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This creamy Nutella Frosting is super smooth and light as air. An easy-to-make buttercream, it will become your go-to frosting for chocolate cake or cupcakes.
The Ultimate Light and Fluffy Nutella Frosting
No, you are not dreaming my friends. This might just become your favorite homemade frosting recipe. Modified from my peanut butter frosting recipe, chocolate hazelnut frosting made from Nutella and just a few more staple ingredients It is velvety smooth and pipes beautifully when creating Nutella desserts like my Ferrero Rocher cake, or some chocolate cupcakes.
It’s not a secret that I am obsessed with frosting recipes. Over the years I’ve done some really fun and unique flavors, but somehow missed the boat on Nutella, so today it’s all about that silky chocolate hazelnut spread.
Here’s What You’ll Need
With just five ingredients, your chocolate hazelnut frosting will come together in a snap. See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact measurements.
- Unsalted butter – You’ll notice my recipe calls for cold butter, which is not a mistake! This is my signature way of preparing frosting that all started with my vanilla frosting.
- Nutella hazelnut spread– this recipe uses a whole jar of Nutella!
- Powdered Sugar– For the smoothest consistency, you might consider sifting your powdered sugar.
- Heavy whipping cream – The fat in the cream makes this the dreamiest and creamiest texture. Milk is a good substitute if you don’t have heavy cream on hand.
- Pure Vanilla Extract
How to Make Nutella Frosting
Let’s get to making this homemade Nutella frosting!
Whip the butter: This creates the base for the whole recipe, so be sure to follow each step. Cut the butter into 1 tablespoon-sized pieces, which allows the mixer to break it down a little easier. Whip using the paddle attachment for 3-4 minutes. The butter will be lighter in color and also it will be super spreadable.
Combine Nutella and Butter: Add the Nutella to the whipped butter, at this point the consistencies will be very similar. Scrape down the bowl a few times and ensure they’re well incorporated.
Add Powdered Sugar and Liquid Ingredients: There’s a lot of powdered sugar in this frosting, so I’d recommend adding 2-3 cups at a time, while adding in some of the liquid (the vanilla extract and heavy cream) Each time you add powdered sugar, you’ll want to be sure to scrape down the bowl and beater blade, and whip it till it’s smooth and fluffy.
One final whip: Once all the ingredients have been added, spend another 3-4 minutes beating the frosting until it’s light and airy. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of the heavy whipping cream.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
A few tips when making this rich and creamy Nutella chocolate frosting.
- Using a hand mixer: Since this is a large batch of frosting, I’d recommend baking a half batch instead of a full batch, and softening the butter in the microwave for 10-15 seconds first. You’ll need to spend more time beating the butter and the frosting in general.
- The Frosting is too thick: If you did not properly beat the frosting (or the butter), you may find the frosting is too thick and stiff. Before adding too much more liquid, try separating out half the frosting into another bowl and then beating just half at a time until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- The Frosting is too thin: The only way to remedy this is to add more powdered sugar.
- Too sweet? Add a pinch of salt or two.
Ways to Use Nutella Frosting
Since you’ve gotten this far, I assume you’re ready to roll and start decorating!
Pair with Cupcakes:
- I mentioned above that this pairs perfectly with my easy chocolate cupcakes, but consider adding some chocolate ganache to the middle and using Nutella frosting instead of chocolate.
- Don’t love chocolate? Try using my yellow cupcake or vanilla cupcake base instead. You could even try this with an Oreo cupcake.
Decorate a Cake:
- Chocolate cakes: If you don’t want the Ferrero Rocher Cake, a simple mini chocolate cake with a scaled-down batch of frosting would work. It would also be amazing with my marble cake
- Pair with strawberry: Nutella and strawberries are a perfect match. Try it with my strawberry cake.
Brownies and Cookies:
This is especially great if you have leftover frosting
- If you have leftover frosting, try adding some to my favorite cocoa powder brownies or brookies.
- Slather on some chocolate chip cookies or chocolate cookies.
- Spread it over some chocolate chip cookie bars.
Preparation and Storage
The frosting is great to prepare ahead of time, saving you time when it comes to decorating.
- Room temperature: This recipe can be made and stored at room temp for 24 hours in advance.
- Fridge: Store in the fridge for up to 7 days before serving.
- Freezer: You can also freeze this frosting in an airtight container for up to a month.
Note: If you refrigerate or freeze this frosting, you’ll need to rewhip it prior to using it to get that light and fluffy consistency again.
Frosted cupcakes and cakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature as long as you don’t live in a hot and humid environment. In that case, I recommend placing in the refrigerator in an airtight container and allowing them to come to room temperature before serving.
More Fun Frosting Recipes
A fun frosting can make a recipe even better. Try one of these on your baked goods next time!
Print
Nutella Frosting
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 cups
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
This creamy Nutella Frosting is super smooth and light as air. An easy-to-make buttercream you can pair with cake, cupcakes, cookies and more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups(454g) unsalted butter, cold
- 1 heaping cup or about 1 jar (13oz/371g) Nutella hazelnut spread
- 7 cups (911-1041g) powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons(45ml) heavy whipping cream or milk
- 1 tablespoon(15ml) pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the butter into 1 tablespoon size pieces. Using the paddle attachment, whip butter for 3-4 minutes, scraping down the bowl occasionally. Beat until butter looks light in color. Next, beat the Nutella until well mixed.
- Alternate adding 2-3 cups of powdered sugar at a time with the liquid ingredients: vanilla extract & heavy cream. Ensure all the powdered sugar is well combined and beat for 2-3 minutes before adding additional powdered sugar.
- Once all ingredients have been added, whip for 3-4 minutes until the frosting is light and airy. If the frosting is too thick, add additional heavy whipping cream 1 tablespoon at a time. Add a pinch of salt if needed to cut the sweetness.
Notes
- How much does this frosting make?
- You can generously cover a 3-layer 8-inch cake with this frosting
- For 24 cupcakes or a sheet cake, cut the recipe in half
- How to prepare ahead of time and store:
- Room temperature: This recipe can be made and stored at room temp for 24 hours in advance.
- Fridge: Store in the fridge for up to 7 days before serving.
- Freezer: You can also freeze this frosting in an airtight container for up to a month.
- Storing frosting cupcakes and cakes:
- can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature as long as you don’t live in a hot and humid environment, then refrigerate and serve them at room temperature.
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixer
- Cuisine: American
