Ingredients
Creating this chilled Nutella latte requires just a handful of simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The key to achieving that perfect balance of coffee richness and chocolate-hazelnut sweetness lies in using quality ingredients.
For the Coffee Base
- 1 cup strong brewed espresso or coffee, cooled to room temperature
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 cup ice cubes
For the Nutella Mixture
- 3 tablespoons Nutella spread
- 2 tablespoons warm milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For Serving
- Whipped cream for topping
- 1 tablespoon Nutella for drizzling
- Chopped hazelnuts for garnish (optional)
- Tall glasses or mason jars
- Wide straws for easy sipping
Equipment Needed
Creating your chilled Nutella latte requires basic kitchen tools that most home baristas already own. You can prepare this indulgent beverage without investing in expensive coffee shop equipment.
Essential Equipment:
- Coffee maker or espresso machine for brewing your base
- Small saucepan for warming milk and melting Nutella
- Whisk or milk frother for creating smooth texture
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate proportions
- Tall glasses or mason jars for serving
- Wide straws for comfortable sipping
Optional Equipment:
- Blender for ultra-smooth Nutella mixture
- Electric milk frother for professional-quality foam
- Fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps
- Ice cube trays for perfectly sized coffee ice cubes
Your coffee maker serves as the foundation for this recipe. Whether you prefer a French press, drip coffee maker, or espresso machine, any method that produces strong coffee works perfectly. The key lies in brewing concentrated coffee that won’t become diluted when combined with milk and ice.
A small saucepan becomes crucial for warming the milk and creating the silky Nutella mixture. You’ll use this to gently heat the cream and Nutella until they blend into a smooth, chocolatey base. The warming process ensures the Nutella dissolves completely without creating grainy texture.
Your whisk or milk frother transforms ordinary ingredients into café-quality results. These tools help incorporate air into the mixture while ensuring the Nutella blends seamlessly with the warm milk. Many home cooks find that a simple whisk works just as effectively as electric alternatives.
Tall glasses showcase the beautiful layers of your chilled latte while providing ample space for ice and garnishes. Mason jars offer a rustic presentation that photographs beautifully for social media sharing. Wide straws prevent clogging from the rich Nutella mixture and make sipping more enjoyable.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your perfect chilled Nutella latte at home. The process takes just minutes and transforms basic ingredients into a coffeehouse-quality beverage.
Prep the Coffee
Brew 1 cup of strong espresso using your espresso machine or make concentrated coffee with your regular coffee maker. Allow the freshly brewed coffee to cool to room temperature for about 10 minutes. Pour the cooled coffee into a pitcher and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until chilled. Strong coffee forms the foundation of your latte, so avoid diluting it with too much water during brewing.
Make the Nutella Mixture
Heat 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until warm but not boiling. Add 3 tablespoons of Nutella to the warm milk and whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and completely incorporated. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract if desired. The warm milk helps melt the Nutella effortlessly, creating a silky chocolate hazelnut base without lumps.
Assemble the Latte
Fill your tall glasses with ice cubes, leaving room at the top for the liquid ingredients. Pour the chilled coffee over the ice, filling each glass about halfway. Add the Nutella mixture to each glass, dividing it evenly between servings. Pour the cold milk and heavy cream slowly over the back of a spoon to create beautiful layers. Stir gently to combine all ingredients while maintaining some marbled effect.
Chill and Serve
Place the assembled lattes in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to ensure they’re thoroughly chilled. Top each glass with a dollop of whipped cream just before serving. Drizzle additional Nutella over the whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts for extra texture and flavor. Serve immediately with wide straws to enjoy all the creamy layers in each sip.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning ahead transforms your chilled Nutella latte experience into a stress-free indulgence. You can prepare multiple components days in advance to streamline your morning routine or party preparations.
Coffee Base Preparation
Brew a large batch of concentrated espresso or strong coffee and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. Your coffee maintains optimal flavor when stored in an airtight glass container rather than plastic. Cold brewing your coffee overnight creates an even smoother base that eliminates bitterness and enhances the chocolate notes.
Nutella Mixture Storage
Prepare your Nutella mixture up to three days ahead by doubling or tripling the recipe. Store the cooled mixture in a sealed jar and refrigerate until ready to use. Gently reheat the mixture in 10-second microwave intervals before serving to restore its smooth consistency. You can also thin it with a tablespoon of warm milk if it becomes too thick.
Ice Cube Enhancement
Freeze coffee in ice cube trays to prevent dilution as your latte sits. These coffee cubes maintain the drink’s robust flavor while keeping it perfectly chilled. Standard ice cube trays work well but silicone molds create larger cubes that melt more slowly.
Batch Serving Strategy
Mix individual servings in mason jars with tight-fitting lids for grab-and-go convenience. Layer the ingredients except for whipped cream and garnishes then seal and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake vigorously before serving and add fresh toppings for the best presentation.
Whipped Cream Preparation
Make stabilized whipped cream by adding a teaspoon of gelatin powder to maintain its texture for several days. Regular whipped cream stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. Pipe or dollop the cream just before serving to preserve its fluffy appearance.
Serving Suggestions
Transform your chilled Nutella latte into a memorable experience by pairing it with complementary treats and presenting it beautifully. Your guests will appreciate the attention to detail when you serve this indulgent beverage alongside carefully chosen accompaniments.
Breakfast Pairings
Start your morning right by serving your chilled Nutella latte with buttery croissants or pain au chocolat. The flaky pastry texture contrasts beautifully with the smooth coffee drink while echoing the chocolate notes. Fresh berries add a bright acidic balance that cuts through the rich Nutella flavors. You can also offer toasted brioche with a light spread of Nutella for those who want to double down on the hazelnut chocolate experience.
Dessert Combinations
Elevate your afternoon coffee break by pairing your latte with biscotti or hazelnut cookies. The crunchy texture provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy beverage while reinforcing the nutty flavor profile. Tiramisu creates an Italian coffee house atmosphere that complements the espresso base perfectly. For chocolate lovers you can serve alongside brownies or chocolate chip cookies that echo the drink’s decadent character.
Presentation Ideas
Serve your chilled Nutella latte in clear mason jars to showcase the beautiful layered appearance. Tall glass mugs allow guests to see the contrast between the dark coffee and creamy Nutella swirls. You can rim the glass with crushed hazelnuts for an elegant touch that hints at the flavors within. Wide straws in metallic gold or copper add a premium feel while making it easier to enjoy every layer of the drink.
Garnish Variations
Customize each serving with different toppings to create variety. Dust cocoa powder over the whipped cream for a sophisticated finish. Drizzle caramel sauce alongside the Nutella for added sweetness complexity. You can sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for a trendy salted caramel effect. Cinnamon adds warmth while shaved dark chocolate provides textural interest and visual appeal.
Temperature Serving Tips
Serve immediately after preparation to maintain the perfect temperature contrast between the chilled coffee and room temperature garnishes. You can pre-chill your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes to keep the drink colder longer. The ideal serving temperature ranges between 35-40°F for optimal flavor balance and refreshing quality.
Storage Instructions
Your chilled Nutella latte tastes best when consumed fresh but you can store prepared components for future enjoyment. Proper storage techniques ensure your drink maintains its rich flavor and smooth texture.
Store freshly prepared lattes in airtight glass containers or mason jars in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The Nutella mixture may separate during storage so whisk vigorously before serving to restore the creamy consistency. Keep whipped cream toppings separate until ready to serve to prevent deflation and watery texture.
Leftover Nutella mixture stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in a sealed container. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and whisk smooth before adding to your latte. Brewed espresso or coffee maintains optimal flavor when refrigerated in an airtight glass container for up to five days.
Coffee ice cubes freeze well for up to one month in standard ice cube trays covered with plastic wrap. These specialized cubes prevent dilution while maintaining the drink’s bold coffee flavor. Label containers with preparation dates to track freshness and ensure quality.
Avoid storing completed lattes with ice as this creates a watery consistency that diminishes the drink’s rich character. Never leave dairy-based lattes at room temperature for more than two hours to prevent spoilage. Freeze individual portions of the Nutella mixture in ice cube trays for convenient single-serving preparation that lasts up to one month.
Variations
Transform your chilled Nutella latte to suit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. These adaptations maintain the drink’s signature chocolate-hazelnut appeal while offering unique twists.
Dairy-Free Version
Replace whole milk with your preferred plant-based alternative for a completely dairy-free experience. Oat milk creates the creamiest texture and complements the Nutella flavor beautifully. Coconut milk adds tropical richness while almond milk provides a lighter consistency. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream to maintain the latte’s luxurious mouthfeel.
Substitute traditional Nutella with dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread available at most grocery stores. Warm 2 tablespoons of your chosen plant milk and whisk with 3 tablespoons of dairy-free spread until completely smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
Top with coconut whipped cream made from chilled full-fat coconut milk. Whip the thick cream from the top of the can with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar until fluffy peaks form. Drizzle with melted dairy-free chocolate instead of traditional Nutella for garnish.
Extra Rich Version
Double the indulgence by increasing the Nutella content to 4 tablespoons for intensified chocolate hazelnut flavor. Replace regular milk with half-and-half throughout the recipe to create maximum creaminess. Add 2 tablespoons of chocolate syrup to the coffee before chilling for deeper chocolate notes.
Create a decadent Nutella mixture using 1/4 cup of heavy cream instead of milk for warming. Whisk in an extra tablespoon of Nutella along with 1 teaspoon of hazelnut extract for concentrated flavor. Incorporate 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder for enhanced chocolate depth.
Finish with a generous dollop of mascarpone-spiked whipped cream. Fold 2 tablespoons of mascarpone cheese into freshly whipped heavy cream with powdered sugar. Garnish with shaved dark chocolate and toasted hazelnuts for textural contrast. Drizzle warm Nutella generously over the top and dust with cocoa powder for coffee shop presentation.
Conclusion
You’ve now discovered the perfect way to transform your ordinary afternoon coffee break into something extraordinary. This chilled Nutella latte offers the ideal balance between convenience and indulgence without requiring expensive equipment or complicated techniques.
Whether you’re preparing a single serving for yourself or making a batch for friends this versatile recipe adapts to your schedule and preferences. The make-ahead options ensure you’ll always have the components ready when that chocolate-hazelnut craving strikes.
Your homemade version will not only save money but also allows you to customize every element to your taste. From dairy-free alternatives to extra-rich variations you’re in complete control of your coffee experience.
Now it’s time to gather your ingredients and create this cafe-quality treat in your own kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you for this deliciously refreshing upgrade to your coffee routine.
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