How to Make Nutella Milkshake With Vanilla Ice Cream?

Got a jar of Nutella and a craving that a sensible snack definitely won’t fix? Grab the vanilla ice cream. We’re making a thick, chocolatey milkshake that tastes like a dessert shop order without the price tag or the awkward wait at the counter.

You only need three main ingredients, a blender, and about five minutes. The vanilla ice cream brings the creamy sweetness, the Nutella adds chocolate-hazelnut flavor, and the milk helps everything move. Very efficient teamwork.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: None
Servings: 2 small milkshakes or 1 generous serving

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Some desserts demand mixing bowls, oven timers, and emotional resilience. This one asks you to press a button.

Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it:

• You only need three main ingredients. Your shopping list can relax.
• You control the thickness. Make it easy to sip or thick enough for a spoon.
• It tastes rich without much effort. Nutella handles most of the flavor work.
• You can customize it easily. Add coffee, banana, or a little peanut butter.
• You don’t need extra sugar. The spread and ice cream already bring plenty.

The best part? You can start with a small amount of milk and adjust as you blend. No complicated technique, no kitchen wizardry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For two small servings, gather:

• 2 cups vanilla ice cream: About 4 generous scoops. Choose one you enjoy eating straight from the tub.
• ¼ cup Nutella: That’s 4 tablespoons of chocolate-hazelnut goodness.
• ½ cup cold milk: Whole milk gives a richer result, but other varieties work.
• A tiny pinch of salt, optional: It balances the sweetness without making the shake taste salty.

For optional toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Chocolate shavings
• A little extra Nutella
• Chopped toasted hazelnuts
• Chocolate syrup

Start with ⅓ cup milk if you prefer a particularly thick milkshake. Keep the remaining milk nearby and add it only as needed.

You don’t need vanilla extract here. The vanilla ice cream already covers that department.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Nutella Milkshake With Vanilla Ice Cream

1. Chill your glasses.
   Pop two glasses into the freezer for about five minutes while you gather everything. This optional step helps your shake stay cold longer.
2. Soften the ice cream slightly.
   Leave it on the counter for 3–5 minutes, just until you can scoop it easily. Aim for scoopable ice cream, not a puddle with fond memories.
3. Add the ingredients to your blender.
   Pour in the milk first, then add the Nutella and vanilla ice cream. Add the optional pinch of salt.
4. Blend briefly.
   Start on low, then blend at medium speed for about 15–30 seconds, until smooth. If your blender struggles, stop it and scrape down the sides with a spatula before continuing.
5. Check the consistency.
   Too thick? Add milk one tablespoon at a time and blend briefly. Too thin? Add another small scoop of ice cream.
6. Taste and adjust.
   Want more chocolate-hazelnut flavor? Add another teaspoon or two of Nutella. Blend just long enough to combine.
7. Pour and serve immediately.
   Divide the milkshake between your glasses and add any toppings. Grab a wide straw or a spoon and get comfortable.

For a decorated glass, smear a little room-temperature Nutella inside before pouring. Keep it simple; the shake already does the heavy lifting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adding too much milk immediately.
You can always thin a milkshake, but fixing a watery one takes more ice cream. Start small unless chocolate milk was your secret plan.

Blending for too long.
Long blending melts the ice cream and thins the shake. Stop as soon as everything looks smooth.

Using rock-hard ice cream.
Your blender shouldn’t sound like it’s processing driveway gravel. Give the ice cream a few minutes to soften.

Adding ice cubes for thickness.
Ice can leave crunchy bits and dilute the flavor as it melts. Use more ice cream for a thicker shake.

Overloading the toppings.
Whipped cream, syrup, cookies, and candy all sound fun until you need excavation equipment. Pick one or two and let the Nutella shine.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Try a different milk.
Use reduced-fat milk, oat milk, or almond milk if that’s what you have. Whole milk adds richness, while the others can give a slightly lighter result.

Swap the ice cream flavor.
Chocolate ice cream creates a deeper chocolate flavor. Coffee ice cream adds a lovely bittersweet edge. IMO, coffee and Nutella make an excellent team. If chocolate ice cream still doesn’t satisfy your cocoa cravings, explore these easy fall chocolate desserts for your next sweet treat.

Make a dairy-free version.
Choose dairy-free vanilla ice cream, plant-based milk, and a dairy-free chocolate-hazelnut spread. Classic Nutella contains milk, as shown in its official ingredient list, so choose a dairy-free chocolate-hazelnut spread alongside your plant-based milk and ice cream.

Add banana.
Blend in half a ripe frozen banana for a thicker shake with noticeable banana flavor. Expect a Nutella-banana milkshake, because banana rarely stays quietly in the background.

Add coffee or peanut butter.
Try 1 teaspoon of instant coffee dissolved in a little milk, or 1 tablespoon of smooth peanut butter. Add either gradually so you don’t overpower the hazelnut flavor.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make this without a blender?

Yes! Let the ice cream soften slightly, then whisk the Nutella with a little milk until smooth. Gradually whisk in the remaining milk and ice cream. Expect a softer, less uniform texture.

How do I make it extra thick?

Start with just ¼ cup milk and add more only if your blender needs help. Use firm, scoopable ice cream and blend briefly. A spoon might become your best option.

Can I make it ahead of time?

For the best texture, make it right before serving. The refrigerator lets the ice cream melt, while the freezer hardens the mixture. You can reblend a frozen portion with a splash of milk, but the texture may change.

Do I need extra sugar?

Nope. Nutella and vanilla ice cream provide plenty of sweetness. Taste the finished shake before adding anything else; your sweet tooth already has strong representation here.

Can I use another chocolate spread?

Absolutely. Use a chocolate-hazelnut spread you enjoy, then adjust the quantity to taste. Different brands vary in sweetness and consistency, so start with slightly less if you’re unsure.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, as long as your blender has enough room. Keep the mixture below its maximum fill line. Blend in batches if necessary; an overflowing blender adds cleanup, not charm.

Final Thoughts

This Nutella milkshake with vanilla ice cream turns three everyday ingredients into a creamy treat in minutes. Start with less milk, blend briefly, and serve immediately; those small choices make the biggest difference.

Keep it simple or add your favorite topping. Either way, you’ve got a very good reason to check the freezer.