Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream Recipe (Rich Chocolate Twist)

Nutella has a way of making a simple chocolate dessert taste a little more special, and this Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream Recipe is one I keep coming back to.

The chocolate and hazelnut combo just works, especially when it turns into a cold, creamy dessert.

The first batch taught me one small thing: the texture can look a little crumbly after the first spin.

A quick respin made a big difference, so now I always check it before serving.

Using the Ninja Creami also makes this homemade ice cream fun to play around with. The chocolate protein shake gives the base a nice chocolate taste and adds protein, while Nutella brings that familiar hazelnut flavor. A little extra Nutella on top makes each spoonful even better.

I usually serve mine right after processing, when it is soft and creamy. Add chopped hazelnuts, banana slices, strawberries, or a small drizzle of Nutella if you like.

Why Nutella Works So Well in Ninja Creami Ice Cream

Chocolate and hazelnut are a pretty easy match, but Nutella adds something that plain cocoa does not. It gives the ice cream a sweet hazelnut taste along with a smooth chocolate flavor.

That makes the finished pint taste more like a chocolate hazelnut dessert instead of just chocolate ice cream.

The chocolate protein shake also has a job here. It gives the base its chocolate flavor while adding protein, so you don’t need to build the whole base from milk and several other ingredients.

One thing I noticed while making this is that the Nutella flavor can change depending on the chocolate shake you use.

Some shakes taste quite strong, while others are mild. A little hazelnut syrup can help if you want that hazelnut taste to stand out more.

Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream vs. Regular Nutella Ice Cream

The biggest difference is the way the ice cream is made. Regular homemade Nutella ice cream usually needs an ice cream maker or a different freezing method.

With the Ninja Creami, the mixture freezes first and the machine processes the frozen pint into a creamy dessert.

This recipe also has a different base from many traditional ice creams. Instead of relying on heavy cream as the main part of the mixture, it uses a chocolate protein shake. That gives it a lighter feel and adds protein.

The texture can be a little different too. Traditional ice cream may already be soft and creamy when it comes out of the machine.

A Ninja Creami protein ice cream can look crumbly after the first cycle. That’s not a sign that the batch is ruined. A respin can bring it together nicely.

Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream Ingredients

1½ cups Chocolate Protein Shake – I use a chocolate protein shake as the liquid base because it adds chocolate flavor and protein to the ice cream.

2 Tablespoons Nutella – Nutella gives the ice cream its sweet chocolate hazelnut flavor and helps make the base taste rich.

1 Tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Cocoa powder adds a deeper chocolate taste and makes the ice cream more chocolatey.

1 Tablespoon Sweetener – I add sweetener to balance the cocoa and protein shake. Adjust the amount based on how sweet your shake is.

⅛ Teaspoon Salt – A small pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and brings out the chocolate and hazelnut flavors.

⅛ Teaspoon Xanthan Gum – Xanthan gum helps improve the texture and makes the frozen base smoother after processing.

1 Teaspoon Hazelnut Syrup (Optional) – I use hazelnut syrup when I want a stronger hazelnut taste. You can leave it out for a softer flavor.

1 Tablespoon Extra Nutella (Optional) – I add extra Nutella on top after processing for a thicker topping and more chocolate hazelnut flavor.

Essential Kitchen Appliances

• Ninja Creami – This is the main machine used to process the frozen ice cream base.
• Ninja Creami pint container – The ingredients freeze directly in the Creami pint.
• Measuring spoons – Useful for measuring cocoa powder, sweetener, salt, and xanthan gum.
• Small spoon or spatula – Helpful for mixing the Nutella into the chocolate base.
• Freezer – The pint needs to freeze completely before processing.
• Serving bowl – Optional, but handy if you want to add Nutella on top before serving.

How To Make Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream At Home

Step 1 | Combine the Ingredients

Start by pouring the chocolate protein shake into the Ninja Creami pint container. Add the cocoa powder, sweetener, salt, xanthan gum, and Nutella or another chocolate hazelnut spread. If you want a stronger hazelnut flavor, add the optional hazelnut syrup too.

Keep the ingredients inside the fill line of the pint and leave enough room for safe processing.

Step 2 | Mix the Ice Cream Base

Stir the mixture well until the Nutella blends into the chocolate protein shake. Make sure the cocoa powder and xanthan gum are mixed evenly. Dry pockets can leave little clumps in the finished ice cream, so take a little extra time here. The base should look evenly mixed before it goes into the freezer.

Step 3 | Freeze the Pint Completely

Place the lid securely on the Ninja Creami pint. Set the pint on a level surface in the freezer and let it freeze until completely solid. A fully frozen base is important for this recipe. Do not process the pint while the center is still soft or liquid.

Step 4 | Prepare the Frozen Pint

Take the frozen pint from the freezer when you are ready to process it. Run the outside of the container under hot water as shown in the recipe method. This helps loosen and prepare the frozen base before processing.

Keep the water on the outside of the container rather than letting water enter the pint.

Step 5 | Process on the Lite Ice Cream Setting

Place the prepared pint into the Ninja Creami and lock it into position. Select the Lite Ice Cream setting and let the machine process the frozen mixture. The frozen base should change into an ice cream-like texture.

Since the recipe is made with a protein shake, the first spin may look a little different from traditional high-fat ice cream.

Step 6 | Check and Respin If Needed

Open the pint and check the texture after the first cycle. If the ice cream looks crumbly, powdery, or is not as smooth as you want, run a respin. Check it again after the respin.

The exact number of respins can vary, especially when using a Ninja Swirl, so let the texture guide you instead of adding a fixed number of extra cycles.

Step 7 | Add the Nutella Topping

Once the ice cream looks smooth and creamy, it is ready to serve. Spoon it into a bowl or enjoy it right from the pint. For more chocolate hazelnut flavor, add a little extra Nutella on top.

I like keeping the topping simple because the ice cream already has plenty of chocolate and hazelnut flavor.

Easy Tips For The Best Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream

Freeze the pint until solid – A soft or partly frozen base can process unevenly. Give the pint enough freezer time so the whole mixture is firm before using the machine.

Mix the xanthan gum well – Xanthan gum can clump when it is not mixed properly. Stir the base well so you do not find small gummy pieces after processing.

Do not skip the cocoa mixing step – Cocoa powder can stick to the sides or float on top. Scrape around the pint and mix until the powder disappears into the shake.

Use hazelnut syrup for more flavor – If the chocolate taste is stronger than the hazelnut taste, a little hazelnut syrup can give the finished pint a bigger hazelnut note.

Start with a respin instead of adding liquid – If the first spin looks crumbly, try a respin before changing the recipe. Adding extra liquid can make the final texture too loose.

Keep the extra Nutella for the end – I prefer putting extra Nutella on top after processing. This keeps the topping thick and gives you a clear Nutella flavor in every bite.

Remember that protein ice cream can look different – A high-protein base may look less soft than traditional full-fat ice cream after the first cycle. A respin usually helps smooth it out.

Creative Variations And Adaptations To Try

Extra Hazelnut Nutella Ice Cream – Add the optional hazelnut syrup to the base for a stronger hazelnut taste. I like this version when I want the Nutella flavor to stand out more than the cocoa.

Double Chocolate Version – Add a little more cocoa powder to create a deeper chocolate taste. I would keep the sweetener balanced because extra cocoa can make the base taste more bitter.

Nutella Topped Pint – Keep the base recipe the same and finish each serving with extra Nutella. I like this simple change because the warm-looking topping makes the chocolate hazelnut flavor feel even richer.

Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Swap – Use another chocolate hazelnut spread instead of Nutella. This is a handy option when you already have a favorite spread in the pantry and want to use it.

Mild Hazelnut Version – Leave out the hazelnut syrup and use the regular Nutella amount from the original recipe. I prefer this version when I want a softer hazelnut taste with more focus on chocolate.

The Most Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream

Using a partially frozen pint – The base needs to be completely frozen before processing. If the center is soft, the Creami may not produce the smooth texture you expect.

Adding too much xanthan gum – More is not better here. Too much can make the ice cream feel thick, sticky, or gummy instead of light and creamy.

Leaving cocoa powder unmixed – Dry cocoa pockets can create bitter little spots in the ice cream. I always mix the base well before freezing so the chocolate taste stays even.

Skipping the hot-water step – Running hot water around the outside of the frozen container is part of the method. It helps prepare the frozen base before processing and can make the pint easier to work with.

Expecting one spin every time – Protein-based frozen desserts do not always come out perfect after the first cycle. If the texture looks crumbly, a respin can make a big difference.

Adding too much extra Nutella – Extra Nutella tastes great, but a heavy topping can make the dessert very sweet and thick. I prefer a light drizzle or small spoonful on top.

Overlooking the recipe measurements – The supplied video script does not contain the exact ingredient quantities. It is better to use the original measurements than guess and end up with a different recipe.

Creative Ways To Serve Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream

With sliced bananas – I love the soft sweetness of banana with chocolate hazelnut ice cream. The fresh fruit also adds a nice contrast to the cold, creamy texture.

With fresh strawberries – I serve strawberries alongside this ice cream when I want something fresh. The slightly tart berry taste cuts through the rich Nutella flavor.

With extra Nutella – A small spoonful of Nutella on top makes the dessert feel extra special. I keep the amount small because the base already has plenty of chocolate flavor.

With chopped hazelnuts – I like adding chopped hazelnuts for a little crunch. The nuts also bring out the hazelnut flavor already found in the ice cream.

With chocolate shavings – A few chocolate shavings add a simple finishing touch. I use this when I want the bowl to look nice without adding another sweet sauce.

Inside a simple cone – I scoop the finished ice cream into a waffle or sugar cone for an easy treat. The crunchy cone works really well with the soft ice cream.

Leftover Storage Tips

I store leftover ice cream right in the Ninja Creami pint container with the lid tightly sealed. It stays fresh in the freezer for about one week.

When I want another serving, I let the pint sit on the counter for a few minutes and then run the Re-Spin cycle if needed. This helps bring back the creamy texture.

I avoid leaving the container open because ice crystals can form and affect the flavor and texture.

Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream Recipe FAQs

Can I use a regular chocolate protein shake for Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream?

Yes, a regular ready-to-drink chocolate protein shake works as the liquid base for this recipe. The important part is using a chocolate shake that you enjoy drinking because its flavor will be easy to taste in the finished ice cream. Different shakes can also have different sweetness levels, so the amount of added sweetener may need to match the shake you use.

Can I leave out the hazelnut syrup?

Yes, hazelnut syrup is completely optional in this recipe. The Nutella already provides the main chocolate hazelnut flavor. I use the syrup only when I want the hazelnut taste to come through more strongly. If you prefer a more balanced chocolate flavor, simply leave the syrup out and keep the rest of the recipe the same.

Why does my Ninja Creami Nutella ice cream look crumbly after the first spin?

A crumbly texture after the first cycle can happen with protein-based frozen desserts. The mixture has less fat than traditional ice cream, so the first spin may not always look perfectly creamy. Check the pint and use a respin if needed. This usually helps break down the crumbly texture and gives the ice cream a smoother finish.

Do I need to use Nutella?

Nutella is the spread used in the recipe, but another chocolate hazelnut spread can be used as a substitute. The flavor will depend on the spread you choose. Some brands have more hazelnut flavor, while others taste more like chocolate. I recommend choosing a spread with a flavor you already enjoy because it becomes one of the main tastes in the finished pint.

What does xanthan gum do in this Nutella ice cream recipe?

Xanthan gum helps with the texture of the frozen mixture. It can help the base feel smoother after processing instead of thin or icy. Only the amount called for in the original recipe should be used. Adding extra does not automatically make better ice cream. Too much xanthan gum can make the mixture feel gummy or overly thick.

Can I add extra Nutella before freezing the pint?

The recipe mixes Nutella into the base before freezing, while the extra Nutella is used as an optional topping after processing. Keeping the extra portion for the end lets you control how much topping goes on each serving. I like this method because the smooth ice cream stays easy to scoop, and the topping gives a stronger Nutella taste in each bite.

Why does this recipe use the Lite Ice Cream setting?

The recipe is designed around the Lite Ice Cream program on the Ninja Creami. The base uses a chocolate protein shake rather than a traditional cream-heavy ice cream base, so the Lite Ice Cream setting is the selected program in the original method. Using the suggested setting gives you the best starting point for following the recipe as written.

How many times should I respin Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream?

There is no single number that works for every pint. The recipe calls for checking the texture after the first processing cycle and using a respin if the ice cream is still crumbly or not smooth enough. The number can also vary with a Ninja Swirl. I recommend checking the texture after each cycle instead of automatically adding several respins.

Can I make this recipe without cocoa powder?

You can leave cocoa powder out, but it will change the flavor. Cocoa adds extra chocolate depth to the base, which works with the Nutella and chocolate protein shake. Without it, the finished ice cream may taste lighter and less rich in chocolate. If you want the full chocolate hazelnut taste from this recipe, I would keep the cocoa powder included.

How much protein is in the full Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream pint?

The video script states that the full pint contains 33 grams of protein and 273 calories. These values come from the recipe source and can change if different brands or amounts of ingredients are used. Protein shake nutrition varies from one product to another, so check the nutrition label of your specific shake and other ingredients for the most accurate numbers.

Can I use another sweetener in Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream?

Yes, the recipe simply calls for sweetener, so you can use a sweetener that works for your eating style and taste. Keep in mind that different sweeteners can vary in sweetness and texture. Start with the amount from the original recipe source when available, then adjust future batches based on how sweet the chocolate protein shake and Nutella already are.

How long should I freeze the Ninja Creami pint?

The pint needs to be completely solid before processing. The supplied recipe script does not give a specific number of freezer hours, so I would not claim an exact time as part of the original recipe. Check that the center is fully frozen before processing. A level freezer surface also helps the mixture freeze evenly.

Can I eat the Ninja Creami Nutella ice cream straight from the pint?

Yes. Once the frozen base has been processed and reaches a smooth texture, you can enjoy it directly from the pint. I often like doing this because it saves an extra dish. You can also transfer the ice cream to a bowl if you want to add Nutella, hazelnuts, fruit, or another topping before serving.

This Ninja Creami Nutella Ice Cream Recipe is a simple way to enjoy a chocolate hazelnut treat with a good amount of protein.

I really like how the chocolate protein shake and Nutella work together, while the cocoa gives the flavor a deeper chocolate taste.

The optional hazelnut syrup is a nice touch when I want more hazelnut flavor.