Creamy chocolate frosting gets a boost of flavor from jarred chocolate-hazelnut paste in this Nutella Buttercream. Silky and smooth, with tons of decadent chocolate flavor - you are going to love this recipe!
How to Make Nutella Buttercream
Start by mixing the butter by itself until smooth and creamy.
Add in the powdered sugar and mix on low speed to combine.
Add the cocoa powder along with the Nutella, cream, and vanilla.
First, whip the ingredients on high to incorporate air to make it fluffy. Then, mix on low until silky smooth.
Hint: After the first stage of mixing, the buttercream will look like dense frosting. Keep mixing to incorporate more air to make it fluffy. From there, let the mix run on low speed until creamy and silky. Stop and stir virtuously with a rubber spatula before using.
Steps for Making Creamy Nutella Buttercream
- Mix the butter - use the paddle attachment on a stand mixer to smooth out the softened butter first.
- Add the powdered sugar- mix on low speed until combined.
- Add the Nutella - along with the cream, cocoa, and vanilla. Mix on low until combined.
- Let it whip! - Increase the speed and whip until light and fluffy
- Add cream - if the buttercream is still too stiff, add the remaining cream and mix again
- Smooth it out - Mix on low speed until silky smooth. stir the buttercream with a wooden spoon or stiff spatula before icing cakes (optional)
This super easy Nutella buttercream is so creamy and full of chocolate-hazelnut flavor. If you've ever been tempted to eat Nutella straight from the jar, then you will love spreading this delicious buttercream of all of your favorite desserts.
Give me less than 10 minutes to change how you feel about homemade frosting. Kick those canned frostings to the curb; this Nutella buttercream is so easy to make yourself.
The Nutella buttercream recipe is similar to my go-to whipped buttercream frosting with added Nutella spread and cocoa powder for extra flavor.
I was inspired by my chocolate hazelnut cupcakes. While they are totally drool-worthy, the topping is made with a Nutella Italian meringue buttercream. It is silky smooth and delightful, but much more labor intensive.
Ingredients
Only 6 simple ingredients stand in the way of you and this delicious Nutella buttercream:
- Unsalted butter - softened to room temperature, but not greasy
- Nutella - any chocolate-hazelnut spread should do
- Icing sugar - sifted as needed
- Cocoa powder - use Dutch processed, if possible
- Heavy cream - milk will do in a pinch
- Vanilla extract - pick a pure, 100% vanilla extract if you can
Softened butter should be able to easily hold a fingerprint when lightly pressed. It should not feel greasy or be melted.
Tools and Equipment
- Electric mixer - either a hand or stand mixer is fine
- Rubber spatula
- Sieve - for sifting powdered sugar and cocoa, as needed
Substitutions
Milk - In a pinch, you can use regular milk instead of the cream with similar results.
Nutella - kind of defeats the name, but any chocolate-hazelnut spread is fine.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! You can freeze buttercream for up to 3 months. The best way to do so is by making a 'pillow' of buttercream by wrapping it in plastic wrap. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then bring to room temperature. Remix before use.
Before you start adding too much powdered sugar, try putting soft buttercream in the refrigerator. The butter might have been too warm and chilling in the refrigerator may help it firm up.
Make sure to sift powdered sugar and cocoa powder to remove any lumps before mixing. Allow enough time for the butter and sugar to whip together to help the sugar dissolve into the buttercream frosting.
Storage
Nutella buttercream frosting is best used just after making while it is still soft. If making in advance, store it at room temperature for up to 1 day. Rewhip or mix by hand until light and smooth.
Frosting may be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Allow it to come to room temperature before remixing.
You may also freeze the frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Recipes to Pair with Nutella Buttercream
Recipe
5-minute Creamy Nutella Buttercream
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted, as needed
- ¾ cup Nutella spread
- ¼ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 2 to 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Using a stand (or hand) mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter on medium-low speed until smooth and creamy, 1 minute.
- Turn the mixer off and add the powdered sugar. Begin mixing on low speed until the ingredients come together, about a minute.
- Add the Nutella, cocoa, 2 tablespoons cream, and vanilla. Continue to mix on low until incorporated, about another minute.
- Turn up the speed and mix at medium-high speed for 2 minutes, until the buttercream is light and fluffy. If needed, add the additional cream until desired consistency is achieved.
- Turn the mixer down to low speed and run for an additional minute or 2, or until creamy.
Teya Duncan
So decadent! Love this recipe on cupcakes.
Evan
So easy. It shouldn't be this good, but here we are! Will make again.