Learn how to make a decadent Nutella milkshake easily! This simple recipe delivers unbelievable flavor with just a few ingredients, perfect for a quick, delicious treat.
Key Takeaways
- Blend creamy milk and rich Nutella.
- Achieve perfect thickness with ice cream.
- Customize with your favorite toppings.
- Enjoy a delicious, homemade treat.
- Master this easy Nutella milkshake recipe.
How To Make A Milkshake With Nutella: Unbelievable Flavor
Craving something sweet and utterly delicious? You’re in the right place! Making a milkshake with Nutella is surprisingly simple. Many people find making milkshakes a bit tricky. They worry about getting the right consistency or the perfect balance of flavors. But don’t worry! This guide will walk you through each step. You’ll be enjoying a creamy, dreamy Nutella milkshake in no time. Let’s dive into how to create this unbelievably flavorful treat!
The Magic of Nutella in a Milkshake

Nutella, that beloved hazelnut cocoa spread, brings a unique and irresistible charm to any dessert. Its smooth texture and rich, nutty, chocolatey flavor are a dream team. When blended with cold milk and creamy ice cream, it transforms into a decadent milkshake. It’s a shortcut to pure indulgence. Unlike just plain chocolate, Nutella offers a complex flavor profile. It has the sweetness of chocolate combined with the distinct nuttiness of hazelnuts. This combination is what makes a Nutella milkshake so special and universally loved. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a comforting experience.
Essential Ingredients for Your Nutella Masterpiece
To create the perfect Nutella milkshake, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Quality matters here, so choose good ingredients for the best taste. Think of these as the building blocks for your delicious creation.
The Core Components
- Nutella: This is your star ingredient! Use your favorite brand. A good amount is key for that intense flavor.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is the classic choice. It provides a creamy base and lets the Nutella flavor shine. You can also use chocolate ice cream for an even richer chocolate experience, or even a hazelnut ice cream if you can find it!
- Milk: Whole milk creates the creamiest texture. However, you can use 2% milk or even dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk if you prefer. The type of milk will slightly affect the final richness.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flair
While the base is fantastic, you can always elevate your Nutella milkshake further. These additions can add texture, flavor, or a visual appeal.
- Whipped Cream: For topping, of course!
- Chocolate Syrup: A drizzle inside or on top adds extra chocolate goodness.
- Chopped Hazelnuts: For a delightful crunch and to enhance the hazelnut flavor.
- A Pinch of Salt: Believe it or not, a tiny pinch of salt can enhance the sweetness and complexity of the chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
- Coffee or Espresso: A shot of espresso can add a mocha twist and a little energy boost.
Gathering Your Tools: What You’ll Need

You don’t need a professional setup to make a great Nutella milkshake. Most home kitchens have the necessary equipment. Having the right tools makes the process smoother and ensures a better result.
Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets
- Blender: This is essential for achieving a smooth, creamy consistency. A standard countertop blender will work perfectly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient ratios, especially if you’re just starting out.
- Spatula: Useful for scraping down the sides of the blender jar to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
- Serving Glasses: Chilled glasses are a pro touch that keeps your milkshake colder for longer.
Optional, But Nice-to-Have Tools
- Ice Cream Scoop: Makes scooping the ice cream easier.
- Straws: For sipping your delicious creation. Wider straws are best for thick milkshakes.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Nutella Milkshake
Making a Nutella milkshake is a straightforward process. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying your homemade treat in minutes. We’ll cover the most common method using a blender.
The Blender Method: Quick and Easy
This is the most popular and efficient way to make a milkshake. It guarantees a smooth and well-mixed beverage.
- Chill Your Glasses: Place your serving glasses in the freezer for at least 10-15 minutes before you start. This helps keep your milkshake colder.
- Measure Your Ingredients: Get everything ready. This makes the blending process much faster and prevents ingredients from melting too much.
- Add Liquids First: Pour your milk into the blender jar. Starting with the liquid helps the blades move more freely.
- Add Nutella: Spoon the Nutella into the blender. For a good flavor, start with about 2-3 tablespoons per serving. You can always add more!
- Add Ice Cream: Add your scoops of vanilla ice cream. A good ratio is usually 2-3 scoops per serving.
- Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid on your blender. Start blending on a low speed, then gradually increase to high. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add more ice cream.
- Taste and Adjust: Carefully taste your milkshake. Need more Nutella flavor? Add another spoonful and blend briefly. Want it sweeter? Add a touch of sugar or honey, though Nutella is usually sweet enough.
- Serve Immediately: Pour the milkshake into your chilled glasses.
- Garnish (Optional): Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or chopped hazelnuts.
The No-Blender Method: For When You’re Out of Luck
Don’t have a blender? No problem! You can still make a delicious Nutella milkshake, though it might be a bit chunkier. This method requires a bit more arm power and patience.
- Soften Ingredients: Let your ice cream sit out on the counter for about 15-20 minutes until it’s very soft and scoopable, almost melted. This is crucial for breaking it down without a blender.
- Combine in a Bowl: In a sturdy mixing bowl, combine the softened ice cream and the milk.
- Add Nutella: Add your desired amount of Nutella to the bowl.
- Whisk Vigorously: Using a whisk (or a fork if that’s all you have), vigorously whisk and stir all the ingredients together. Keep whisking until the mixture is as smooth and combined as possible. You’ll need to break down any ice cream chunks and fully incorporate the Nutella. This can take several minutes.
- Pour and Enjoy: Once combined, pour the mixture into your chilled glasses. It might have a slightly more rustic, less uniformly smooth texture than a blended milkshake, but the flavor will still be there!
For a slightly smoother no-blender version, you can try shaking the ingredients vigorously in a tightly sealed jar or cocktail shaker. This can help emulsify the ingredients better than just whisking.
Understanding Ratios: The Key to Perfect Consistency
Getting the right balance of ingredients is key to a perfect milkshake. Too much milk, and it’s watery. Too much ice cream, and it’s too thick to drink. Here’s a general guideline for one serving:
| Ingredient | Quantity (for 1 serving) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Milk | 1/2 cup (approx. 120ml) | Provides liquid base and creaminess |
| Vanilla Ice Cream | 2-3 scoops (approx. 1 cup) | Creates thickness, creaminess, and coldness |
| Nutella | 2-3 tablespoons | Delivers signature flavor and sweetness |
These are starting points. Feel free to adjust based on your preference. If you like a thinner milkshake, add a splash more milk. If you prefer it thick and spoonable, use more ice cream or less milk.
Nutritional Insights: Enjoying Your Treat Mindfully
While a Nutella milkshake is a delightful treat, it’s good to be aware of its nutritional components. It’s primarily a source of sugar and fat, so moderation is key. However, it also provides some calcium from the milk and ice cream.
For those looking to make a slightly healthier version, consider these tips:
- Use lower-fat milk: While it might reduce creaminess slightly, it cuts down on saturated fat.
- Reduce ice cream: Use 1-2 scoops instead of 2-3.
- Add a banana: Bananas add natural sweetness and creaminess, allowing you to use less ice cream and sugar. A frozen banana works exceptionally well for thickness.
- Incorporate a source of fiber: A tablespoon of chia seeds or flax seeds can add fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. These can also help thicken the shake.
- Be mindful of toppings: Whipped cream and extra syrups add calories and sugar.
According to the USDA FoodData Central, Nutella itself is calorie-dense, with a significant amount of sugar and fat. Enjoying a Nutella milkshake as an occasional indulgence is perfectly fine.
Pro Tips for the Ultimate Nutella Milkshake Experience
Elevate your milkshake game with these expert tips. They’ll help you achieve that perfect, café-quality result every time.
Pro Tip: For an extra-frothy and smooth milkshake, ensure your milk is very cold. Also, if your blender has a tamper, use it to push ingredients down towards the blades without stopping the blender. This helps create a more uniform texture.
Variations to Explore: Beyond the Classic
Once you’ve mastered the basic Nutella milkshake, why stop there? The possibilities are endless! Experiment with different flavors and additions to create your signature blend.
Flavor Twists
- Nutella Banana Milkshake: Add one frozen banana to the blender. This adds natural sweetness and incredible creaminess.
- Nutella Coffee Milkshake: Include a shot of chilled espresso or a teaspoon of instant coffee granules.
- Nutella Peanut Butter Milkshake: Add a tablespoon or two of your favorite peanut butter. The combination of chocolate, hazelnut, and peanut butter is divine.
- Mint Chocolate Nutella Milkshake: Add a drop or two of peppermint extract.
Topping Ideas
Don’t underestimate the power of a good topping! It’s the crowning glory of your milkshake.
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
- Chopped toasted hazelnuts
- A drizzle of more Nutella
- A maraschino cherry
- Crushed cookies (like Oreos)
Troubleshooting Common Milkshake Problems
Even with simple recipes, you might encounter a hiccup. Here are solutions to common milkshake woes:
Problem: Milkshake is too thin.
Solution: Add more ice cream, a few ice cubes, or a thickening agent like a frozen banana or a tablespoon of oats. Blend again until smooth. Remember to start with less milk next time.
Problem: Milkshake is too thick.
Solution: Gradually add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, and blend until you reach your desired consistency. Be careful not to add too much at once.
Problem: Nutella isn’t fully blended.
Solution: Ensure your Nutella is at room temperature (not straight from a very cold fridge) as it blends more easily. Use the spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender jar and blend again. If using the no-blender method, whisk more vigorously.
Problem: My blender is struggling.
Solution: Make sure you’ve added enough liquid to start. If the mixture is too thick, you might need to stop the blender, stir with a spatula, and then resume blending. For the no-blender method, ensure your ice cream is sufficiently softened.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make a Nutella milkshake without ice cream?
A1: Yes! You can use frozen bananas or a dairy-free ice cream alternative. For a less sweet, more “milk” like consistency, simply blend cold milk with Nutella and a sweetener of your choice, though it won’t be as thick or creamy.
Q2: How much Nutella should I use?
A2: For a noticeable flavor, start with 2-3 tablespoons per serving. You can increase this to 4 tablespoons or more if you want a really intense Nutella taste. Always taste and adjust!
Q3: Can I make a vegan Nutella milkshake?
A3: Absolutely! Use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream (like soy, almond, or oat-based) and a plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy). Ensure your Nutella is dairy-free if needed, as some versions contain milk derivatives, though most standard Nutella is accidentally vegan-friendly in many regions. Always check the label.
Q4: How long does it take to make a Nutella milkshake?
A4: Using a blender, it takes about 5 minutes from start to finish, including gathering ingredients and cleanup. The no-blender method might take a few minutes longer due to the whisking.
Q5: Can I make Nutella milkshakes ahead of time?
A5: Milkshakes are best enjoyed immediately after making them for optimal texture and temperature. If you must make it ahead, store it in the freezer and give it a good stir (or re-blend briefly) before serving. It may separate or freeze solid.
Q6: What kind of milk is best for a Nutella milkshake?
A6: Whole milk will give you the creamiest, richest result. However, 2% milk, skim milk, or non-dairy alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk will also work well, with slight variations in texture and flavor.
Conclusion: Your Delicious Nutella Journey Awaits
You’ve now got all the knowledge you need to whip up an unbelievably flavorful Nutella milkshake. From understanding the basic ingredients and tools to mastering the blending technique (and even a no-blender backup plan!), you’re fully equipped. Remember, the beauty of homemade milkshakes is their customizability. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors, adjust ratios to your liking, and have fun with toppings. Whether you’re seeking a quick treat, a dessert for guests, or a way to satisfy a sweet craving, this Nutella milkshake recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every creamy, delicious sip!
