Nutella Ganache
I love this homemade Nutella Ganache recipe because it is so simple and easy to make! With just two ingredients, you can have a decadent treat in no time.
The combination of Nutella and cream create an unforgettable flavor that elevates any dessert. Plus, its smooth texture makes it perfect for adding to cupcakes, macarons, or whatever else you can dream up.
It’s sure to impress any guest with its deliciousness! Whether you’re looking for a special dessert for Valentine’s Day or want to amp up your dessert game the rest of the year, this Nutella ganache recipe is just the treat you need.
You’ll love this recipe because:
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
- Nutella – Nutella is a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut spread that originated in Italy. It has a smooth and Nutty flavor that makes it great for spreading on toast, using as a dip for fruit, and even adding to desserts. I used the name brand Nutella, but you can use off-brands of chocolate hazelnut spread for this recipe without any issues.
- Heavy Cream – Heavy cream, also known as whipping cream, is a thick and creamy dairy product that has a high fat content. It provides the richness for this Nutella ganache. Do not substitute with milk or other dairy products.
I find it really hard to measure sticky ingredients like Nutella using measuring cups, so I prefer to weigh it on a food scale. It also requires less dishes for easier cleanup!
Step-by-Step instructions
This Nutella ganache is so simple with just 2 ingredients! The below photos with matching step-by-step instructions are not meant to be the full recipe, but to help you see the ganache made at various stages so you can make it perfectly every time!
For the ingredient list with measurements, full instructions, printable recipe, and additional notes, please scroll down to the recipe card.
Recipe FAQs
- How do I store my Nutella ganache? Store leftover Nutella ganache in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to one week. Before using, let it come to room temperature or gently reheat it to achieve the desired consistency.
- Does ganache harden or stay soft? This Nutella ganache will harden and thicken as it sits. If you want to use it in its liquid form, use it soon after making or reheat it until it is liquid again. It should still be on the thicker side, not at all runny. You can let the Nutella ganache harden in the refrigerator and scoop it into truffles. You can also let it harden at room temperature and then whip it with an electric mixer to make whipped ganache.
- Can I use any hazelnut spread instead of Nutella? While Nutella is a popular choice, you can use other hazelnut spreads, but keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.
- Can I make Nutella truffles with this ganache? Yes, you can refrigerate the ganache for about 4 hours to firm it up, then roll it into small balls to create Nutella truffles. You can coat them in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or melted chocolate.
- Is Nutella gluten-free? Yes, per Ferrero, who owns the Nutella brand, “Nutella® does not contain any ingredients derived from gluten-containing cereals: wheat, barley, rye, oats or triticale.” While it is not certified gluten-free, it does not contain any gluten ingredients.
- Is Nutella ganache suitable for vegan or lactose-intolerant diets? Nutella contains dairy, so it’s not suitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance. However, you can find dairy-free or vegan hazelnut spreads as alternatives.
Store leftover Nutella ganache in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to one week. Before using, let it come to room temperature or gently reheat it to achieve the desired consistency.
This Nutella ganache will harden and thicken as it sits. If you want to use it in its liquid form, use it soon after making or reheat it until it is liquid again. It should still be on the thicker side, not at all runny. You can let the Nutella ganache harden in the refrigerator and scoop it into truffles. You can also let it harden at room temperature and then whip it with an electric mixer to make whipped ganache.
Yes, you can refrigerate the ganache for about 4 hours to firm it up, then roll it into small balls to create Nutella truffles. You can coat them in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or melted chocolate.
While Nutella is a popular choice, you can use other hazelnut spreads, but keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly.
Yes, per Ferrero, who owns the Nutella brand, “Nutella® does not contain any ingredients derived from gluten-containing cereals: wheat, barley, rye, oats or triticale.” While it is not certified gluten-free, it does not contain any gluten ingredients.
Nutella contains dairy, so it’s not suitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance. However, you can find dairy-free or vegan hazelnut spreads as alternatives. You will also need to use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of heavy cream to make it dairy-free or vegan.
expert tips
Storage instructions
- Storage: Store leftover Nutella ganache in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks.
- Freezer Option: You can freeze Nutella ganache in a freezer-safe container or freezer-safe bag (just remove all the air from the bag) for up to 3 months. You may see some texture changes the longer you keep the ganache in the freezer. Let it thaw out in the refrigerator before using.
- Reheat/Thawing Instructions: Nutella ganache will harden as it sits in the refrigerator. To get it to a dippable or spreadable consistency, microwave it in 15 second increments until it’s smooth and liquid again. To thaw frozen ganache, leave it in the refrigerator overnight and then microwave as directed above.
Serving suggestions
Nutella ganache is a versatile and delicious addition to a wide range of desserts and treats. Here are some serving suggestions to help you make the most of this creamy chocolate hazelnut ganache:
- Cake Frosting: Spread a generous layer of Nutella ganache between cake layers and on top for an indulgent cake frosting. It pairs exceptionally well with my gluten-free chocolate cake, gluten-free vanilla cake, gluten-free red velvet cake, and gluten-free mug cake.
- Cupcake Filling: Inject Nutella ganache into cupcakes using a piping bag to surprise your family with a fudgy chocolate hazelnut center. Try it with my gluten-free chocolate cupcakes!
- Brownie Swirl: Create beautiful marbled brownies by swirling Nutella ganache into the brownie batter of my gluten-free brownies before baking. The result is a fudgy, Nutella-infused treat.
- Crepe Filling: Spread Nutella ganache inside warm gluten-free crepes and add sliced bananas, strawberries, or whipped cream for a decadent breakfast or dessert.
- Cookie Sandwiches: Use Nutella ganache as a filling between two cookies to make irresistible cookie sandwiches. Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate cookies, or gluten-free shortbread cookies work wonderfully.
- Fruit Dip: Serve Nutella ganache as a dipping sauce for fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, and apple slices. It adds a rich touch to your fruit platter.
- Ice Cream Drizzle: Warm Nutella ganache slightly and drizzle it over a scoop of chocolate peanut butter ice cream, strawberry ice cream, or vanilla ice cream for an extract treat.
- Doughnut Glaze: Dip warm gluten-free chocolate donuts into Nutella ganache for a unique glaze that will elevate your doughnut experience.
- Hot Chocolate Enhancement: Stir a spoonful of Nutella ganache into your hot chocolate for a creamy and hazelnut-infused twist on this classic drink. It’s great as an easy addition or swap for peanut butter in my peanut butter hot chocolate, too!
More dessert recipes to try
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Nutella Ganache
Ingredients
- 1 cup Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread (295g)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (180g)
Instructions
- Place the nutella in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Place the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, being sure not to boil. Pour the hot cream over the nutella.
- Place a plate over the mixture for 3 minutes. Remove the plate and whisk until the ganache has combined.
- Let cool to thicken slightly before using as a dip for fruit or a sauce to pour over ice cream or cheesecake.
- You can also place the ganache in the refrigerator and let the ganache harden for 4 hours to make nutella truffles.
- You can whip the cold nutella ganache for 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer (I prefer to use the paddle attachment of my stand mixer) to make whipped nutella ganache.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 2 cups of Nutella ganache. For nutritional information purposes, I’ve assumed a 2 tablespoon serving size.
- Be sure not to let the heavy cream get too hot. You want it to just come to a simmer. You will see tiny bubbles forming along the edges of the pan.
- Placing a plate over the mixture helps soften the Nutella from the steam of the hot heavy cream. I think this results in a smoother ganache, but you can also just pour the heavy cream over the Nutella and start mixing immediately. You may just need to stir a bit longer.
Nutrition
I’m Megan
A gluten-free food blogger from Chicago and lover of all things food, showing you gluten-free can be easy and delicious, too. Let’s make gluten-free stress free together! Read more…
