This creamy Chocolate Nutella Gelato is a delicious treat that combines rich chocolate and the famous hazelnut spread. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
Every scoop is smooth and dreamy, making it hard to stop at just one! I love serving it topped with whipped cream for a little extra fun! 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Milk: Whole milk adds richness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use 2% milk or even almond milk, but the texture may change slightly.
Heavy Cream: This gives the gelato its creamy texture. If you’re avoiding dairy, consider using coconut cream. It adds a different flavor but still provides creaminess.
Nutella: Nutella is the star of this recipe! If someone has nut allergies, try using sunflower seed butter or a chocolate hazelnut spread without nuts.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder gives depth to the chocolate flavor. You can swap it with Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother taste, or even use chocolate syrup (adjust sugar accordingly).
Granulated Sugar: While granulated sugar is classic for sweetness, coconut sugar or agave syrup are great alternatives for a different sweetness profile.
How to Achieve the Perfect Gelato Texture?
The key to a creamy gelato lies in the churning process. Here are the steps to get it right:
- First, make sure the mixture is well chilled before churning. This helps it freeze evenly.
- In your ice cream maker, churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It’s usually around 20-30 minutes. You’ll want it to be soft-serve texture before freezing it solid.
- Once churned, immediately transfer the gelato to a lidded container. This keeps it from forming ice crystals, which can make it grainy.
For best texture, let it sit in the freezer for at least 4 hours. This allows it to firm up nicely.
How to Make Chocolate Nutella Gelato
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For Garnish:
- Chopped hazelnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious gelato takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 2 hours for chilling and 4 hours to freeze. So, plan for a total of about 6 to 7 hours before you can enjoy your creamy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Base:
In a medium saucepan, pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, and add the granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently. You want to dissolve the sugar completely while warming the mixture. Just remember, don’t let it boil—warm is the key here!
2. Mixing the Flavors:
In a separate bowl, take the Nutella and sift in the cocoa powder. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Now, gradually whisk your warm milk mixture into this bowl. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and well blended. This is where the chocolatey magic happens!
3. Cooling Down:
Once your mixture is smooth, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature. After it cools, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling helps develop those lovely flavors!
4. Churning the Gelato:
After the mixture is thoroughly chilled, take it out of the fridge and pour it into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to churn it until the gelato is creamy and reaches a soft-serve consistency. It’s so exciting to see it transform!
5. Freezing the Gelato:
Next, transfer the gelato to a lidded container. For the best texture, freeze it for at least 4 hours or until it’s nice and firm. This is the hardest part—waiting to dig in!
6. Serving Your Creation:
Finally, when you’re ready to serve, scoop the gelato into bowls. For an extra treat, drizzle some additional Nutella on top and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts. Enjoy every delicious spoonful of your homemade chocolate Nutella gelato!
Can I Use Different Types of Milk or Cream?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole milk with 2% or even almond milk for a lighter option, but it may affect the creaminess. If you want a dairy-free gelato, try coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might vary slightly!
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can still make gelato without an ice cream maker. Simply pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir it with a fork to break up ice crystals until it reaches a creamy texture, usually about 3-4 hours.
How to Store Leftover Gelato?
Store leftover gelato in an airtight container in the freezer. To maintain its creamy texture, cover the top with a layer of plastic wrap before sealing the lid. It should stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, but it’s best enjoyed sooner!
Can I Add Other Flavors or Mix-Ins?
Definitely! You can mix in chocolate chips, other nut butters, or even fruits like strawberries or bananas before churning for added flavor. Just make sure to keep the total mix-ins to about 1 cup to maintain the gelato’s consistency.
