This Easy Chocolate Nutella Gelato is a creamy, dreamy treat that’s perfect for any chocolate lover. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll whip up a delicious dessert in no time!
Honestly, who can resist the magical combo of chocolate and Nutella? I love serving it with fresh berries for a fun twist. It’s a refreshing way to cool down on hot days! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: This adds creaminess to the gelato. If you want to cut calories, you can use 2% milk instead, but the gelato may be less rich.
Heavy Cream: You can substitute with a non-dairy cream, like coconut cream, for a dairy-free version. It still holds great texture!
Granulated Sugar: If you’re looking to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, but be aware that it may change the flavor slightly.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Any unsweetened cocoa will work well here. For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder instead!
Nutella: While Nutella is delicious, you could swap it for any hazelnut spread. Just make sure it has a similar texture!
How Do I Churn Gelato Without an Ice Cream Maker?
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t worry! You can still make gelato. Here’s how:
- After chilling the gelato base, pour it into a shallow dish.
- Place it in the freezer and stir every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours. This helps break up ice crystals and gives a smoother texture.
- Continue until it’s firm enough to scoop. The more you stir, the creamier it becomes!
Make sure your container is airtight to avoid freezer burn. Enjoy your homemade gelato!
Easy Chocolate Nutella Gelato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup Nutella (or any hazelnut chocolate spread)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Chopped toasted hazelnuts (for garnish)
- Extra Nutella for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus chilling for at least 4 hours or overnight. After chilling, you’ll spend about 20 minutes making the gelato, including churning time. Overall, it’s simple and so worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, add the whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together well.
2. Heat the Mixture:
Warm this mixture over medium heat. Keep stirring constantly until you see that the sugar and cocoa are completely dissolved, and the mixture is warm but not boiling.
3. Add Nutella:
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the Nutella and vanilla extract until the mix is completely smooth and well combined.
4. Chill the Base:
Pour the gelato base into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Be sure to press the wrap directly onto the surface to stop a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight, which helps the flavors meld together.
5. Churn the Gelato:
After the mixture has chilled, take it out and churn it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes until it has a soft-serve texture.
6. Freeze to Firm Up:
Transfer the churned gelato to an airtight container. Freeze for at least 2 hours to let it firm up more before serving.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once firm, scoop your gelato into bowls. Feel free to drizzle extra Nutella on top and sprinkle with chopped toasted hazelnuts for that extra crunch!
Enjoy your creamy, rich chocolate Nutella gelato! It’s a fantastic treat that’s sure to delight everyone!
FAQ for Easy Chocolate Nutella Gelato
Can I Use Low-Fat Milk Instead of Whole Milk?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk, but the gelato may be less creamy. For the best texture, whole milk or 2% milk are recommended.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! Pour the chilled gelato base into a shallow dish and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes for about 2–3 hours until it’s firm but creamy. This manual churning will help prevent ice crystals from forming.
How Should I Store Leftover Gelato?
Store any leftover gelato in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To enjoy it again, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping, as it can get quite hard.
Can I Add Other Flavorings or Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! You can add different flavorings, like a splash of espresso or mint extract, or mix in chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or fruit to customize your gelato. Just be sure not to overload with mix-ins to keep the proper gelato texture.
