This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutella buttercream is bold, rich, and so smooth it practically pipes itself. You get deep chocolate flavor, that classic hazelnut kick, and a texture that walks the line between cloud and fudge. Whether you’re frosting cupcakes or layering cakes, this one earns its spot in the rotation.

A star tip piping buttercream frosting on a cake.
Email this recipe!
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

This rich, chocolate hazelnut icing is the silky masterpiece that turns any dessert into the main event. If you’re a fan of cookie spread frostings, you’ll want to try our Biscoff buttercream next.

Here is Why This Nutella Frosting Recipe Works

Double Duty Deliciousness: This Nutella buttercream isn’t just frosting; it moonlights as a perfect cake filling, with a rich, silky texture that layers like a dream.

Chocolate Hazelnut Heaven: The Nutella base gives it an unbeatable flavor; sweet, nutty, and just the right amount of chocolatey goodness.

Easy to Whip Up: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe doesn’t require a pastry degree, just a sweet tooth.

Stable Yet Smooth: It’s thick enough to hold its shape in a layer cake but still creamy enough to spread like butter (literally).

If you like this recipe, try our vanilla filling for cake or our biscoff buttercream frosting recipe.

Ingredients used to make nutella cake filling and buttercream frosting.

Recipe Tips

Start with softened butter. Room-temperature butter blends more easily with the Nutella for a smooth, creamy texture.

Check your Nutella. If it’s dry or clumpy from sitting on the shelf, whip it for several minutes to break up the lumps.

To avoid an overly runny frosting, mix in the cream 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl to ensure everything is evenly blended.

For piping, keep the consistency thicker; for spreading, add a bit more cream to make the frosting smoother.

If you have leftover nutella, make our no bake nutella bars.

A paddle from a kitchenaid mixer covered with nutella cake filling and buttercream.

Ways to Use Nutella Filling and Buttercream

You can use this recipe as a frosting for cakes and cupcakes, as a cake filling, or a dessert board dip. Here are some ideas.

A spoon smoothed through nutella cake filling to show the texture.

Nutella Frosting and Filling

Nutella buttercream is rich, creamy, and endlessly useful. Keep this one in your back pocket for birthdays, cravings, or just because.

Want a frosting that’s rich but not too sweet? Cream cheese buttercream hits that balance with a smooth, tangy finish.

Pin this now to find it later!

Pin It
A star tip piping buttercream frosting on a cake.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
4.79 from 23 votes

Nutella Buttercream

Use this buttercream as a frosting or as a cake filling. It is creamy, smooth and perfectly pipeable. Adjust the consistency with the cream.

If you make this recipe, please leave a star rating and comment.

Servings: 5 cups of buttercream
Email me this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients 

  • 1 ¼ cups butter, softened
  • 1 ¼ cups Nutella
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, 452 grams
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 to 8 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions 

  • Place the butter in a large mixing bowl and beat on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Add the Nutella and beat until combined.
  • Add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Beat on slow speed until just combined then increase the speed to medium and beat 3 to 5 minutes until smooth and creamy.
  • Slowly add the cream 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Make sure you beat the cream in well and scrape down the sides of the bowl. 
  • Store in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.  If it doesn’t look as light and fluffy after it thaws out, you can whip it for a couple of minutes. 

Notes

Smooth it out: Nutella that has been sitting on the shelf for a long time will dry out and get clumpy. If your Nutella is on the dry side, whip it with the butter for several minutes to break it up and get the lumps out.
Refrigeration: Transfer the buttercream frosting to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5-7 days. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes then give it a quick whip to restore its fluffy texture.
Freezing: Place the buttercream in a freezer-safe container, ensuring there’s minimal air inside, and freeze for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon, Calories: 170kcal, Carbohydrates: 13g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 26mg, Sodium: 85mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 12g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

iconLike this recipe? Rate & comment below!

More Recipes to Try

About Dahn Boquist

Dahn Boquist is a retired nurse turned recipe developer, home cook, and baker with years of hands-on experience creating and testing from-scratch recipes. She specializes in whole-food cooking with creative twists on classic dishes. When she’s not in the kitchen, she enjoys sharing meals with family, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and spending time with her grandchildren.

You May Also Like

4.79 from 23 votes (23 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating