Nutella Ice Cream Recipe
Creamy, chocolatey, nutty, and rich, this Nutella ice cream recipe is a simple homemade dessert that tastes smooth and indulgent in every spoonful. It has the sweet hazelnut flavour of Nutella, the creaminess of whipped cream, and a soft frozen texture that feels just like a special dessert from an ice cream shop.
The best part is that this recipe is very easy to make at home. You do not need an ice cream machine, complicated ingredients, or any special skills. With just a few basic ingredients, you can make a creamy Nutella ice cream that is perfect for summer days, family desserts, movie nights, birthdays, or whenever you want a cold chocolate treat.
This homemade Nutella ice cream is also easy to customize. You can keep it smooth and simple, or add chocolate chips, chopped hazelnuts, brownie pieces, cookie crumbs, or extra Nutella swirls for more texture and flavour.
Why You’ll Love This Nutella Ice Cream
This Nutella ice cream is rich, creamy, and very easy to prepare. It tastes like a mix of chocolate ice cream and hazelnut spread, with a smooth texture that melts beautifully.
You’ll love this recipe because it is no churn, which means you do not need an ice cream maker. Everything comes together in one bowl, then the freezer does the rest.
It is also a great dessert to make ahead. You can prepare it the night before, freeze it, and serve it the next day with your favourite toppings. It looks beautiful in a bowl with extra Nutella drizzle, chopped hazelnuts, chocolate shavings, or a spoonful of whipped cream.
Ingredients for Nutella Ice Cream
You’ll need:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
3/4 cup Nutella
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts, optional
1/2 cup chocolate chips, optional
Extra Nutella for swirling or topping
These simple ingredients create a creamy and rich ice cream. Heavy cream gives the ice cream its soft texture, condensed milk adds sweetness, and Nutella gives the main chocolate hazelnut flavour.
Best Nutella to Use
Classic Nutella works best for this recipe because it has the right balance of chocolate, hazelnut, sweetness, and creaminess. You can also use any chocolate hazelnut spread you like, but the flavour may be slightly different.
If your Nutella is too thick, warm it for a few seconds in the microwave before mixing. It should be soft enough to blend smoothly into the ice cream base.
Do not overheat it. You only need it slightly loosened, not hot.
Step by Step Nutella Ice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Chill the Mixing Bowl
For the best whipped cream texture, chill your mixing bowl and beaters for 10 to 15 minutes before starting.
Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster and hold its shape better. This step is simple but helpful, especially if your kitchen is warm.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Add the heavy whipping cream to a large mixing bowl.
Beat it with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. The cream should look thick, fluffy, and smooth.
Do not overwhip it, or it may become grainy. You want it firm enough to hold shape but still soft and creamy.
Step 3: Mix Nutella and Condensed Milk
In another bowl, add sweetened condensed milk, Nutella, vanilla extract, and salt.
Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and fully combined. The salt helps balance the sweetness and makes the chocolate flavour taste richer.
If the Nutella is thick, warm it slightly before adding it to the condensed milk.
Step 4: Fold the Mixtures Together
Add the Nutella mixture into the whipped cream.
Use a spatula to gently fold everything together. Do not stir too hard, because you want to keep the whipped cream light and airy.
Fold until the colour looks even and the mixture is smooth. It should look creamy, thick, and chocolatey.
Step 5: Add Mix Ins
If you want extra texture, fold in chopped hazelnuts, chocolate chips, brownie pieces, or cookie crumbs.
This step is optional, but it makes the ice cream taste more gourmet. Chopped hazelnuts add crunch, while chocolate chips add little bites of sweetness.
Keep the add ins balanced so the ice cream stays smooth and scoopable.
Step 6: Add Nutella Swirls
Pour half of the ice cream mixture into a freezer safe container.
Drizzle a little extra Nutella over the top, then add the remaining ice cream mixture. Add another small drizzle of Nutella and gently swirl it with a knife or spoon.
Do not mix too much. A few gentle swirls will create pretty ribbons of Nutella through the ice cream.
Step 7: Freeze the Ice Cream
Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap.
Place it in the freezer for at least 6 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
The ice cream should become firm but still creamy enough to scoop after sitting at room temperature for a few minutes.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, let the Nutella ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop.
Serve it in bowls or cones. Add extra Nutella drizzle, chopped hazelnuts, chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or crushed cookies on top.
Enjoy it cold, creamy, and rich.
Tips for the Best Nutella Ice Cream
Use cold heavy cream so it whips properly.
Do not overwhip the cream.
Warm the Nutella slightly if it is too thick.
Fold gently to keep the ice cream light.
Add salt to balance the sweetness.
Freeze for at least 6 hours for the best texture.
Let it sit for a few minutes before scooping.
Use an airtight container to prevent ice crystals.
Easy Flavour Variations
This Nutella ice cream recipe is easy to change with simple add ins.
For chocolate chip Nutella ice cream, fold in mini chocolate chips before freezing.
For hazelnut crunch ice cream, add chopped toasted hazelnuts.
For Oreo Nutella ice cream, mix in crushed Oreo cookies.
For brownie Nutella ice cream, add small brownie chunks.
For banana Nutella ice cream, add small pieces of ripe banana or serve the ice cream with banana slices.
For extra chocolate flavour, add cocoa powder to the Nutella mixture before folding it into the whipped cream.
What to Serve with Nutella Ice Cream
Nutella ice cream tastes delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with many desserts.
You can serve it with brownies, waffles, pancakes, crepes, chocolate cake, banana bread, cookies, or fresh strawberries.
It also tastes amazing with warm desserts because the cold ice cream melts slightly and creates a rich creamy topping.
For a simple dessert bowl, add Nutella ice cream, sliced bananas, chopped hazelnuts, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
How to Store Nutella Ice Cream
Store Nutella ice cream in an airtight freezer safe container.
Keep it in the freezer for up to 2 weeks for the best taste and texture. It can last longer, but homemade ice cream tastes freshest during the first couple of weeks.
Press a piece of plastic wrap directly over the surface before adding the lid. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
Can You Make Nutella Ice Cream Ahead of Time?
Yes, this is a perfect make ahead dessert. You can prepare it the night before and freeze it until ready to serve.
If making it for a party, prepare it at least one day ahead so it has enough time to set properly.
Add fresh toppings like whipped cream, nuts, or extra drizzle right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Nutella ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes, this recipe is a no churn Nutella ice cream, so you do not need an ice cream maker. Whipped cream and condensed milk create a creamy texture without churning.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
No, milk will not give the same creamy texture. Heavy whipping cream is important because it whips and creates the light frozen base.
Why is my ice cream too hard?
Homemade ice cream can become firm in the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, you can reduce the Nutella slightly or add more unsweetened cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate taste. Keep in mind that condensed milk is already sweet.
Can I add nuts?
Yes, chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts work well. Toasted hazelnuts are especially good because they match the Nutella flavour.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella ice cream recipe is creamy, rich, and very easy to make at home. With heavy cream, condensed milk, Nutella, vanilla, and a little salt, you can create a smooth no churn ice cream that tastes sweet, chocolatey, and full of hazelnut flavour.
It is perfect for summer desserts, family treats, parties, or late night chocolate cravings. You can keep it simple or add chocolate chips, hazelnuts, cookie crumbs, or Nutella swirls for extra texture.
