This 10-minute Nutella buttercream frosting is rich, creamy, and packed with chocolate-hazelnut goodness in every swirl. It’s the perfect topping for cupcakes, cakes, or anytime you want to take your dessert to the next level.

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When Nutella and buttercream meet, something wonderful happens.

It’s the perfect balance of creamy sweetness with a hint of hazelnut goodness, making it the ultimate frosting for any occasion.

Whether you’re decorating a cake or dolloping it onto cupcakes, this frosting will steal the show every time.

Why I love this recipe

I’m all about frostings that aren’t too overpowering, and this one strikes the perfect balance. It’s sweet enough to satisfy my dessert cravings without being overly sugary, making it just the right choice for any treat!

And if you love this kind of easy dessert upgrade, you should definitely check out my peanut butter buttercream icing.

Ingredients

unsalted butter
powdered sugar
vanilla extract
salt
Nutella
heavy whipping cream

How to properly measure powdered sugar

Measuring powdered sugar correctly is key to successful baking, as too much or too little can affect the frosting consistency. Use a spoon to scoop the sugar into your measuring cup, rather than scooping directly with the cup, which can pack it down. Level the top with a straight edge, like the back of a knife, to ensure an accurate measurement.

Step by step

Using a mixer on medium speed, beat 1 cup of room temperature unsalted butter until it’s fluffy.
Turn the mixer to low and add the powdered sugar slowly, making sure it’s fully incorporated.

pouring milk into mixer to make frosting

Mix in the vanilla extract and salt on medium speed until smooth.
With the mixer back on low, slowly add the heavy whipping cream. Then turn it up to medium and continue mixing until it comes together.
Add the Nutella last and mix on medium until everything is evenly blended.

Tips for best results

Use room temperature butter because it mixes more easily and creates a fluffier texture
Add powdered sugar gradually to avoid a cloud of sugar and to mix it in more smoothly
Measure powdered sugar with the spoon and level method so you get just the right amount for the perfect consistency
Whip the frosting until it is light and creamy, but not too long or it may become overly airy
Do not skip the salt, as it helps balance the sweetness and brings out the Nutella flavor more deeply

Variations

This frosting’s pretty forgiving and easy to play with to make your own. Add cocoa powder for extra depth or pour in a little hazelnut liqueur for something a bit fancy. You can even go part cream cheese if you’re after a slightly tangy taste.

Serving suggestion

I’ve used this frosting on everything from chocolate cake to peanut butter cupcakes to brownies. You can also use it as a fruit dip or on a dessert charcuterie board. It’s a great way to upgrade any sweet treat!

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Storage

Store your nutella frosting in the fridge for a week. When ready to use, allow to warm slightly at room temperature and give it a mix after it softens.

You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge, let it warm up, and re-whip until it’s creamy again.

If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!