Nutella, the beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread, has become a staple in many kitchens around the world. This creamy delight can transform ordinary treats into extraordinary desserts with just a few spoonfuls.
From breakfast items to late-night snacks, Nutella adds a rich flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth.
You can use Nutella in numerous creative ways beyond simply spreading it on toast. Whether you’re looking to make no-bake treats, stuffed French toast, cookies, or even fancy tortes, these recipes will show you how versatile this chocolate-hazelnut spread truly is.
These 21 recipes will inspire you to experiment with Nutella in ways you might not have considered before.
1. Nutella-Stuffed French Toast
Nutella-Stuffed French Toast transforms regular breakfast into a special treat. This dish features bread sandwiches filled with chocolate-hazelnut spread, then dipped in a custard mixture.
The recipe typically uses a mixture of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar for soaking the bread.
You can use different types of bread, but thick slices of brioche or French bread work best to hold the filling.
After dipping the stuffed sandwiches in the egg mixture, cook them in a hot pan until golden brown. For extra flavor, some recipes roll the finished toast in cinnamon sugar.
Serve this decadent breakfast with fresh strawberries on top for a perfect sweet morning meal.
2. Nutella Puff Pastry Twists
These Nutella puff pastry twists are a simple yet impressive treat that requires just three to four ingredients. You’ll need frozen puff pastry, Nutella, and sometimes an egg for brushing.
The process is straightforward. Just thaw your puff pastry, spread a layer of Nutella, and twist the dough before baking.
The result is a flaky, buttery pastry with a rich chocolate-hazelnut filling.
You can shape these in different ways – twists, knots, or rolls – depending on your preference. They’re perfect for dessert or a special breakfast treat.
No one can resist these melt-in-your-mouth pastries with their perfect combination of crispy layers and creamy Nutella.
3. Nutella Cheesecake
Nutella Cheesecake combines the rich hazelnut-chocolate flavor of Nutella with the creamy texture of traditional cheesecake. You can make this decadent dessert in both baked New York style or no-bake versions.
The typical recipe calls for several packages of cream cheese, sugar, and an entire jar of Nutella. The filling sits on a cookie crust that often includes hazelnuts for extra flavor.
For an even more indulgent treat, top your cheesecake with Nutella ganache or drizzle warm Nutella over each slice before serving. Some versions also feature swirls of Nutella throughout the cream cheese filling.
You can also make Nutella cheesecake bars for a more portable dessert option that’s perfect for sharing.
4. Deep Fried Nutella Wontons
Deep Fried Nutella Wontons are a simple yet indulgent treat you can make at home. They require just a few basic ingredients: wonton wrappers, Nutella, and oil for frying.
To make these, place about 2-3 teaspoons of Nutella in the center of each wonton wrapper. Seal the edges with egg white to prevent leaking during frying.
Fry them in hot oil for 45 seconds to 1 minute, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning.
The result is a crispy exterior with warm, melted Nutella inside.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a perfect finishing touch. These make a delicious dessert that’s crispy on the outside and oozing with chocolate on the inside.
5. Nutella-Stuffed French Toast Sticks
These sweet breakfast treats combine the classic comfort of French toast with gooey Nutella filling. Start by cutting the crusts off bread slices – though keeping them is also fine if you prefer.
Spread a layer of Nutella between two bread slices to create sandwiches. Dip these in an egg and cinnamon mixture, then cook in a hot pan until golden brown.
For easier eating, cut the cooked French toast into sticks. The finished product offers a perfect balance of fluffy bread and melty chocolate-hazelnut goodness.
Ready in just about 20 minutes, these Nutella-stuffed French toast sticks make for a special breakfast that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
6. Nutella Hand Pies
Nutella hand pies are a delicious treat that combines flaky pastry with creamy chocolate hazelnut spread. You can make these sweet pockets in under 30 minutes.
To prepare them, you’ll need a sheet of thawed puff pastry, Nutella, and a few basic ingredients.
Cut the pastry into squares, add a spoonful of Nutella to each one, and fold over to create triangular pies.
For extra flavor, try adding grated orange zest or banana slices to the filling. Some recipes also include tart blackberries for a delightful contrast with the sweet Nutella.
Brush with egg wash before baking until golden and crisp. These portable treats are perfect for snacks or dessert.
7. Chocolate Hazelnut Torte
This elegant dessert combines the rich flavors of chocolate and hazelnut in a stunning torte format. The cake layers are moist and tender, providing the perfect base for the star ingredient – Nutella.
You can make this torte gluten-free by using hazelnut flour in the cake batter. It creates a naturally nutty flavor that enhances the chocolate notes.
For the filling, whipped cream blended with Nutella creates a light yet indulgent texture. The contrast between the dense cake and fluffy filling makes each bite interesting.
Top your torte with chopped hazelnuts, a drizzle of melted Nutella, or fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation that tastes as good as it looks.
8. Chocolate-Hazelnut Magic Bars
Chocolate-Hazelnut Magic Bars combine the rich taste of Nutella with a buttery crust for an irresistible dessert. These bars are quick and easy to make, perfect for when you need a sweet treat.
The magic happens when layers of Nutella, chocolate chips, and crunchy hazelnuts melt together during baking. The contrast between the smooth chocolate and the crunchy nuts creates a delightful texture.
You can make these in a standard baking dish by first pressing down a mixture of crumbs and melted butter. Some recipes use hazelnut flour for the crust to keep them gluten-free while enhancing the nutty flavor.
9. Nutella Babka Buns
Nutella Babka Buns combine fluffy brioche dough with swirls of rich chocolate hazelnut spread. This delightful treat features layers of buttery dough twisted around a decadent Nutella filling.
You can enhance your babka buns with a spiced syrup glaze that adds moisture and flavor. Some versions include cinnamon crumbles on top for extra texture and taste.
The process involves making a soft brioche dough, spreading Nutella, rolling, twisting, and baking until golden. The result is a beautiful swirled pastry that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
These buns work well as individual portions, making them ideal for sharing at brunches or coffee gatherings.
10. Nutella Coffee Shake
Nutella and coffee come together in this refreshing shake that’s perfect for any time of day. The rich hazelnut-chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with coffee for a delicious treat.
To make this shake, you’ll need ice cubes, milk, sugar, Nutella, and strong coffee.
Simply blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy.
You can customize your shake by using plant-based milk for a dairy-free version. Some recipes add a bit of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
This drink works well both as a cool summer refreshment or as a dessert alternative when you’re craving something sweet.
11. Nutella No-Bake Pie
Nutella No-Bake Pie is perfect for days when you want a delicious dessert without turning on the oven. This fluffy chocolate mousse-like pie requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
You only need a few ingredients to make this easy treat. Most recipes call for Nutella, cream cheese, whipped topping, and a graham cracker crust.
The preparation is incredibly simple. It takes about 5 minutes to mix everything together. Just combine softened cream cheese with Nutella, fold in whipped topping, and pour into a pre-made graham cracker crust.
After chilling in the refrigerator, top with additional whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra special touch.
12. Nutella Cupcakes
Nutella cupcakes are a delicious treat that combines rich chocolate cake with the beloved hazelnut spread. These cupcakes are moist and flavorful, perfect for any dessert table.
You can make them even more special by filling the centers with gooey Nutella. This creates a wonderful surprise when you bite into them.
Top these cupcakes with Nutella buttercream or Nutella cream cheese frosting for the ultimate indulgence. The frosting can be piped in beautiful swirls and garnished with chopped hazelnuts.
These cupcakes are relatively easy to make, even for beginners. You can prepare a small batch for two or make a dozen for sharing with friends and family.
13. Nutella Frosting
Nutella frosting is a rich, chocolatey spread that can elevate any dessert. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this buttercream-style frosting is surprisingly easy to prepare.
You can make Nutella frosting in about 5 minutes with only 6-7 basic ingredients.
The star of the show is, of course, the chocolate-hazelnut spread that gives it that distinctive flavor.
This versatile frosting works wonderfully on cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It holds its shape well when piped, making it perfect for decorating special treats.
Some bakers like to create a Nutella cream cheese frosting variation for an extra tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the chocolate-hazelnut spread.
14. Ferrero Rocher Cake
A Ferrero Rocher Cake combines the beloved flavors of chocolate and hazelnut in cake form. This dessert features moist chocolate hazelnut sponge layers that capture the essence of the famous candy.
The cake is typically filled with Nutella mousseline cream and sometimes includes crispy wafer pieces for texture. You can add chopped hazelnuts between layers for extra crunch.
The outside is often covered with a rich chocolate glaze and decorated with actual Ferrero Rocher candies. Despite its impressive appearance, it’s not as complicated to make as you might think.
This cake makes an excellent celebration dessert that will surely impress your guests.
15. Nutella-Swirled Brownies
Nutella-swirled brownies combine fudgy chocolate goodness with ribbons of hazelnut chocolate spread. These decadent treats feature a crinkly top and rich interior.
To make these brownies, you’ll first prepare a classic brownie batter. Then swirl in Nutella before baking for a marbled effect.
The process is simple – after pouring your brownie batter into the pan, add dollops of Nutella on top. Use a knife or toothpick to create beautiful swirls throughout the mixture.
These brownies are best when slightly underbaked, giving them that perfect fudgy texture. They make an impressive dessert that looks complicated but requires minimal effort.
16. Nutella Sushi Rolls
Nutella sushi rolls are a fun twist on traditional sushi that kids and adults both love. These sweet treats use a tortilla or flatbread spread with Nutella as the base.
Place a peeled banana at one end and roll it up tightly. Then, slice the roll into bite-sized pieces to create the sushi effect.
For variety, you can add strawberries or other fruits. Some versions include cream cheese for a cheesecake-like flavor.
These rolls make perfect lunchbox treats and after-school snacks. You can prepare them in just 5 minutes, making them ideal for busy days.
17. Nutella Pancakes
Nutella pancakes are a delicious breakfast treat that will start your day on a sweet note. You can make them in two ways: mixing Nutella directly into the batter or stuffing pancakes with Nutella.
For stuffed pancakes, pour some batter on the pan, add a frozen disk of Nutella in the center, then cover with more batter. This creates a gooey chocolate-hazelnut center when you cut into it.
If you prefer mixed pancakes, simply whisk Nutella into your regular pancake batter for fluffy chocolate pancakes with hazelnut flavor throughout.
Serve warm with maple syrup, fresh berries, or even more Nutella on top for an extra special breakfast.
18. Nutella Crepes
Nutella crepes are a simple yet elegant treat you can easily make at home. The basic crepe batter requires just flour, eggs, milk, water, and a pinch of salt.
For sweet crepes like these, add a couple tablespoons of sugar to the batter. Using a blender to mix the ingredients creates the smoothest results.
Once cooked, spread Nutella generously over your warm crepes. For extra flavor, add fresh strawberries or banana slices inside before folding.
Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch. While Nutella is a favorite filling, you can also try lemon and sugar, chocolate sauce, or butter and jam for variety.
19. Nutella Waffles
Nutella waffles combine the perfect crispy exterior with a fluffy interior, creating a delicious breakfast treat. The chocolate-hazelnut spread adds rich flavor to this morning classic.
You can make these waffles by adding Nutella directly to the batter or by creating a swirl effect. For the swirl method, prepare a basic waffle batter with flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, oil, and eggs.
Let the batter rest for about 20 minutes before cooking. Once your waffles are ready, you can also spread additional Nutella on top for extra chocolaty goodness.
These waffles work well with gluten-free flour alternatives too. Top with fresh berries or banana slices for a complete breakfast experience.
20. Nutella Raspberry Pain au Chocolat
Pain au Chocolat gets a fruity upgrade with the addition of raspberry and Nutella. This treat combines flaky pastry with the perfect balance of chocolate and fruit.
You can make this easily at home using frozen puff pastry. Simply spread a layer of Nutella and raspberry jam before rolling and baking.
The raspberries add a pleasant tartness that cuts through the rich chocolate hazelnut spread. This creates a balanced flavor that isn’t overwhelmingly sweet.
For a quick version, you can also use store-bought croissant dough. Lightly toast the baked pastry before serving for extra crispiness.
21. Nutella Mousse
Nutella mousse is a delightfully simple dessert that requires just 2 ingredients and about 5 minutes of preparation time. This light and airy treat delivers all the rich hazelnut-chocolate flavor of Nutella in a silky, whipped texture.
You can make this quick dessert for unexpected guests or satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort. The mousse turns out velvety and decadent, despite its incredibly simple preparation.
For an extra special presentation, pipe the mousse into mini chocolate chip cookie cups. This creates an impressive dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
The best part? This versatile treat works well with nut-free alternatives too, making it accessible for those with allergies.
The History of Nutella
Nutella’s journey from a small Italian creation to a global phenomenon spans over seven decades. This creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread has roots in wartime innovation and has grown to become a beloved part of breakfast tables worldwide.
Origins and Evolution
Nutella’s story begins in the 1940s during World War II. Pietro Ferrero, a pastry maker from Piedmont, Italy, faced chocolate shortages due to wartime rationing. He created a clever solution by mixing what little chocolate was available with hazelnuts, which were plentiful in the region.
The initial product was called “Pasta Gianduja” – a solid block that could be sliced and eaten with bread. In 1951, Ferrero transformed it into a creamy spread called “Supercrema Gianduja.”
The name “Nutella” was officially adopted in 1964 when Pietro’s son Michele Ferrero rebranded and reformulated the product for international markets. The new name combined the English word “nut” with the “-ella” suffix, creating a catchy, universal name.
Cultural Impact
Nutella quickly transcended its Italian origins to become a global phenomenon. You can now find the spread in over 160 countries, with factories operating on multiple continents to meet demand.
February 5th is celebrated as “World Nutella Day,” launched in 2007 by an American blogger. This unofficial holiday shows how deeply Nutella has embedded itself in food culture worldwide.
The spread has inspired countless recipes beyond simple toast toppings. From Nutella-stuffed cookies to elaborate cakes, it has become a staple ingredient in home kitchens and professional bakeries alike.
Nutella’s iconic glass jar design has remained largely unchanged, becoming instantly recognizable on supermarket shelves. This consistency in packaging has helped build a strong brand identity that crosses cultural boundaries.
Health and Nutrition
While Nutella is undeniably delicious, understanding its nutritional profile and ingredients can help you make informed choices about how it fits into your diet. Many homemade versions offer healthier alternatives with fewer calories and less sugar.
Nutritional Breakdown
Traditional store-bought Nutella contains about 200 calories, 12g of fat, and 21g of sugar per 2-tablespoon (37g) serving. The first ingredient is sugar, followed by palm oil, hazelnuts, cocoa, and milk.
Homemade versions typically cut the calories by nearly half. For example, recipes using simple ingredients like roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and a bit of oil can have around 100-120 calories per serving.
The fat content in homemade Nutella comes primarily from hazelnuts, which contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Unlike commercial varieties, homemade versions avoid palm oil, which has been linked to environmental concerns.
Sugar content can be controlled in homemade recipes. Many recipes use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, and in smaller amounts than commercial versions.
Allergenic Ingredients
Nutella contains several common allergens that you should be aware of. Hazelnuts, the primary nut ingredient, can cause severe reactions in people with tree nut allergies.
Milk solids are also present in traditional Nutella, making it unsuitable for those with dairy allergies or following a vegan diet.
Many homemade and some specialty versions offer dairy-free alternatives using plant milks or coconut oil.
Soy lecithin is used as an emulsifier in commercial Nutella. While only present in small amounts, it’s important for those with soy allergies to be aware.
Homemade versions allow complete control over ingredients for those with specific dietary needs. Vegan versions substitute dairy with coconut milk or oil, while paleo versions avoid refined sugars.
