Nutella Drizzle Recipe: Homemade Chocolate-Hazelnut Sauce

Nutella Sauce is a decadent, silky-smooth hot fudge sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything — ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes, and more.

Confession: I enjoy a little dessert most days. Sometimes it’s a batch of small brownies or a few chocolate chip cookies. Other times it’s a handful of M&Ms or gummy treats. But when nothing is ready, this Nutella Sauce is my go-to — especially over frozen Nutella ice cream.

This sauce is basically homemade hot fudge with Nutella folded in. If you can melt chocolate, you can make it. One small ingredient elevates the chocolate flavor and gives the sauce a richer, deeper taste. Make a jar ahead and refrigerate for up to two weeks so a luscious topping is always on hand.

What is Nutella?

Nutella is a creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread with a texture similar to peanut butter. It works in most recipes that call for a nut butter and adds a distinct hazelnut-chocolate flavor. Widely available in grocery stores, it’s a versatile pantry staple for both sweet and simple treats.

If you prefer something different, try a peanut butter ice cream sauce as an alternative.

Ingredients For Nutella Sauce

To make this silky Nutella sauce you’ll need:

• Baking chocolate: Semisweet is ideal. Bittersweet works if you prefer a darker chocolate profile.
• Heavy cream: Like ganache, heavy cream creates a smooth, pourable consistency. Do not substitute milk or half-and-half — the higher fat content is key.
• Nutella: The star of the sauce, added for hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
• Espresso powder: Optional but recommended — it intensifies the chocolate taste more effectively than instant coffee.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the chocolate flavor.

What is espresso powder?

Espresso powder is brewed espresso that has been dehydrated into soluble granules. It’s concentrated and different from coffee grounds, making it a convenient way to boost chocolate flavor in desserts. Look for it in the coffee aisle or specialty markets.

How To Make Nutella Sauce

Simple steps to make this sauce:

1. Melt the chocolate with the cream: Heat heavy cream in a saucepan until hot and bubbling but not boiling. Remove from heat, add the chopped chocolate, and stir until fully melted and smooth.
2. Whisk in Nutella and flavorings: Stir in the Nutella, espresso powder (if using), and vanilla until the sauce is glossy and uniform. Serve warm over ice cream, pancakes, or desserts.

The sauce is delicious over vanilla bean ice cream or warm pancakes.

How To Store Nutella Sauce

Store the sauce in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It will thicken and harden when cold — microwave a few tablespoons in a bowl for a few seconds until pourable, or warm gently on the stovetop.

More Nutella Recipes

• Nutella Fudge
• Peanut Butter Nutella Cookies
• Nutella Stuffed Cookies

Nutella Sauce

Yield:
1 cup

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
15 minutes

Nutella Sauce is a decadent, silky-smooth hot fudge sauce perfect for ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes, and more.

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (do not substitute)
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 3 tablespoons Nutella
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the cream until hot and bubbly but not boiling. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the Nutella, espresso powder, and vanilla until fully combined. Serve immediately. Refrigerate in a jar for up to two weeks; warm before serving.

Notes

• If you don’t have espresso powder, substitute 1/4 cup heavy cream plus 2 tablespoons prepared coffee.
• Serve over Nutella ice cream or any favorite frozen dessert.
• If you prefer a different flavor, try classic hot fudge or a peanut butter ice cream sauce.

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First published July 19, 2012