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Nutella Frosting is easy to make, and instantly elevates any dessert you pair it with! It’s made quickly, in one bowl, with no fussy steps or powdered sugar sifting required. This luscious nutella frosting is delicious on layer cakes, brownies, cupcakes, and more!
Why you’ll love this Nutella Frosting:
- Easy to Make – This frosting recipe is easy to make, and comes together in no time!
- Not too Sweet – This recipe isn’t overly sweet! You can always taste and adjust the powdered sugar as desired.
- No Sifting! – Can I just say that sifting powdered sugar is a scam? You can take my word for it – I’ve only done it maybe two times in my entire life and it was NOT WORTH IT.
Ingredient Overview:
As always, the full recipe with measurements & directions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Use the table of contents (back at the top, below the first image, to navigate).
- Nutella – Off brand or the brand name both work well!
- Butter – I always use salted butter because in my experience, it lends the best flavor, but feel free to use unsalted butter if that’s what you prefer.
- Powdered Sugar – Yes, you must use powdered sugar so the frosting isn’t grainy! I tried using granulated sugar once as a kid in a baking experiment, and it was SO bad, haha.
- Milk – Use a bit of milk, half and half, heavy cream, or even water (whatever you have on hand!) just to help the frosting come together, if needed.
Recipe Substitutions & Variations:
- Dairy-free –
How to Make Nutella Frosting:
Step 1: Beat the Butter. Beat the butter for a good minute or so, until it’s nice and creamy.
Step 2: Beat in the Nutella. Beat the nutella into the butter. I’ve found that the frosting turns out smoother if you add it in now, instead of at the very end.
Step 3: Add Powdered Sugar. Beat in the powdered sugar in a few additions, so you don’t make a total mess (it’ll still be semi-messy – powdered sugar doesn’t play nicely!). Then, beat in the vanilla and salt.
Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese. Mix in the cream cheese last. This helps prevent your frosting from becoming weepy. Taste and make any adjustments!
Serving + Storing:
Your frosting is ready to use immediately! If it is a little weepy, pop it in the fridge or freezer for 10 to 30 minutes to help stiffen it back up. (To evenly chill the frosting, use a spatula to spread it up the sides of your bowl so it’s at an even thickness!)
Frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days before using. Let it come back to room temperature for a bit, and re-mix it to bring it back to a spreadable consistency.
Expert Baking Tips:
- Oven Thermometer – An oven thermometer will tell you if your oven is actually running at the temperature you set it to. Your oven may not be accurate. Accurate oven temperature is crucial for most bakes, so I leave an oven thermometer in at all times to keep an eye on my oven’s calibration.
- Kitchen Scale – A food scale is the best way to make sure your flour is at the proper weight, since amounts will vary SO widely based on how you measure it, as well as the measuring cup you use, as they are not standardized.
FAQs:
Yes – freeze it in an airtight container for 4-6 weeks. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using, and bring back to room temperature for a bit and then run your mixer through it to bring it back to a spreadable consistency.
Special Tools:
- Mixer – You’ll need a stand mixer or hand mixer.
More Nutella Recipes to Love:
- Double-Stuffed Nutella Cookies
- Nutella Filled Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups
- Nutella Chocolate Cupcakes
- Triple Nutella Cheesecake
- Nutella Dessert Pizza
- No-Bake Nutella Tart
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment & star rating!
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Luscious Nutella Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups salted butter, softened at room temperature , 340 grams
- 1 and 1/3 cups nutella, 390 grams
- 4 and 1/2 cups to 5 cups powdered sugar, 518 to 575 grams
- 1-2 tbsp milk, 15-30 grams
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temp, This really only needs 10-20 minutes out – 226 grams
Instructions
- Make the Nutella Frosting: Beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy, about 1 minute. Add the nutella and mix on high until well creamed with the butter. Mix in the powdered sugar in three additions, mixing between each until combined. Add milk as needed to help things come together. Add the vanilla and salt and mix. Mix in the cream cheese last, until well combined. Taste and adjust with more powdered sugar, or an extra pinch of salt as desired.1 and 1/2 cups salted butter, softened at room temperature , 1 and 1/3 cups nutella, 4 and 1/2 cups to 5 cups powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp milk, 2 tsp vanilla extract , pinch salt, 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temp
- Serve & Store: Once done, use the frosting right away on cakes, cupcakes, brownies, or anything else your heart desires! If your frosting is weepy, pop it in the fridge or freezer for 10-30 minutes to make it easier to work with. Pro Tip: Use a spatula to spread the frosting up the sides of the mixing bowl so that the thickness of the frosting is even, so it will set up evenly in the fridge.Store frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days before using. Let come back to room temperature for 15-30 minutes or so before using, and give it a quick run through with the mixer to return it to a spreadable consistency.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
