This Easy Chocolate Nutella Gelato is a creamy treat that combines rich chocolate and hazelnut flavors. It’s perfect for hot days or anytime you crave something sweet!
This gelato is a breeze to make, and no fancy machines are needed! Just mix, freeze, and enjoy. I like to top mine with a sprinkle of nuts—because more crunch is always better! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: This gives the gelato its base and creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use 2% milk or almond milk, but it might not be as rich.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the gelato. If you prefer a sugar alternative, consider using honey or agave syrup, adjusting the amount to taste since they are sweeter.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness and a silky texture. For a lower fat version, you can use half-and-half but the gelato might be a bit less creamy.
Nutella: The star ingredient! If you want to keep it nut-free, you can use a chocolate spread without hazelnuts, but the flavor will be different.
Cocoa Powder: This enhances the chocolate taste. A Dutch-processed cocoa can be used for a smoother flavor. You can leave it out if you want to simplify the recipe, but it may be less chocolatey.
Vanilla Extract: This enhances overall flavor. You can substitute with almond extract for a different twist, just use half the amount since it’s stronger.
How Do I Ensure the Gelato is Extra Creamy?
Achieving a creamy texture in gelato is key, and it all starts during the mixing process. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the ingredients well to ensure everything is combined smoothly before chilling.
- Chill the mixture thoroughly for at least 2 hours. A colder mixture churns better in the ice cream maker, resulting in fewer ice crystals.
- When using the ice cream maker, don’t skip the churning time. This incorporates air into the gelato, making it fluffy while freezing.
- After churning, transfer the gelato to a container and freeze for a few hours to firm it up. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping; this helps avoid a hard texture.
With these tips, you should have a wonderfully creamy Chocolate Nutella Gelato that everyone will love!
Easy Chocolate Nutella Gelato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Nutella (hazelnut chocolate spread)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Chopped hazelnuts or toasted nuts, for garnish
- Additional Nutella, melted for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fantastic gelato recipe will take you approximately 15 minutes to prepare, plus 2 hours to chill and another 2-4 hours to firm up in the freezer. In total, you can have your delicious Chocolate Nutella Gelato ready in about 4-6 hours—not too long for such a delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Base:
In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Place the saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is warm, but be careful not to let it boil.
2. Mixing in the Good Stuff:
Once heated, remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the heavy cream, Nutella, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly blended and the Nutella is fully melted into the mixture. This should create a rich, chocolatey base!
3. Chilling the Mixture:
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap to prevent any unwanted flavors from getting in. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is nice and cold.
4. Churning to Perfection:
After the base has chilled, pour it into your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You should achieve a soft-serve gelato consistency during this step!
5. Freezing the Gelato:
Once churned, transfer the gelato into a lidded container. Place it in the freezer for 2-4 hours to allow it to firm up before serving. This step is important for that perfect scoop!
6. Serving Your Gelato:
When you’re ready to enjoy, scoop the gelato into bowls. Want to take it up a notch? Drizzle some melted Nutella over the top and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts or any toasted nuts you love for added crunch!
7. Enjoy!
Indulge in your rich and creamy Chocolate Nutella Gelato! It’s a fantastic dessert on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a cup of espresso or some fresh berries for a delightful contrast. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ for Easy Chocolate Nutella Gelato
Can I Use a Different Milk or Cream?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with 2% or almond milk for a lighter option. If you’re looking to reduce fat, half-and-half is a good alternative for heavy cream, but the texture might be slightly less creamy.
How Do I Store Leftover Gelato?
Store any leftover gelato in an airtight container in the freezer. To keep it fresh, make sure it’s tightly sealed. It can last for about 1-2 weeks, but for the best flavor and texture, consuming it within the first week is ideal!
I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker; Can I Still Make This Gelato?
Yes, you can! After mixing and chilling the base, pour it into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and stir the mixture to break up ice crystals until it reaches a creamy consistency, about 2-3 hours.
Can I Make This Gelato Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or any nut milk for the base, and substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream. Just make sure to choose a dairy-free spread that mimics Nutella for that hazelnut chocolate flavor.
