The Simple Trick For A Perfectly Creamy Nutella Latte

Have you ever tried to make a Nutella latte at home, only to be disappointed by a greasy film floating on top? It’s a frustrating experience that ruins a much-anticipated treat. You followed the steps, but something went wrong.

A Nutella latte is a coffee drink combining espresso, steamed milk, and rich chocolate-hazelnut spread. The oily separation you’re seeing is the most common pitfall. This happens because the palm oil in Nutella doesn’t naturally mix with coffee and milk.

The secret to a creamy Nutella latte is emulsification. You must first dissolve the Nutella in a fresh, hot shot of espresso by whisking vigorously before adding any milk. This guide will show you exactly how to master this simple trick for a perfect, cafe-quality drink every time.

Why Does My Homemade Nutella Latte Always End Up Oily?

Your Nutella latte is oily because the palm oil in the hazelnut spread doesn’t naturally mix with the water-based coffee and milk. I’ve been there too, excited for a decadent treat only to be met with a disappointing oil slick. This isn’t your fault; it’s a common issue of food science. Without the correct technique, the oil separates from the sugars and solids in the Nutella when it hits the hot liquid, floating to the top. This creates a greasy texture instead of the creamy, smooth, and fully combined drink you were hoping for. This guide will reveal the simple secret to prevent this forever.

The One Simple Trick For a Perfectly Creamy Nutella Latte Every Time

The secret is to create a stable emulsion before you add the milk. You need to pour a fresh, hot shot of espresso directly over the Nutella in your mug. Immediately whisk vigorously for about 30-60 seconds. This process is the game-changer. The intense heat from the espresso melts the palm oil and sugars in the Nutella, while the forceful whisking breaks the oil down into microscopic droplets. These droplets get suspended evenly throughout the espresso, transforming the mixture into a smooth, glossy, and fully combined syrup. This rich, chocolatey base is now stable and will mix beautifully with your milk, ensuring a perfectly creamy latte with zero oiliness.

7 Essential Tips for a Flawless Nutella Latte (Hot or Iced)

Here are seven foolproof tips that cover every step of making the perfect Nutella latte. From mastering the essential base to crafting hot and iced variations and garnishing like a pro, this is your complete guide to cafe-style perfection at home.

1. Master the Emulsion Base

Pin this essential technique to your ‘Coffee Recipes’ board!

This is the most critical step. Creating a smooth, glossy Nutella-espresso syrup is the foundation for a flawless drink.

What You Need:

• 1-2 Tbsp Nutella (or other chocolate-hazelnut spread)
• 1 double shot (2 oz) of hot, freshly brewed espresso
• Small coffee whisk or an electric milk frother with a whisk attachment

What To Do:

1. Scoop: Add your desired amount of Nutella to the bottom of your favorite mug.
2. Brew: Brew a double shot of espresso directly over the Nutella. The immediate heat is crucial.
3. Whisk: As soon as the espresso is in, immediately begin whisking vigorously. Use a small, circular motion, scraping the bottom and sides of the mug.
4. Transform: Continue whisking for about 30-60 seconds until you see no more clumps and the mixture has transformed into a smooth, glossy, slightly thickened syrup. This is your perfect latte base.

Pro-Tip: If you don’t have a small whisk, a regular fork will work in a pinch! Just be extra thorough to ensure everything is combined.

2. Perfect the Hot & Steamy Latte

Save this cozy recipe for a chilly afternoon!

Once your base is ready, creating the classic hot latte is simple. The key is perfectly steamed, velvety milk.

What You Need:

• 1 prepared Nutella-espresso base
• 6-8 oz milk of your choice (whole milk froths best)
• A steam wand, electric milk frother, or a French press for frothing

What To Do:

1. Heat & Froth: Heat your milk to about 150°F (65°C) – it should be hot but not boiling. Use your frother to create a velvety microfoam.
2. Pour Slowly: Tilt your mug containing the Nutella base at a 45-degree angle.
3. Integrate: Pour the steamed milk into the center of the mug. Start with a steady, thin stream to mix the milk with the base.
4. Top Off: As the mug fills, straighten it and pour a bit faster to let the foam float on top. Serve immediately.

Lesson Learned: Don’t overheat your milk! Scalded milk loses its sweetness and can taste burnt, ruining the flavor of your latte.

3. Create the Ultimate Iced Latte

Pin this refreshing iced coffee idea for summer!

For a smooth, clump-free iced latte, a blender is your best friend. It ensures the Nutella is perfectly integrated into the cold liquids.

What You Need:

• 1-2 Tbsp Nutella
• 1 double shot of espresso, cooled
• 6 oz cold milk of your choice
• A high-powered personal blender
• Ice cubes

What To Do:

1. Combine: Add the cooled espresso, Nutella, and cold milk to your blender.
2. Blend: Secure the lid and blend on high for 15-20 seconds. This is the secret to a perfectly smooth, clump-free iced latte.
3. Assemble: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
4. Pour: Pour the blended Nutella latte mixture over the ice. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Pro-Tip: Brew your espresso ahead of time and let it cool in the fridge so it doesn’t melt your ice instantly.

4. Choose the Right Coffee Foundation

Don’t have an espresso machine? Save this tip!

No espresso machine? No problem. The key is to brew a very strong, concentrated coffee to balance the sweetness and milk.

What You Need:

• A Moka pot, AeroPress, or French press
• High-quality dark roast coffee beans, finely ground
• Hot water

What To Do:

1. Moka Pot (Best Alternative): Brew coffee according to your Moka pot’s instructions. This produces a strong, espresso-like coffee that’s perfect for lattes.
2. AeroPress: Use a concentrated recipe, such as 18g of coffee to 60g of water, to create a strong “shot.”
3. French Press: Use a 1:7 coffee-to-water ratio (e.g., 30g coffee to 210g water) to create a very strong brew.
4. Use Immediately: Whichever method you choose, make sure the coffee is very hot when you pour it over the Nutella to ensure it melts properly.

Lesson Learned: Regular drip coffee is usually too weak and will result in a drink that tastes like sweet milk. The key is coffee concentration.

5. Go Dairy-Free & Vegan With Ease

Save this for your ‘Vegan Recipes’ board!

Making this recipe completely vegan is incredibly simple with the right ingredients.

What You Need:

• A certified vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread (check the label for dairy ingredients)
• Your favorite plant-based milk (barista-edition oat milk is highly recommended for creaminess and frothing)

What To Do:

1. Check Your Spread: The official Nutella brand contains skim milk powder and is not vegan. Choose a brand that is explicitly dairy-free.
2. Choose Your Milk: For the best results, use a “barista blend” oat milk. These are formulated with a higher fat content to froth beautifully and create a creamy texture similar to whole milk. Almond and soy milk also work well.
3. Follow the Same Steps: Simply substitute the dairy ingredients and follow the exact same instructions for the hot or iced latte as outlined in the tips above.

Pro-Tip: Many grocery stores now carry several brands of vegan chocolate-hazelnut spread right next to the Nutella.

6. Elevate Flavor with a Pinch of Salt

Pin this flavor hack for all your chocolate recipes!

This simple trick from culinary science makes a huge difference in taste, making the flavors richer and more complex.

What You Need:

• Your Nutella and hot espresso mixture
• A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt or fine kosher salt

What To Do:

1. Add to the Base: When you are whisking the hot espresso into the Nutella (Tip #1), add a very small pinch of sea salt.
2. Whisk to Dissolve: Continue whisking as normal. The salt will dissolve into the hot base.
3. Taste the Difference: The salt won’t make your latte taste salty. Instead, it works chemically to suppress bitterness and intensify the sweet chocolate and nutty hazelnut flavors, making them “pop.”

Pro-Tip: Start with less salt than you think you need—you can’t take it out! A few flakes are all it takes.

7. Garnish Like a Pro for a Cafe-Worthy Finish

Save this beautiful coffee idea for your next treat!

A simple garnish takes your homemade latte from a simple drink to a special treat.

What You Need:

• Your finished Nutella latte
• Optional Toppings: whipped cream, extra Nutella, chocolate shavings, chopped hazelnuts, cocoa powder

What To Do:

1. The Classic: Top your hot or iced latte with a generous swirl of whipped cream.
2. The Nutella Drizzle: Warm 1 teaspoon of Nutella in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until it’s runny. Use a spoon to drizzle it over the whipped cream or milk foam.
3. The Chocolate Dust: Use a microplane or vegetable peeler to shave a bit of a dark chocolate bar over the top.
4. The Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle a few finely chopped toasted hazelnuts on top for added texture and flavor.

Lesson Learned: Presentation makes the experience! Taking 30 seconds to add a simple garnish elevates a simple drink into a special treat.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to the Perfect Nutella Latte

• The Golden Rule: Always whisk Nutella into fresh, hot espresso first to create a smooth, oily-free base.
• For Iced Lattes: Use a blender to combine cold milk, cooled espresso, and Nutella for the smoothest possible texture.
• Coffee is Key: Use strong, concentrated coffee (like from a Moka pot) if you don’t have an espresso machine. Weak coffee won’t work.
• Flavor Booster: A tiny pinch of salt in the base will make the chocolate and hazelnut flavors taste richer and more intense.

People Also Ask About Making a Nutella Latte

Can I make a Nutella latte without an espresso machine?

Yes, absolutely. The best alternative is to brew very strong, concentrated coffee using a stovetop Moka pot, an AeroPress, or a French press. The key is to make the coffee much stronger than you would for regular drinking to balance the sweet, milky latte.

How do you keep Nutella from clumping in a cold drink?

The best method is to use a blender. Combine your cooled espresso or strong coffee, cold milk, and Nutella in a blender and blend for 15-20 seconds. This powerful agitation is the most effective way to fully dissolve the Nutella and create a perfectly smooth, clump-free iced drink.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, it’s very easy to make a vegan Nutella latte. Simply use a dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread (many brands are vegan, but check the label) and your favorite plant-based milk. For the creamiest texture and best foam, a barista-edition oat milk is highly recommended.

Is a Nutella latte the same as a mocha?

No, they are slightly different. A classic mocha is flavored with chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. A Nutella latte also has chocolate flavor, but it’s distinguished by the rich, nutty flavor of hazelnuts, which makes it a unique and delicious variation.

Final Thoughts

You no longer have to be disappointed by a homemade Nutella latte. The “secret” isn’t a secret at all—it’s just a simple technique of emulsifying the Nutella with hot espresso first. Once you master this one trick, a world of decadent, creamy, cafe-quality coffee drinks opens up right in your own kitchen. It’s an easy way to turn an ordinary afternoon into a special occasion.

Now that you know the simple trick to a perfect Nutella latte, what will you try first—hot or iced? Let me know how it turns out in the comments below

Last update on 2025-11-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API