Irresistibly Creamy Nutella Milkshake: Your 5-Minute Indulgence

Prepare yourself for a truly delightful experience with this incredibly easy Nutella milkshake recipe. The harmonious blend of rich, creamy chocolate hazelnut spread, fresh milk, and luscious vanilla ice cream culminates in an indulgent treat that is guaranteed to satisfy even the most fervent sweet tooth. With just three simple ingredients and minimal effort, you are merely five minutes away from experiencing pure milkshake heaven.

Nutella, with its iconic smooth and velvety texture, imparts a deeply satisfying chocolate-hazelnut flavor that forms the heart of this shake. We intentionally select plain vanilla ice cream to ensure that the distinctive, beloved notes of Nutella truly shine through, unmasked by competing flavors. However, for those who crave an extra layer of chocolatey goodness, exploring other ice cream options is always an exciting venture.

This versatile dessert drink offers endless possibilities for customization and decoration. Elevate your Nutella milkshake to gourmet status with generous dollops of whipped cream, a decadent drizzle of chocolate sauce, a scattering of colorful sprinkles, elegant wafer cigars, or substantial pieces of your favorite chocolate bar. The sky’s the limit when it comes to personalizing this delightful beverage!

If you’re a fan of creamy beverages and looking for more inspiration, be sure to explore other fantastic recipes like our refreshing Strawberry Lassi or our luxuriously thick Christmas Hot Chocolate with Baileys Whipped Cream. Each offers a unique and satisfying drinking experience that complements any mood or occasion.

Why You’ll Adore This Nutella Milkshake with Ice Cream

This decadent Nutella milkshake is more than just a drink; it’s an experience waiting to happen. Here’s why it’s destined to become your new favorite:

• Unbelievably Easy & Quick: This simple Nutella milkshake recipe is so straightforward, you could practically whip it up in your sleep. From start to finish, you’re only about five minutes away from enjoying this sweet treat.
• The Ultimate Treat for Nutella Lovers: If you’re a devout fan of that creamy chocolate-hazelnut goodness, this milkshake is tailor-made for you. It perfectly captures Nutella’s rich flavor in a refreshing, drinkable form.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a scorching summer afternoon or a cozy evening in, this milkshake provides a delightful escape. It’s an instant mood-booster and a fantastic alternative to traditional desserts.
• Fun for All Ages: Get the kids involved in the kitchen! This recipe is simple enough for little hands to help with, making it a wonderful activity for family bonding and creating lasting memories.
• Minimal Ingredients: You won’t need a pantry full of exotic items for this recipe. Just three core ingredients are all it takes to create something truly magical, making it a convenient go-to treat.
• A Unique Dessert Option: Break away from conventional after-meal sweets. This Nutella milkshake offers a fun, novel, and deeply satisfying dessert that feels special without requiring extensive preparation.
• Ideal for Parties: Planning a kids’ birthday party or a casual get-together? These milkshakes are a huge hit! Set up a topping bar and let guests customize their own creations for an interactive and enjoyable experience.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: For those with dietary restrictions, this milkshake is a fantastic option as it is naturally gluten-free (always double-check your specific ingredient brands, especially for Nutella and ice cream, if strict gluten-free is required).
• Customizable to Your Liking: From the thickness of the shake to the type of milk and ice cream, and of course, the toppings, this recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your preferences.

Key Ingredients and Smart Substitutions

Crafting the perfect Nutella milkshake hinges on selecting quality ingredients and knowing how to adapt the recipe to your preferences or dietary needs. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can personalize your shake.

Nutella (Chocolate Hazelnut Spread)

The star of the show, Nutella, is an essential component, giving this milkshake its signature name and irresistible flavor. Its smooth consistency and distinctive chocolate-hazelnut profile are what make this drink so beloved.

• Beyond Brand Names: While the recipe proudly bears the “Nutella” name, we’ve found that other chocolate hazelnut spreads work beautifully and can be a more budget-friendly alternative. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite store-brand or artisanal hazelnut spread. Just ensure it has a smooth, spreadable consistency for optimal blending.
• Nutritional Consideration: Be aware that different brands might vary slightly in sweetness and fat content, which can subtly alter the final taste and texture of your milkshake.

Ice Cream

The ice cream provides the frosty base and creamy texture for our milkshake. The type you choose can significantly impact the final flavor profile and richness.

• Vanilla is Versatile: We primarily recommend using plain vanilla ice cream. Its mild, sweet flavor acts as the perfect canvas, allowing the robust taste of Nutella to truly dominate and shine through without competition.
• For the Chocoholic: If you’re an absolute chocolate fiend and believe there’s no such thing as too much chocolate, feel free to swap vanilla for chocolate ice cream. This will result in an even more intensely chocolatey, deeply indulgent shake.
• Creative Flavor Pairings: For those who enjoy a little adventure, consider other complementary ice cream flavors such as toffee, caramel, coffee, or even hazelnut ice cream to amplify the nutty notes. This recipe is wonderfully customizable, so use the ice cream you love best!
• Dairy-Free Options: To make this a dairy-free treat, simply substitute regular ice cream with your preferred dairy-free or vegan alternative. Vanilla-flavored almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk-based ice creams are excellent choices.

Milk

Milk is crucial for achieving the perfect drinkable consistency and contributing to the overall creaminess of the milkshake. The fat content of your chosen milk will influence the richness.

• Whole Milk for Richness: We typically opt for whole milk (or full-fat milk) as it provides a wonderfully creamy texture and a rich mouthfeel, contributing to that classic milkshake experience.
• An Indulgent Twist: For an exceptionally luxurious and decadent shake, you can substitute some, or even all, of the regular milk with double cream (known as heavy cream in the US). This will result in an incredibly thick, rich, and truly indulgent beverage.
• Cream Variations: If double cream is excessively thick where you live (as cream consistency can vary greatly by country), single cream or whipping cream are excellent alternatives that still provide added richness without being overly heavy.
• A Word of Caution: A milkshake made with a high proportion of cream can be intensely rich and might not appeal to everyone. If you prefer a lighter, more refreshing shake, sticking to regular milk is your best bet.
• Dairy-Free Alternatives: For a delicious dairy-free Nutella milkshake, almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk are fantastic plant-based options. Each offers a slightly different flavor profile and creaminess, so choose your favorite.

Exciting Variations to Try

While the classic Nutella milkshake is perfect as is, it’s also a fantastic base for creative twists:

• Peanut Butter Nutella Milkshake: For a delightful combination of nutty flavors, add a generous tablespoon of creamy or crunchy peanut butter to the mix before blending. The salty-sweet dynamic is absolutely divine.
• Banana Nutella Milkshake: For added creaminess and a touch of natural sweetness, throw in half a frozen banana. It also helps to thicken the shake without adding extra ice cream.
• Espresso Nutella Milkshake: Add a shot of cooled espresso or strong brewed coffee for a sophisticated mocha-hazelnut flavor, perfect for adult palates.
• Mint Nutella Milkshake: A few drops of mint extract can transform your shake into a refreshing mint-chocolate experience, especially delightful during the holidays.

How to Craft Your Perfect Nutella Milkshake

Creating this irresistible Nutella milkshake is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort and time. Follow these steps for a smooth, creamy, and utterly delicious result.

1. Combine the Ingredients: It truly couldn’t be easier! Begin by adding all three core ingredients—Nutella, vanilla ice cream, and milk—into your food processor or high-speed blender. For a smoother and more efficient blending process, we recommend pouring the milk into the blender first. This helps to lubricate the blades and allows the thicker ingredients to blend more easily, ensuring a consistent texture. Follow with the Nutella and then the ice cream.

2. Blend to Perfection: Secure the lid on your blender or food processor and whiz the mixture until it reaches a perfectly smooth and creamy consistency. This usually takes approximately 20-30 seconds. Start on a low speed and gradually increase to high, allowing the ingredients to thoroughly combine. If you notice any stubborn chunks of ice cream or Nutella sticking to the sides, pause the blender, scrape down the sides with a spatula, and then continue blending.
3. Adjust Consistency:
   • For a Thinner Milkshake: If you prefer a lighter, more pourable milkshake, add a small splash of additional milk (about 1-2 tablespoons at a time) and blend again for a few seconds until you achieve your desired consistency.
   • For a Thicker Milkshake: To make a thicker, more spoonable milkshake, simply start with slightly less milk than the recipe suggests, or add an extra scoop of ice cream. You can also achieve a thicker shake by using slightly harder ice cream or by adding a few ice cubes for an even colder and denser drink.

3. Serve Immediately: Once your Nutella milkshake has reached its ideal smooth and creamy texture, pour it generously into tall milkshake glasses. Serve immediately to enjoy its frosty, frothy perfection. This milkshake is best enjoyed fresh, when it’s at its coldest and creamiest!

Expert Tips for the Ultimate Nutella Milkshake

Achieving milkshake perfection is easy with a few simple tricks. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Nutella milkshake is always top-notch:

• Soften the Ice Cream Slightly: For the creamiest, easiest-to-blend milkshake, take your ice cream out of the freezer about 5-10 minutes before you plan to start blending. This allows it to soften just enough to incorporate smoothly with the Nutella and milk, preventing chunks and ensuring a silky-smooth texture.
• Scrape Down the Sides: After blending for a little while, pause your blender and use a spatula to stir the mixture and scrape down any ingredients that might be sticking to the sides of the blender jug. This ensures that all components are fully incorporated, and you won’t end up with unblended pieces of ice cream or Nutella. Then, resume blending.
• Consider Ice Cubes for Froth: Some milkshake enthusiasts love to add a few ice cubes (2-4, depending on the serving size) to the blending process. While adding ice can make the shake colder and slightly thicker, its primary benefit is often creating a delightful, airy froth on top, enhancing the sensory experience.
• Chill Your Glasses: For an extra frosty and refreshing milkshake, place your serving glasses in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes before pouring. This helps to keep your milkshake colder for longer, enhancing the enjoyment.
• Start Slow, Then Increase Speed: When blending, begin on a low speed to break down the ice cream and combine the initial ingredients. Gradually increase the speed to high to achieve that ultimate creamy and smooth consistency without over-processing.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Nutella is already quite sweet. However, if you have a particularly strong sweet tooth, you can add a tiny drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or a pinch of sugar while blending. Taste as you go!

How to Make This Shake Without a Blender

No blender? No problem! While a blender makes the process incredibly easy, you can still achieve a delicious Nutella milkshake with a little extra effort and some manual techniques.

• Soften the Ice Cream: Begin by allowing your ice cream to sit out of the freezer for about 15-20 minutes. You want it significantly softened, almost to a melted consistency, but still cold. This is crucial for easy mixing without a blender.
• Gently Warm the Nutella: If your Nutella is particularly firm, gently warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds (stirring halfway through) until it becomes slightly more liquid and easily stirrable. Be careful not to overheat it.
• Combine in a Sealable Container: Add all three ingredients – the softened ice cream, warmed Nutella, and milk – into a sturdy, sealable container with a tight-fitting lid, or a dedicated smoothie shaker.
• Vigorously Shake and Mix: Close the container securely and shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes. The goal is to emulsify all the ingredients thoroughly. You may need to pause and use a spoon or fork to break down any remaining ice cream chunks and stir the mixture, then continue shaking. Keep shaking until everything is fully combined and the milkshake looks frothy and light. While it might not achieve the exact smoothness of a blender-made shake, it will still be wonderfully delicious!
• Alternative Mashing Method: If you find shaking too tiring or if your ice cream is still a bit too firm, you can first use a potato masher or a sturdy fork to mash the softened ice cream and Nutella together in a bowl until mostly smooth, then gradually whisk in the milk before pouring into a shaker for a final vigorous mix.

Elevate Your Shake: Delicious Topping Suggestions

A Nutella milkshake is a treat on its own, but toppings can transform it into a spectacular dessert masterpiece. Get creative with these ideas!

• Classic Whipped Cream: A generous swirl of freshly whipped cream is a timeless and elegant topping that adds an extra layer of creamy decadence.
• Chocolate Whipped Cream: For an ultimate chocolate experience, whip your cream with a tablespoon of cocoa powder and a touch of powdered sugar. The rich chocolate notes will perfectly complement the Nutella.
• Decadent Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle your favorite chocolate syrup or homemade chocolate sauce over the whipped cream for a visually appealing and extra chocolatey touch. Caramel sauce also works beautifully for a salty-sweet contrast.
• Colorful Sprinkles: A shower of chocolate sprinkles, rainbow sprinkles, or even themed sprinkles can add a festive pop of color and a fun texture.
• Elegant Chocolate Shavings: Use a vegetable peeler or grater to create delicate curls of dark or milk chocolate. These add a touch of sophistication and a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate burst.
• Gourmet Chocolate Pieces: Break off a few squares from your favorite chocolate bar – whether it’s milk, dark, or flavored – and stand them upright in the whipped cream. This provides a substantial chocolate bite.
• Crisp Wafer Cigars: These elegant, crunchy biscuits add a lovely textural contrast and a sophisticated touch.
• Chocolate Fingers/Sticks: Similar to wafer cigars, chocolate-dipped biscuit sticks are a delightful addition, offering a satisfying crunch and more chocolate.
• Crushed Nuts: A sprinkle of finely chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans can enhance the nutty flavor profile and add a pleasant crunch.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: These tiny morsels are perfect for scattering over whipped cream or directly into the shake for little bursts of chocolate.
• Toasted Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, lightly toast some coconut flakes until golden and sprinkle them over the top.
• Marshmallows or Mallow Fluff: A spoonful of marshmallow fluff or a few mini marshmallows can add a sweet, gooey texture.
• Coated Glass Rim: For an impressive presentation, warm some Nutella or chocolate sauce slightly in the microwave and use it to coat the inside of your serving glass before pouring in the milkshake. This creates beautiful chocolate streaks and an extra layer of flavor with every sip.
• Novelty Serving: For a truly unique and fun serving experience, especially for kids or a themed party, serve your Nutella milkshake in a clean, empty Nutella jar! It’s a charming and memorable way to present this delicious drink. You can also use a trendy mason jar for a rustic chic vibe.

Storage Suggestions for Your Milkshake

While this Nutella milkshake is undeniably best enjoyed immediately after preparation, sometimes you might have leftovers, or perhaps you want to make a batch ahead of time. Here’s what you need to know about storage:

• Immediate Enjoyment is Key: For the ultimate taste and texture, with its frosty temperature and delightful froth, a Nutella milkshake should be consumed as soon as it’s made. The ice cream will begin to melt, and the frothy texture will diminish over time.
• Refrigeration: If you find yourself with extra milkshake, you can store it in an airtight container or a tightly covered glass in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the texture will change significantly; it will lose its frosty temperature and much of its original frothy quality. The ingredients may also separate slightly.
• Reviving Leftovers: To bring stored milkshake back to life, simply pour it back into your food processor or blender and whiz it for 15-20 seconds. This re-emulsifies the ingredients, restores some of its creaminess, and can even bring back a little froth. You might also want to add a tiny scoop of fresh ice cream or a splash of cold milk to refresh it completely.
• Not Recommended for Freezing: We do not recommend freezing a prepared milkshake. While technically possible, the texture will become icy and separated upon thawing, and it will not resemble a fresh milkshake. It’s best to make this recipe fresh when the craving strikes!