If there’s one ingredient that can instantly elevate any dessert from good to absolutely irresistible, it’s Nutella. This iconic chocolate-hazelnut spread has captured hearts (and taste buds) worldwide, transforming simple recipes into decadent masterpieces. Whether you’re a longtime Nutella devotee or just discovering its magic, these seven desserts will have you reaching for that jar again and again.
From fudgy brownies to elegant mousses, each recipe showcases Nutella’s incredible versatility and rich, creamy texture. Ready to indulge? Let’s dive into these must-try Nutella creations!
1. Nutella Brownies
The ultimate chocolate lover’s dream! Nutella brownies combine the best of both worlds—the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the distinctive hazelnut-chocolate flavor that makes Nutella so addictive. These brownies are incredibly moist, with a slightly crackly top and a gooey center that melts in your mouth.
What makes them special: The beauty of Nutella brownies lies in their simplicity. Some recipes require as few as three ingredients—Nutella, eggs, and flour—making them accessible even for beginner bakers. The Nutella acts as both the chocolate and fat component, creating an intensely chocolatey flavor with subtle hazelnut undertones.
Pro tip: For extra indulgence, top with chopped hazelnuts before baking or drizzle with melted Nutella once cooled. These brownies are best served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe at Sally’s Baking Addiction
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2. Nutella Cheesecake
Creamy, rich, and utterly decadent, Nutella cheesecake is the dessert that wins over every crowd. This show-stopping treat combines the tangy richness of cream cheese with the sweet, nutty flavor of Nutella, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
What makes it special: Nutella cheesecake comes in both baked and no-bake variations, giving you flexibility based on your time and preference. The baked version offers a dense, New York-style texture, while the no-bake version is lighter and mousse-like. Both are typically finished with a chocolate cookie crust that adds the perfect crunch.
Serving suggestions: Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or whole hazelnuts for an elegant presentation. This dessert actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld, making it perfect for advance preparation.
Try the Recipe at Cafe Delites
3. Nutella Cookies
Soft, chewy, and packed with chocolate-hazelnut goodness, Nutella cookies are dangerously addictive. These treats offer the perfect texture—crispy edges with a soft, almost gooey center that stays chewy for days (if they last that long!).
What makes them special: Nutella cookies are incredibly versatile. You can make them as simple three-ingredient wonders using just Nutella, flour, and an egg, or elevate them with additions like chocolate chips, chopped hazelnuts, or a dusting of sea salt. Some bakers love making thumbprint versions, creating an indentation in each cookie and filling it with extra Nutella before baking.
Baking tip: For the best texture, slightly underbake these cookies—they’ll continue cooking on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, resulting in that perfect soft center. Space them well on the baking sheet as they spread during baking.
4. Nutella Crepes
Transport yourself to a Parisian café with these delicate Nutella crepes. These paper-thin French pancakes provide the perfect canvas for showcasing Nutella’s rich flavor, and they’re surprisingly easy to make at home once you get the hang of it.
What makes them special: The delicate, lacy texture of crepes creates an elegant contrast to the rich, creamy Nutella filling. They’re incredibly versatile—enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a midnight snack. The combination of warm crepes with melted Nutella is pure comfort food at its finest.
Filling variations: While Nutella alone is heavenly, these crepes love company. Add fresh strawberries, sliced bananas, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra special touch, drizzle with additional Nutella and top with toasted hazelnuts.
Get the Recipe at Ahead of Thyme
5. Nutella Mousse
Light, airy, and impossibly creamy, Nutella mousse is pure elegance in dessert form. This sophisticated treat delivers all the rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor you crave in a cloud-like texture that practically melts on your tongue.
What makes it special: The magic of Nutella mousse lies in its simplicity—many recipes require just two ingredients: Nutella and heavy cream. The whipped cream lightens the dense spread, creating an ethereal texture that’s both indulgent and surprisingly light. Serve it in individual glasses or layer it into a trifle for a stunning presentation.
Presentation ideas: Layer the mousse with crushed cookies, fresh berries, or chocolate shavings in clear glasses for an impressive dessert that showcases the beautiful texture. Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a whole hazelnut for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Try the Recipe at The Cozy Plum
6. Nutella Lava Cake
The ultimate romantic dessert! Nutella lava cakes (also called molten cakes) feature a tender chocolate cake exterior that gives way to a warm, flowing Nutella center. Cut into one of these beauties and watch the magic happen as the molten Nutella cascades onto your plate.
What makes them special: These individual cakes deliver restaurant-quality drama at home. The key is timing—perfectly baked lava cakes have a set exterior but a liquid center. The warm Nutella filling is intensely flavored and pairs beautifully with cold vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.
Timing tips: Lava cakes are best served immediately after baking, making them perfect for impressing dinner guests. Prepare the batter ahead and refrigerate in ramekins, then bake just before serving. The magic is in the precise baking time—usually 10-12 minutes at high heat.
Find the Recipe at I Heart Eating
7. Nutella-Stuffed Croissants
Flaky, buttery, and filled with Nutella goodness—these stuffed croissants bring bakery-quality luxury to your breakfast table. Whether made from scratch or using store-bought puff pastry as a shortcut, these pastries are guaranteed to impress.
What makes them special: The combination of crispy, golden layers with warm Nutella filling is simply irresistible. The butter in the pastry complements the chocolate-hazelnut spread perfectly, creating a flavor combination that’s greater than the sum of its parts. These are exceptional for special weekend breakfasts or brunch gatherings.
Easy shortcut: Don’t have time to make croissant dough from scratch? Use store-bought puff pastry or crescent roll dough and add a spoonful of Nutella before rolling and baking. The result is nearly as impressive with a fraction of the effort.
Get the Recipe at Simply Home Cooked
Tips for Working with Nutella
- Temperature matters: Nutella spreads more easily at room temperature but holds its shape better when chilled. Plan accordingly based on your recipe needs.
- Storage: Store opened Nutella at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Refrigeration can make it too firm to work with.
- Substitutions: While nothing quite matches Nutella’s unique flavor, you can experiment with other chocolate-hazelnut spreads or even make your own homemade version.
- Melting: When a recipe calls for melted Nutella, use short bursts in the microwave (10-15 seconds), stirring between each, to prevent overheating.
Pairing Suggestions
Nutella desserts pair wonderfully with:
- Coffee or espresso – The slight bitterness balances Nutella’s sweetness
- Fresh berries – Especially strawberries and raspberries
- Vanilla ice cream – A classic combination that never disappoints
- Whipped cream – Lightens the richness while adding luxury
- Toasted hazelnuts – Doubles down on the hazelnut flavor with added crunch
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Desserts
Several Nutella desserts need only 2-3 ingredients!
Easiest Options:
- Nutella Mousse: Just Nutella + heavy cream
- 3-Ingredient Brownies: Nutella + eggs + flour
- 3-Ingredient Cookies: Nutella + flour + egg
Quick & Easy Process:
- Mousse: Whip cream, fold in Nutella, chill
- Brownies: Mix ingredients, bake 20-25 min
- Cookies: Mix, scoop, bake 10-12 min
Perfect For:
- Beginner bakers
- Last-minute desserts
- Minimal cleanup
- Kids helping in the kitchen
Two safe methods!
Microwave Method (Easiest):
- Use microwave-safe bowl
- Heat in 10-15 second bursts
- Stir between each burst
- Stop when smooth and pourable
- Don’t overheat — it can burn!
Double Boiler Method:
- Place bowl over simmering water
- Don’t let bowl touch water
- Stir constantly
- Remove when smooth
Tips:
- Room temperature Nutella melts faster
- Avoid adding water (causes seizing)
- Melted Nutella thickens as it cools
Yes, with some considerations!
Chocolate-Hazelnut Alternatives:
- Store brands: Similar flavor, often cheaper
- Justin’s: Less sugar, more natural
- Homemade: Control ingredients
- Nocciolata: Organic option
Different Flavor Spreads:
- Cookie butter: Different flavor profile
- Peanut butter chocolate: Nutty alternative
- Dark chocolate spread: Less sweet
Things to Consider:
- Sugar content affects texture
- Oil content affects spreading
- Flavor intensity varies
- Some spreads are thicker/thinner
See our Peanut Butter Desserts for nut butter alternatives!
Storage varies by dessert type!
Room Temperature (airtight container):
- Brownies: 2-3 days
- Cookies: 3-4 days
- Croissants: 1-2 days (best fresh)
Refrigerated:
- Cheesecake: 4-5 days
- Mousse: 2-3 days
- Brownies: Up to 1 week
- Crepes (filled): 1-2 days
Freezer:
- Brownies: Up to 3 months
- Cookies: Up to 3 months
- Cheesecake: Up to 1 month
- Unfilled crepes: Up to 2 months
Best Fresh:
- Lava cakes (serve immediately!)
- Filled crepes
- Fresh croissants
Great accompaniments!
Beverages:
- Coffee/Espresso: Bitterness balances sweetness
- Hot chocolate: Double chocolate indulgence
- Milk: Classic pairing, especially with cookies
- Dessert wine: Moscato or port
Fruits:
- Strawberries: Classic combination
- Bananas: Creamy complement
- Raspberries: Tartness cuts richness
- Oranges: Bright citrus contrast
Toppings:
- Vanilla ice cream: Temperature contrast
- Whipped cream: Lightens richness
- Toasted hazelnuts: Crunch + enhanced flavor
- Sea salt: Flavor enhancer
Most can be prepped in advance!
Make Ahead (taste better next day):
- Cheesecake: Flavors meld overnight
- Mousse: Sets up perfectly
Make Ahead (keep well):
- Brownies: Bake 1-2 days ahead
- Cookies: Bake 2-3 days ahead
- Cookie dough: Refrigerate up to 3 days
Prep Ahead, Bake Fresh:
- Lava cake batter: Refrigerate in ramekins, bake before serving
- Croissant dough: Shape, refrigerate overnight, bake morning of
Best Made Fresh:
- Crepes (make batter ahead, cook fresh)
- Lava cakes (timing is everything!)
Timing is everything!
Key Principles:
- High heat (400-425°F)
- Short bake time (10-12 minutes)
- Edges set, center jiggles
- Serve IMMEDIATELY
Testing for Doneness:
- Top is set and slightly cracked
- Sides pull away from ramekin
- Center still jiggles when shaken
- When in doubt, underbake slightly
Common Mistakes:
- Overbaking: No molten center
- Too low temp: Dense cake
- Waiting to serve: Center firms up
Pro Tips:
- Butter and flour ramekins well
- Let rest 30 seconds before inverting
- Run knife around edges
- Invert onto plate, tap bottom, lift
Yes — with some modifications!
Note: Nutella itself contains skim milk, so true dairy-free requires a dairy-free chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Dairy-Free Spread Options:
- Nocciolata Dairy-Free
- Homemade with coconut cream
- Some store brand alternatives
Dairy-Free Dessert Adaptations:
- Brownies: Often naturally dairy-free
- Cookies: Use dairy-free spread
- Mousse: Coconut cream instead of heavy cream
- Crepes: Plant milk + dairy-free butter
Vegan Options:
- Replace eggs with flax eggs in brownies/cookies
- Use aquafaba for mousse
- Check all ingredient labels
Depends on your crowd and prep time!
For Large Crowds:
- Brownies: Easy to cut into portions
- Cookies: Grab-and-go friendly
- Mini cheesecakes: Individual portions
For Impressive Presentation:
- Full cheesecake: Stunning centerpiece
- Mousse in glasses: Elegant individual servings
- Lava cakes: Dramatic tableside reveal
For Interactive Experiences:
- Crepe station: Guests choose toppings
- Fondue: Dip fruits and treats
Make-Ahead Friendly:
- Cheesecake (best next day)
- Brownies and cookies (2-3 days ahead)
- Mousse (day before)
See our Chocolate Desserts for more party ideas!
Proper storage keeps it perfect!
Storage Guidelines:
- Store at room temperature
- Cool, dry place away from heat
- Keep lid tightly closed
- Avoid refrigerating (becomes hard)
Shelf Life:
- Unopened: 12+ months (check date)
- Opened: Use within 12 months
- Best quality: Within 2-3 months of opening
Signs It’s Gone Bad:
- Off smell
- Unusual texture (grainy, hard)
- Oil separation that won’t mix back
- Mold (rare but possible)
Tip: If Nutella gets too firm, let it sit at warm room temperature — don’t microwave the jar!
Conclusion
Whether you’re a devoted Nutella fan or just discovering its magic, these seven desserts showcase why this chocolate-hazelnut spread has become a global phenomenon. From quick three-ingredient cookies to elegant molten lava cakes, there’s a Nutella dessert here for every skill level and occasion.
The beauty of cooking with Nutella is that it brings instant flavor and richness to any recipe. Even simple preparations become extraordinary when Nutella is involved. So grab a jar (or two—you’ll need them!), pick your favorite recipe, and get ready to experience chocolate-hazelnut bliss.
Which Nutella dessert are you most excited to try? Share your favorite Nutella creations in the comments below!
Happy baking, and may your spoon always find its way to the Nutella jar! 🍫✨
Your Nutella desserts blog post is now complete! Each dessert is featured with beautiful images, detailed descriptions, and links to recipes. The post follows the same comprehensive format as your previous blog posts with practical tips, serving suggestions, and an engaging narrative that will inspire readers to try these delicious treats.
