Making a milkshake with Nutella is incredibly simple! This guide shows you how to create a rich, creamy, and unbelievably delicious Nutella milkshake with just a few ingredients and minimal effort, perfect for beginners.

Key Takeaways

• Blend creamy ice cream for a thick base.
• Incorporate Nutella for intense hazelnut flavor.
• Use cold milk to achieve the right consistency.
• Chill your glass for an extra refreshing treat.
• Garnish creatively for a delightful presentation.

How To Make A Milkshake With Nutella: Unbelievable Taste

Craving a decadent treat? You’ve come to the right place. Learning how to make a milkshake with Nutella might seem tricky, but it’s surprisingly easy. Many people think milkshakes require a fancy blender or a secret ingredient. The truth is, you can achieve an unbelievably delicious Nutella milkshake with just a handful of common items. This guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your first try is a success. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone you share this with!

The Magic of Nutella in a Milkshake

Nutella, that beloved spread made from hazelnuts and cocoa, brings a unique depth of flavor that transforms a simple milkshake into something extraordinary. Its creamy texture and rich taste are naturally suited for blending into a cold, smooth drink. Unlike plain chocolate, Nutella offers a distinct nutty undertone that complements the dairy and ice cream perfectly. This combination is a dream for anyone who loves chocolate and hazelnuts. It’s no wonder why “how to make a milkshake with Nutella” is such a popular search query!

Essential Ingredients for Your Nutella Milkshake

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to milkshake success. For this recipe, we’re focusing on simplicity and maximum flavor. You don’t need a lot of fancy items, just the essentials that work beautifully together.

The Core Components

• Vanilla Ice Cream: This is the creamy foundation. A good quality vanilla ice cream provides a neutral, sweet base that allows the Nutella flavor to shine. Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 cups.
• Nutella: The star of the show! You’ll need about 3 to 4 generous tablespoons. Adjust this to your personal preference for hazelnut-chocolate intensity.
• Milk: This thins out the ice cream to a drinkable consistency. Whole milk creates the richest, creamiest texture, but you can use 2% or even dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk. Start with about 1/2 cup and add more as needed.

Optional, But Delicious, Add-ins

While the base recipe is fantastic on its own, here are a few ideas to elevate your Nutella milkshake even further:

• Chocolate Syrup: For an extra chocolatey punch.
• Whipped Cream: A classic topping for any milkshake.
• Chopped Hazelnuts: For a delightful crunch and intensified nutty flavor.
• A Pinch of Salt: This can surprisingly enhance the sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Espresso Powder: A tiny amount can deepen the chocolate notes without making it taste like coffee.

Tools You’ll Need

Fortunately, making a milkshake with Nutella doesn’t require specialized equipment. You likely have everything you need in your kitchen already.

The Main Player: A Blender

A blender is the easiest and most efficient way to achieve a smooth, perfectly blended milkshake. Any standard home blender will do the job. If you don’t have a blender, don’t worry! We’ll cover a blender-free method later in this guide.

Other Helpful Items

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient ratios.
• Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the blender jar.
• Serving Glasses: Chilled glasses make the milkshake even more refreshing.
• Straws: For sipping your delicious creation.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make A Milkshake With Nutella

Let’s get blending! This process is straightforward and quick. Follow these steps for a perfect Nutella milkshake every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Glass (Optional but Recommended)

For an extra special treat, chill your serving glass in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. This helps keep your milkshake colder for longer.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Blender

Start by adding the milk to the blender jar. This helps the blades move more freely and prevents the ice cream from getting stuck. Then, add the scoops of vanilla ice cream. Finally, spoon in your Nutella. If you’re using any optional add-ins like chocolate syrup or a pinch of salt, add them now.

Step 3: Blend Until Smooth

Secure the lid on your blender. Start blending on a low speed, then gradually increase to high. Blend for about 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You shouldn’t see any large chunks of ice cream. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a little more ice cream.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Carefully remove the blender lid and taste the milkshake. Does it have enough Nutella flavor? Is it sweet enough? This is your chance to customize! If you want it richer, add another tablespoon of Nutella. If you want it sweeter, a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a tiny bit of sugar can help. Blend briefly after any adjustments.

Step 5: Pour and Serve

Pour the creamy Nutella milkshake into your chilled serving glass. If you like, top with a generous swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. Add a straw and enjoy immediately!

The Blender-Free Nutella Milkshake Method

No blender? No problem! You can still achieve a delicious Nutella milkshake with a little manual effort. This method might result in a slightly less smooth texture, but the flavor will be just as incredible.

Method 1: The Hand Whisk and Vigorous Stirring

1. Soften the Ice Cream: Let your vanilla ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes until it’s soft enough to stir easily but not melted.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a sturdy bowl, add the softened ice cream, Nutella, and about half of your milk.
3. Mix Vigorously: Use a whisk or a strong spoon to vigorously mix and mash the ingredients together. This will take some effort! Keep stirring and mashing until the Nutella is well incorporated and the mixture starts to become creamy.
4. Add More Milk: Gradually add the remaining milk, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to stir until you reach your desired milkshake consistency. It will be thicker than a typical blended milkshake.
5. Serve: Pour into a glass and enjoy. You might have a few tiny ice cream bits, which can add a nice texture!

Method 2: The Ziploc Bag Shake-Up

1. Prepare the Ice Cream: Place about 2 cups of softened vanilla ice cream into a sturdy, quart-sized Ziploc bag.
2. Add Nutella and Milk: Add 3-4 tablespoons of Nutella and about 1/4 cup of milk to the bag.
3. Seal Tightly: Press out as much air as possible and seal the bag very tightly. Double-bagging is a good idea to prevent leaks.
4. Shake It! This is where the fun begins. Shake the bag vigorously for 5-10 minutes. You can also squish and massage it. The cold from the ice cream will help keep your hands from getting too cold.
5. Check Consistency: Open the bag carefully and check the consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk and reseal to shake more.
6. Serve: Pour the contents of the bag into a glass and enjoy your hand-shaken Nutella masterpiece!

Nutritional Insights: Enjoying Your Treat Mindfully

While this Nutella milkshake is undeniably delicious, it’s also a treat that’s best enjoyed in moderation. Let’s look at what goes into this decadent drink:

Understanding the Components

Ice Cream: Provides creaminess and sweetness but is also a source of sugar and fat. Choosing a good quality ice cream can sometimes mean fewer artificial ingredients.

Nutella: Offers a delightful hazelnut and cocoa flavor. It contains sugar, palm oil, and hazelnuts. While hazelnuts provide some healthy fats and protein, the overall composition means it’s best used as a flavoring agent in smaller quantities.

Milk: Contributes calcium and protein. Whole milk adds richness due to its fat content, while lower-fat options reduce calories and fat.

A Balanced Approach: You can make this milkshake a bit healthier by using lower-fat ice cream or a dairy-free alternative, and by controlling the amount of Nutella. Remember, enjoying treats mindfully means savoring every bite and incorporating them into an otherwise balanced diet. For more on mindful eating and healthy dessert alternatives, resources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Healthy Eating Plate offer excellent guidance.

Customizing Your Nutella Milkshake

The beauty of making your own milkshake is the ability to tailor it exactly to your taste. Here are some ideas for variations:

Flavor Pairings

• Mint Chocolate Chip Nutella: Add a drop of peppermint extract or use mint chocolate chip ice cream.
• Coffee Kick Nutella: Blend in a shot of cooled espresso or a teaspoon of instant coffee granules.
• Berry Nutella Swirl: Swirl in some raspberry or strawberry sauce after blending for a fruity contrast.
• Banana Nutella Dream: Add half a frozen banana for extra creaminess and a natural sweetness.

Dietary Adaptations

Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream (like coconut, almond, or soy-based) and a plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy). Ensure your Nutella is dairy-free if needed (most standard Nutella contains skim milk powder).

Lower Sugar: Opt for a sugar-free vanilla ice cream and unsweetened milk. You can also reduce the amount of Nutella or look for a sugar-free hazelnut spread alternative.

Pro Tips for the Ultimate Nutella Milkshake

Want to take your Nutella milkshake from good to absolutely unforgettable? Here are some insider tips:

• Quality Ingredients Matter: The better your ice cream and Nutella, the better your milkshake will taste.
• Chill Everything: A cold blender jar, cold milk, and a chilled glass make a significant difference in keeping your milkshake thick and frosty.
• Don’t Over-Blend: Blending for too long can melt the ice cream and make your milkshake too thin. Blend just until smooth.
• Scrape Down the Sides: Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender jar midway through blending to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
• Serve Immediately: Milkshakes are best enjoyed right after they are made.

Troubleshooting Common Milkshake Mistakes

Even with simple recipes, things can sometimes go awry. Here’s how to fix common milkshake issues:

Milkshake Too Thick?

Problem: The mixture is too solid and won’t blend or pour.
Solution: Add more milk, just a tablespoon at a time, and blend again until it reaches your desired consistency.

Milkshake Too Thin?

Problem: The milkshake is watery and doesn’t have that classic thick texture.
Solution: Add more ice cream, a scoop at a time, and blend again. You can also add a few ice cubes for thickness, but this can dilute the flavor slightly.

Nutella Not Blending Well?

Problem: You can see streaks or clumps of Nutella in your shake.
Solution: Ensure your ice cream is soft enough to blend easily. Adding the milk first can also help the Nutella disperse better. If it’s still clumpy, try warming the Nutella slightly (just a few seconds in the microwave) before adding it to the blender.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make a Nutella milkshake without ice cream?

A1: Yes, you can! For a lighter version, use frozen bananas (about 1-2) instead of ice cream, along with milk and Nutella. It will have a different texture, more like a smoothie, but still delicious.

Q2: What kind of milk is best for a Nutella milkshake?

A2: Whole milk provides the richest and creamiest texture. However, 2% milk, skim milk, or dairy-free alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk all work well. The choice depends on your preference for richness and dietary needs.

Q3: How much Nutella should I use?

A3: The standard amount is 3-4 tablespoons for a rich flavor. You can adjust this up or down based on how intense you want the Nutella taste to be. Start with less and add more if needed.

Q4: Can I make a Nutella milkshake ahead of time?

A4: It’s best to make milkshakes right before serving for the freshest taste and best texture. If you must make it ahead, store it in the freezer and give it a good stir before serving, as it will likely thicken considerably.

Q5: What are some good toppings for a Nutella milkshake?

A5: Classic toppings include whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and chopped hazelnuts. You could also try chocolate shavings, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Q6: Is it okay to use other ice cream flavors?

A6: Absolutely! While vanilla is a classic base that lets Nutella shine, chocolate ice cream will make it extra decadent, and strawberry or even coffee ice cream can create interesting flavor combinations.

Conclusion

You’ve now learned how to make a milkshake with Nutella, an unbelievably delicious treat that’s surprisingly simple. Whether you’re using a blender or going the manual route, the key is good quality ingredients and a little bit of love. This versatile recipe is a fantastic starting point for creating your own signature shakes. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up a batch of pure hazelnut-chocolate bliss. Enjoy every creamy, dreamy sip!