top for extra sweetness. Sprinkle on mint for a fresh kick, or scoop vanilla gelato alongside for the ultimate treat.
Background Scoop
Classic bruschetta is an Italian starter—salty, olive oil bread with toppings. Here, you keep the same toasted bread trick, but flip it sweet. It’s like Italian meets American dessert, fun and totally up for sharing.
Common Questions
- → Can I use another bread besides sourdough?
Absolutely. Feel free to swap in baguette, Italian bread, or any sturdy loaf you like. Just pick something that crisps up and won’t fall apart when loaded with toppings.
- → Is it possible to make ahead for a party?
Totally! Toast your bread and whip up the Nutella cream cheese mixture beforehand. Right before serving, add the strawberries and nuts, so everything stays fresh and delicious.
- → What can I use instead of walnuts?
Try hazelnuts, toasted pecans, or sliced almonds for crunch. If nuts are a no-go, roasted seeds taste great too and give you texture.
- → Should the cream cheese be at room temperature?
Yeah, letting cream cheese soften makes it blend right in with the Nutella. It’s way easier to spread and won’t rip the bread.
- → Can I add other toppings?
For sure! Add fresh mint, a bit of honey, or even a sprinkle of flaky salt to make your toasts extra special.