Nutella Frosting

Rich, creamy, and packed with irresistible chocolate-hazelnut flavour, this Nutella Frosting is the kind of frosting you’ll want to eat straight from the bowl. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfectly fluffy, and works beautifully on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and pretty much anything that could use a little extra chocolatey goodness.

This recipe can also be made with plant-based butter, making it an easy vegan-friendly frosting option when paired with dairy-free or vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread.

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The Best Nutella Frosting

If you’re a chocolate-hazelnut lover, this frosting is going to become a favourite. It has that classic Nutella flavour you know and love, but in a light, fluffy frosting that’s perfect for decorating. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Ultra creamy: A generous whipping time gives this frosting a light, fluffy texture that spreads beautifully.
• Big Nutella flavour: With half a cup of Nutella, every bite is packed with rich chocolate-hazelnut goodness.
• Simple ingredients: You only need four ingredients to make this delicious frosting.
• Vegan-friendly option: Swap the regular butter for plant-based butter and use a dairy-free chocolate-hazelnut spread.
• Perfect for decorating: Its smooth, fluffy texture makes it ideal for piping onto cakes and cupcakes.

Nutella Frosting Ingredients & Substitutions

There’s nothing complicated hiding in this ingredient list. Just four simple ingredients that come together to create a rich, creamy frosting with plenty of chocolate-hazelnut flavour.

• Salted Butter: This creates the creamy, rich base for this frosting. Make sure your butter is at room temperature so it whips up light and fluffy. Swap: Use plant-based butter for a vegan option.
• Nutella: The star of the show! Nutella gives this frosting its signature chocolate-hazelnut flavour and adds a deliciously creamy texture. Swap: Use homemade Nutella or another chocolate-hazelnut spread. For a vegan frosting, choose a dairy-free option such as Nocciolata or Justin’s.
• Powered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting while giving it the structure it needs for spreading and piping.
• Fine Sea Salt: Just a touch of salt balances the sweetness and helps bring out all that chocolate-hazelnut flavour.

How to Make Nutella Frosting

The secret to getting this frosting beautifully light and fluffy is giving it plenty of time in the mixer. Don’t be tempted to rush the whipping process—it’s what transforms these simple ingredients into silky, dreamy frosting.

1. Cream the butter and Nutella: Add the room-temperature butter and Nutella to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or use a handheld electric mixer. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5–10 minutes.

2. Add the powdered sugar: Add the powdered sugar and sea salt and begin mixing on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is fully incorporated.

3. Whip it up: Turn the mixer to high speed and beat the frosting for another 5 minutes. This final whipping step helps create that wonderfully light and fluffy texture.

4. Frost and enjoy: Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, or anything else your heart desires.

Helpful Hints For Amazing Nutella Frosting

A few small tricks can make a big difference when you’re making buttercream. These tips will help you get the smoothest, fluffiest Nutella Frosting possible every time.

• Use room-temperature butter: Cold butter won’t whip as easily and can leave you with a heavier frosting.
• Don’t rush the whipping: Those 5–10 minutes at the beginning and another 5 minutes at the end make a big difference in the texture.
• Scrape the bowl: Stop the mixer occasionally and scrape down the sides so everything blends evenly.
• Add the sugar slowly: Starting on low speed keeps powdered sugar from flying all over your kitchen.

Fun Flavor Twists

Nutella Frosting is delicious exactly as written, but it also makes a fantastic base for experimenting. Here are a few fun ways to switch things up depending on what you’re making.

• Extra Chocolatey: Add a little cocoa powder for an even deeper chocolate flavour.
• Espresso Nutella: Add a small amount of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavour.
• Hazelnut Crunch: Gently fold in finely chopped toasted hazelnuts for the perfect added crunch.
• Salted Nutella: Finish your frosting with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a delicious sweet-and-salty combination.
• Nutella Cookie: Pair this frosting with chocolate chip or chocolate cookies for the ultimate chocolate-hazelnut treat.

How to Store Nutella Frosting

One of the best things about this frosting is that it can easily be made ahead of time. Properly stored, you can have a batch ready and waiting whenever you need to decorate.

Leftover frosting can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, refrigerated for up to 4 weeks, or frozen for up to 3 months.

If refrigerated or frozen, allow the frosting to come back to room temperature before using and give it a good whip to restore its fluffy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few of the most common questions you might have about making and storing this chocolate-hazelnut frosting. If you’ve got a question I haven’t answered here, feel free to leave it in the comments!

Can I make this Nutella Frosting vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free chocolate-hazelnut spread. The original recipe specifically allows for regular or plant-based butter.

How long should I whip the frosting?

For the best texture, whip the butter and Nutella for 5–10 minutes, then beat the completed frosting on high for another 5 minutes.

How long should I whip the frosting?

Absolutely. Homemade or store-bought Nutella can be used in this recipe.

How to store Nutella frosting?

Stored in an airtight container, the frosting will keep at room temperature for up to 5 days, in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

The Best Nutella Frosting Recipe

If you love Nutella, you’re going to love this frosting. It’s rich without being heavy, perfectly fluffy, and full of that nostalgic chocolate-hazelnut flavour that makes everything taste just a little more indulgent.

If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a 5-star rating and review! And don’t forget to tag @CAKEDbyKatie on social media so I can see your delicious creations.

More Delicious Nutella Recipes

This frosting, while yummy enough to eat by the spoonful, pairs great for all sorts of sweet treats. Here are a few of my favourite bakes to pair with Nutella frosting.

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