This Nutella Ice Cream is a decadent summertime indulgence that will satisfy all your chocolate hazelnut cravings! No fancy equipment needed – I’ll show you how to make this dreamy dessert with just a few simple ingredients in your own kitchen!
Nutella is already divine straight from the jar, but transform it into ice cream and you’ll experience pure bliss! Take your dessert game even higher by serving it in homemade waffle cones or sandwiched between soft chocolate chip cookies for an unforgettable treat.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect
This Nutella Ice Cream recipe has been tested and perfected to deliver the ultimate chocolate-hazelnut experience. The combination of rich heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and that iconic Nutella flavor creates a velvety smooth dessert that’s impossible to resist. Best of all, this no-churn method means anyone can make it – no special equipment required!
What Makes This Nutella Ice Cream Special?
There are countless ice cream recipes out there, but this Nutella version stands apart for several reasons:
- Simplicity: Just 5 ingredients and a few easy steps
- No special equipment: No ice cream machine needed
- Rich flavor profile: The perfect balance of chocolate and hazelnut
- Creamy texture: Maintains its smoothness even after freezing
- Versatility: Delicious on its own or paired with other desserts
Ingredients You’ll Need
This heavenly Nutella Ice Cream requires just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- ¾ cup Nutella, divided
- 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
The Perfect Method: Whipped Cream Technique
While you could simply mix all ingredients together, the secret to achieving that light, creamy texture lies in how you prepare the mixture. By whipping the cream first, you’ll incorporate air that gives the ice cream its perfect consistency.
Why This Method Works Best:
The whipped cream method creates the ideal texture – light yet rich, creamy yet scoopable. Here’s why it’s superior:
- Perfect aeration: Whipping the cream creates tiny air pockets for a lighter texture
- Balanced sweetness: The whipped volume helps balance the sweetness
- Easy scoopability: Creates an ice cream that doesn’t become rock-hard in the freezer
- Professional results: Yields an ice cream that rivals store-bought versions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Whipped Cream Base
Start by pouring your cold heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment (or hand mixer with beaters), beat the cream on medium speed until medium peaks form. This is the foundation of your ice cream’s texture, so don’t skip this crucial step!
2. Prepare the Nutella Mixture
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm ½ cup of Nutella for 30-60 seconds in 30-second increments. The Nutella should become smooth and pourable. This warming step is essential for easier mixing. Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
3. Combine and Create
Gently pour the Nutella mixture into the whipped cream. Mix on low speed just until combined – overmixing will deflate your beautiful whipped cream and result in dense ice cream. The mixture should look light, fluffy and chocolatey, similar to a mousse.
4. Layer and Swirl
For that professional touch, create beautiful Nutella swirls throughout your ice cream. Spoon half of your ice cream mixture into a freezer-proof container, then drizzle some of the remaining melted Nutella on top. Add the rest of the ice cream mixture and finish with another Nutella swirl. Use a knife to create gentle swirls throughout.
5. Freeze to Perfection
Place your container in the freezer for 1-2 hours to begin setting, then cover completely with plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. Allow the ice cream to freeze for at least 8 hours, but preferably overnight for the best texture.
Serving and Storage Tips
For the perfect scoop, remove your Nutella Ice Cream from the freezer about 5 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Use a warm ice cream scoop for picture-perfect servings that will impress everyone at your table.
Store your homemade creation in an airtight, freezer-proof container for up to 2 months – though it rarely lasts that long!
Expert Tips for Success
- Cold is crucial: Make sure your heavy cream is thoroughly chilled before whipping
- Proper peaks: Whip the cream to medium peaks – not too soft, not too stiff
- Warm the Nutella: Heating the spread makes it mix more easily with other ingredients
- Don’t rush the freeze: Allow plenty of time for your ice cream to set completely
- Quality matters: Use the best ingredients you can find for superior flavor
Delicious Variations to Try
While this classic Nutella Ice Cream is perfect on its own, here are some exciting ways to customize it:
Nutella Ice Cream with Machine
If you do have an ice cream machine, you can adapt this recipe. Melt ¾ cup Nutella in the microwave for 30 seconds. Mix 1¼ cups heavy cream with the Nutella and heat again for 60 seconds. Stir well to combine. Whisk in ½ cup granulated sugar, 1½ cups milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Chill the base for 3-4 hours, then follow your ice cream maker’s instructions.
Mix-In Ideas
Elevate your Nutella Ice Cream with these delicious additions:
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed hazelnuts
- Chopped Ferrero Rocher chocolates
- Chocolate cookie pieces
- Caramel swirl
Perfect Pairings
This Nutella Ice Cream pairs beautifully with:
- Fresh berries
- Espresso brownies
- Chocolate sauce
- Crispy waffle cones
- Warm chocolate chip cookies for ice cream sandwiches
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nutella? Nutella is a popular chocolate-hazelnut spread created in Italy. Its creamy texture and distinctive flavor come from a blend of roasted hazelnuts, cocoa, milk, and sugar.
What is Nutella ice cream made of? Nutella ice cream combines the beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread with heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and a touch of salt to create a rich, creamy frozen dessert that highlights the iconic Nutella flavor.
Does Nutella taste good on ice cream? Absolutely! Nutella’s rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor pairs perfectly with ice cream. You can drizzle warm Nutella over any ice cream flavor or incorporate it directly into homemade ice cream as in this recipe.
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Nutella Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups (474 ml) heavy cream, cold
- ¾ cup (370 g) Nutella, divided
- 14 oz. canned sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Pour the cold heavy cream into a mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until medium peaks form using a whisk attachment (or beaters).
- In a separate bowl, melt ½ cup (148 g) Nutella in the microwave in 30-second increments for 30-60 seconds until it becomes runny.
- Whisk the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt into the melted Nutella until well combined.
- Pour the sweetened Nutella mixture into the whipped heavy cream and mix on low speed just until combined.
- Layer half the ice cream mixture into a freezer-proof container, then add a swirl of the remaining melted Nutella (about ¼ cup or 74 g). Add the remaining ice cream and top with another swirl of melted Nutella.
- Transfer the container to the freezer to set for 1-2 hours. Then cover the entire container with plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
- To serve, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes, then scoop and enjoy!
Notes
- Store the Nutella ice cream in an airtight, freezer-proof container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Freeze Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 8