Making a Nutella milkshake is incredibly simple! You only need a few ingredients and a blender to create a rich, creamy, and decadent treat that tastes like pure chocolate-hazelnut bliss. It’s a perfect quick dessert or special occasion drink.
Key Takeaways
- Blend Nutella, ice cream, and milk for a classic.
- Customize with additions like whipped cream and chocolate chips.
- Chill ingredients for a thicker, colder shake.
- Adjust milk for your desired consistency.
- Enjoy your homemade Nutella milkshake immediately!
How To Make Milkshake With Nutella: The Perfect Beginner’s Treat
Craving something sweet and utterly delicious? You’ve come to the right place! Making a Nutella milkshake is one of the easiest ways to satisfy that dessert craving. Many people think making a restaurant-quality milkshake at home is complicated, but it’s surprisingly straightforward. You don’t need fancy equipment or a long list of ingredients. This guide will walk you through exactly how to make a perfect Nutella milkshake, even if you’ve never made one before. Get ready to blend up some magic!
Why You’ll Love This Nutella Milkshake Recipe

This recipe is a game-changer for a few reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste. Second, it’s quick! In just a few minutes, you can go from simple ingredients to a luxurious treat. Finally, and most importantly, it tastes amazing. The rich, nutty, chocolatey flavor of Nutella combined with creamy ice cream is pure comfort in a glass. It’s a simple pleasure that brings a smile to anyone’s face.
Gathering Your Nutella Milkshake Ingredients
The beauty of this milkshake lies in its simplicity. You likely have most of these ingredients in your kitchen right now! For the most classic and delicious result, focus on quality. Using good ice cream and fresh milk will make a noticeable difference.
The Core Components
- Nutella: This is the star! Use your favorite brand. The amount can be adjusted based on how intense you want the Nutella flavor to be.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is the traditional choice as it provides a creamy base that lets the Nutella shine. However, you can also use chocolate ice cream for an even richer chocolate experience, or even a hazelnut ice cream if you can find it! Aim for a good quality, firm ice cream.
- Milk: Whole milk will give you the creamiest result, but you can use 2% or even non-dairy alternatives like almond or oat milk if preferred.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor
While the basic recipe is fantastic on its own, don’t be afraid to experiment! These additions can elevate your Nutella milkshake to a whole new level:
- Whipped Cream: For topping and an extra layer of creaminess.
- Chocolate Syrup: To drizzle inside the glass or on top.
- Chocolate Chips: For a bit of texture and more chocolatey goodness.
- Hazelnuts: Toasted and chopped, for garnish and a real hazelnut crunch.
- Espresso Powder: A tiny pinch can deepen the chocolate flavor.
- Banana: For a creamier texture and a subtle fruitiness.
Essential Tools for Your Nutella Milkshake

You don’t need a professional kitchen setup for this. A few basic tools will do the trick:
- Blender: This is the most crucial tool. A standard home blender is perfect.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy, especially when you’re starting out.
- Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the blender and get every last bit of deliciousness.
- Ice Cream Scoop: For easily measuring and scooping ice cream.
- Serving Glasses: Chill them in the freezer beforehand for an extra frosty treat.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Milkshake With Nutella
Let’s get blending! This recipe is designed for ease and deliciousness. Follow these simple steps for a perfect Nutella milkshake every time.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start blending, make sure your ingredients are ready. This makes the process smooth and efficient. If your ice cream is very hard, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to scoop and blend.
Step 2: Add Nutella to the Blender
Start by adding the Nutella to your blender jar. A good starting point is 2-3 tablespoons per serving. You can always add more if you want a stronger flavor.
Step 3: Scoop in the Ice Cream
Next, scoop your chosen ice cream into the blender. For one serving, about 1.5 to 2 cups of ice cream is usually a good amount. Don’t overfill the blender; it’s better to make two smaller batches if necessary.
Step 4: Pour in the Milk
Now, add the milk. Start with about 1/2 cup of milk. You can always add more later if you prefer a thinner consistency. It’s easier to thin out a thick milkshake than to thicken a watery one.
Step 5: Blend Until Smooth
Secure the lid on your blender and start blending on a low speed. Gradually increase the speed to high. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no large chunks of ice cream remaining. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds, depending on your blender.
Step 6: Check Consistency and Adjust
Once blended, check the consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk (a tablespoon at a time) and blend again briefly. If it’s too thin, you can add a bit more ice cream or a few ice cubes and blend again. For an even richer flavor, you can add another tablespoon of Nutella at this stage and pulse to combine.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Pour your freshly made Nutella milkshake into your chilled serving glasses. Garnish with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or some chopped hazelnuts if you like. Enjoy your perfect, homemade treat right away!
Nutella Milkshake Recipe Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic Nutella milkshake, the fun truly begins with variations! Here are some ideas to inspire your next creation:
The Ultimate Chocolate Lover’s Dream
For those who can never have too much chocolate, try this decadent version:
- Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the blender.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup inside your serving glass before pouring the milkshake.
- Top with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips.
The Hazelnut Crunch Delight
Amplify the hazelnut flavor and add some satisfying texture:
- Add 1/4 cup of toasted, chopped hazelnuts to the blender with the other ingredients.
- Reserve some toasted hazelnuts for sprinkling on top.
- Consider adding a shot of hazelnut liqueur (for adults) for an extra kick.
The Coffee Kickshake
Perfect for a treat that doubles as a morning pick-me-up:
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the blender.
- You can also use a shot of chilled espresso or strong brewed coffee instead of some of the milk.
- Ensure all coffee elements are cold to prevent melting the ice cream too quickly.
The Fruity Nutella Twist
For a slightly different flavor profile, try adding fruit:
- Banana Nutella Milkshake: Add half a ripe banana to the blender. This makes the milkshake incredibly creamy and adds a lovely sweetness.
- Berry Nutella Milkshake: A handful of mixed berries (like raspberries or strawberries) can add a tart contrast to the rich Nutella. Use frozen berries for a thicker shake.
Tips for the Creamiest Nutella Milkshake
Achieving that perfect, thick, and creamy texture is key to a great milkshake. Here are some pro tips:
- Chill Everything: The colder your ingredients, the thicker your milkshake will be. Chill your milk in the refrigerator, and if you have time, pop your serving glasses in the freezer for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Use Firm Ice Cream: Don’t let your ice cream get too soft. A firmer ice cream will create a thicker shake.
- Start with Less Milk: It’s always easier to add more liquid than to remove it. Begin with the lower amount of milk specified and add more only if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Don’t Over-Blend: Blending for too long can generate heat, which melts the ice cream and makes your milkshake thinner. Blend just until everything is combined and smooth.
- Consider a Blender with a Smoothie Setting: If your blender has a specific smoothie or milkshake setting, use it! These settings are often designed for optimal blending of frozen ingredients.
Pro Tip: For an extra thick and decadent milkshake, try using frozen milk. Freeze your milk in an ice cube tray and use these frozen milk cubes in place of some of the ice cream or regular milk. This will give you an incredibly rich and cold consistency without diluting the flavor.
Nutritional Insights and Considerations
While a Nutella milkshake is a delightful treat, it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. It’s typically high in sugar and fat, primarily from the ice cream and Nutella itself. Nutella contains sugar, palm oil, and hazelnuts, while ice cream is rich in dairy fat and sugar.
If you’re looking for a slightly healthier option, consider these adjustments:
- Use a Lower-Fat Ice Cream: Opt for a light vanilla or even a dairy-free frozen dessert alternative.
- Reduce the Nutella: Start with just one tablespoon of Nutella and see if the flavor is sufficient.
- Add Healthy Fats and Protein: Incorporate ingredients like a tablespoon of chia seeds, flax seeds, or a scoop of protein powder.
- Sweeten Naturally: If you need more sweetness, consider a natural sweetener like a date or a touch of maple syrup instead of additional sugar.
- Boost Fiber: Adding half a banana or some spinach (which won’t significantly alter the taste) can increase the fiber content.
For more information on the nutritional breakdown of specific ingredients, you can refer to resources like the USDA FoodData Central, which provides detailed nutrient information for a vast array of foods.
Troubleshooting Common Milkshake Problems
Even with simple recipes, things can sometimes go awry. Here are solutions to common milkshake mishaps:
Problem: My milkshake is too thin.
Solution: This is the easiest fix! Add more ice cream, a few ice cubes, or even a tablespoon of a thickening agent like instant pudding mix or a bit of cream cheese. Blend again until smooth.
Problem: My milkshake is too thick and won’t blend.
Solution: Add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, and blend between additions until you reach a pourable consistency. You might need to use the blender’s tamper if it has one, or stop and stir the ingredients with a spatula.
Problem: My milkshake is icy, not creamy.
Solution: This usually happens when too much ice is used, or the ice cream is too hard. Try using less ice, letting the ice cream soften slightly before blending, or adding a splash of cream or a bit more milk to improve creaminess.
Problem: I can taste the milk too much, not enough Nutella.
Solution: Add more Nutella! You can also enhance the chocolate flavor by adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a bit of chocolate syrup. Ensure your Nutella is at room temperature, as cold Nutella might not blend as smoothly.
Nutella Milkshake Ingredients & Nutritional Comparison Table
Here’s a look at how different ingredient choices can impact your milkshake. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary greatly based on specific brands and quantities used.
| Ingredient/Variation | Approximate Calories (per serving) | Approximate Sugar (g) | Approximate Fat (g) | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Nutella Milkshake (Vanilla Ice Cream) (2 scoops vanilla ice cream, 2 tbsp Nutella, 1/2 cup whole milk) | 450-550 | 45-60g | 25-35g | Rich, creamy, classic chocolate-hazelnut flavor. |
| Rich Chocolate Nutella Milkshake (2 scoops chocolate ice cream, 2 tbsp Nutella, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 tbsp cocoa powder) | 500-600 | 50-65g | 30-40g | Intense chocolate flavor, very decadent. |
| Lighter Version (1.5 scoops light vanilla ice cream, 1 tbsp Nutella, 3/4 cup skim milk) | 300-380 | 35-45g | 10-15g | Lower in calories, sugar, and fat. |
| Banana Nutella Milkshake (1.5 scoops vanilla ice cream, 2 tbsp Nutella, 1/2 ripe banana, 1/2 cup almond milk) | 380-480 | 40-55g | 15-25g | Added potassium and fiber from banana, dairy-free milk option. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Milkshakes
Q1: Can I make a Nutella milkshake without a blender?
A1: Yes, you can! It will be more labor-intensive. Combine your ingredients in a sturdy jar or shaker. Seal it tightly and shake vigorously for several minutes until well combined and somewhat frothy. You might not achieve the same smooth texture as with a blender, but it will still be delicious.
Q2: How much Nutella should I use?
A2: Start with 2 tablespoons of Nutella per serving. Taste and add more if you prefer a stronger Nutella flavor. Remember, Nutella is quite sweet and rich, so too much can overpower other flavors or make the milkshake overly sweet.
Q3: What’s the best ice cream to use for a Nutella milkshake?
A3: Vanilla ice cream is the classic choice because it allows the Nutella flavor to be the star. However, chocolate ice cream provides an even richer chocolate experience, and hazelnut ice cream can amplify the nutty notes. Always opt for a good quality, firm ice cream for the best texture.
Q4: Can I make a vegan Nutella milkshake?
A4: Absolutely! Use a vegan vanilla or chocolate ice cream (made from soy, almond, coconut, or oat milk), and substitute dairy milk with your favorite plant-based milk. Ensure your Nutella is vegan, as some brands may contain dairy derivatives (though most standard Nutella is accidentally vegan in many regions, always check the label).
Q5: How do I get a really thick milkshake?
A5: To get a thick milkshake, use less milk, more ice cream, and ensure all your ingredients are very cold. You can also add a few ice cubes or use frozen fruit (like banana chunks) for added thickness. Let the ice cream soften only slightly before blending.
Q6: Can I make a Nutella milkshake ahead of time?
A6: Milkshakes are best enjoyed immediately after blending 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 it briefly before serving, as it will likely thicken considerably.
Q7: What are some other toppings I can use?
A7: Get creative! Besides whipped cream and chocolate syrup, consider chopped toasted hazelnuts, chocolate shavings, a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor, crushed cookies, or even a cherry on top for a classic diner feel.
Conclusion
There you have it – the simple, delightful process of how to make a milkshake with Nutella! From the classic vanilla base to exciting variations, this recipe is your gateway to a perfectly creamy, chocolate-hazelnut paradise. Remember, the key is quality ingredients and a few simple techniques. Don’t be afraid to experiment with add-ins and find your own perfect blend. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, this Nutella milkshake is a treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly rewarding to enjoy. So, grab your blender, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up a batch of pure happiness!
