Indulge in a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut delight with this no-churn ice cream, perfect for busy days or last-minute dessert cravings.
Packed with protein-rich dairy and heart-healthy hazelnuts, this treat combines Nutella swirls and Ferrero Rocher for a luxurious texture.
Easy to prepare without an ice cream machine, it’s a satisfying, fiber-friendly dessert that can become a family favorite in just minutes.
Creamy Chocolate Hazelnut Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 Electric Mixer (stand or hand-held)
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 spatula
- 1 Freezer-Safe Container
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder sifted
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp coarse kosher salt or 1/8 tsp table salt
- ⅓ cup hazelnuts roughly chopped
- 6 Ferrero Rocher truffles chopped
- ¾ cup Nutella divided (½ cup for folding, ¼ cup for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients: Before starting, gather all your tools and ingredients. Ensure your electric mixer, whether stand or hand-held, is clean and ready. Use a large mixing bowl that can comfortably hold the whipped cream and folded ingredients without spilling. Have your measuring cups and spoons handy to ensure precise measurements. Chop the hazelnuts and Ferrero Rocher truffles ahead of time, and set the Nutella nearby so everything is within reach.
- Chill the Cream for Optimal Whipping: For the creamiest texture, place the heavy whipping cream in the refrigerator until it’s thoroughly cold. Cold cream whips faster and holds peaks more reliably, creating a light and airy base for your ice cream. If you like, you can chill your mixing bowl for 10–15 minutes as well—this extra step helps achieve a fluffier result.
- Whip the Cream to Soft Peaks: Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into your chilled mixing bowl. Using your electric mixer on medium-high speed, whip the cream for several minutes until soft peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape but still has a slight droop at the tip. Whipping to this stage ensures your ice cream will have a light, creamy texture rather than being too dense.
- Combine Sweetened Condensed Milk and Flavorings: In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, combine the sweetened condensed milk with sifted cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mixing the cocoa powder first ensures there are no lumps in the chocolate flavor. Gently fold this chocolate mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula, taking care to preserve the airiness of the whipped cream. The result should be a rich, chocolatey base that’s smooth and velvety.
- Prepare the Mix-Ins: Roughly chop your hazelnuts and Ferrero Rocher truffles. The hazelnuts provide a satisfying crunch, while the Ferrero Rocher adds a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate-hazelnut surprise. Be careful not to chop them too finely; you want distinct pieces throughout the ice cream for texture contrast.
- Fold in Nuts and Truffles: Gently fold the chopped hazelnuts and Ferrero Rocher truffles into the chocolate cream mixture. Use a light hand to avoid deflating the whipped cream. This step ensures the mix-ins are evenly distributed, so each scoop of ice cream will have a perfect balance of crunchy nuts and chocolatey truffle pieces.
- Swirl in Nutella for Richness: Measure out ½ cup of Nutella and spoon it over the ice cream mixture. Using your spatula, gently fold the Nutella into the ice cream with broad, slow strokes. The goal is to create visible streaks rather than fully incorporating it, resulting in decadent pockets of chocolate-hazelnut flavor. The swirls will remain luscious even after freezing.
- Transfer to Freezer-Safe Container: Choose a container that is wide and shallow for even freezing. Spoon the ice cream mixture into the container and smooth the top with a spatula. Then, take the remaining ¼ cup of Nutella and drizzle it over the top. Use a butter knife or skewer to create decorative swirls, giving your ice cream a professional, marbled appearance. If desired, sprinkle a few additional chopped hazelnuts or Ferrero Rocher pieces on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Freeze Until Firm: Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface. Place it in the freezer for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, until it is completely firm. Check after the minimum time to ensure the ice cream is scoopable but fully set.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once firm, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. This makes it easier to serve while maintaining its creamy texture. Use a warm ice cream scoop for clean, perfect scoops. Enjoy as is, or pair with fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or extra hazelnuts for an indulgent treat that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Notes
- Use cold heavy cream for best whipping results; this helps achieve a light and airy texture.
- Sift the cocoa powder before adding it to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth chocolate base.
- Roughly chop hazelnuts and Ferrero Rocher truffles to maintain a mix of textures throughout the ice cream.
- Swirl the Nutella gently; overmixing can blend it completely, losing the signature streaks of flavor.
- This ice cream is designed to be no-churn, so no special ice cream maker is required.
- Freeze in a wide, shallow container for even firming and easier scooping.
- Allow 5–10 minutes at room temperature before scooping for creamier serving consistency.
Chef’s Secrets for Ultimate Flavor
To make this chocolate hazelnut ice cream truly irresistible, start with high-quality ingredients.
Use fresh, cold cream for the whipped base and real Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor.
Toast the hazelnuts lightly before folding them in to enhance their natural nuttiness.
When incorporating Nutella, fold it in gently rather than fully blending it to create appealing chocolate swirls throughout the ice cream.
Adding a few extra Ferrero Rocher pieces on top before freezing not only improves presentation but gives an added crunch with every bite.
Patience during the freezing process ensures a firm yet creamy texture, so resist the temptation to scoop too early.
Serving Suggestions for Elegant Presentation
This ice cream shines on its own, but you can elevate it with simple touches.
Serve in small glass bowls with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts.
Pair with fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
It also works beautifully in dessert sandwiches or layered in a trifle with chocolate cake pieces and whipped cream.
For a fun twist, top with extra Ferrero Rocher truffles or even a pinch of sea salt to highlight the chocolate and nut flavors.
This flexibility makes it perfect for casual family desserts or special occasions.
Storage Tips to Maintain Freshness
Store this ice cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before covering with a lid for added protection.
Keep it in the coldest part of the freezer, not the door, to maintain consistent texture.
For optimal scooping, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Properly stored, it will maintain its flavor and texture for up to two weeks.
Beyond that, it may still be edible, but the texture could become slightly icy or hard.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?
Yes! Almonds, pecans, or walnuts can substitute hazelnuts, but the flavor profile will slightly change.
Toasting any nuts beforehand enhances their crunch and brings out their natural oils, giving the ice cream added depth.
2. Can I make this ice cream dairy-free or vegan?
You can swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream and use a plant-based sweetened condensed milk alternative.
Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ slightly, but it will still create a creamy, indulgent treat.
3. Do I need to use Ferrero Rocher truffles?
Not strictly—any chocolate-hazelnut candy or chopped chocolate pieces work well.
Ferrero Rocher adds a distinctive flavor and texture, but you can adapt based on availability or dietary preferences.
4. Can I prepare this ice cream ahead of time for parties?
Absolutely! This no-churn recipe is ideal for meal prep or entertaining.
Prepare it the night before or a few days in advance.
Just remember to allow a few minutes at room temperature before scooping for the best texture.
5. How can I prevent ice crystals from forming?
Use a wide, shallow container to freeze the ice cream evenly.
Press plastic wrap onto the surface before sealing with a lid, and avoid frequent opening of the freezer.
Also, make sure the mixture is well aerated from whipping, as the air helps keep the texture smooth.
