Close your eyes and imagine the most indulgent, decadent, and whimsical dessert you can drink. A creation so rich, so creamy, and so visually spectacular that it seems to have been conjured from a dream. This is the Nutella Dream Shake. It is more than a mere milkshake; it is a monument to indulgence, a symphony of chocolate and hazelnut, and a towering testament to the joy of pure, unapologetic dessert. Born from the social media era’s love for over-the-top, “cheat-day” creations, the Dream Shake transcends its humble diner origins.
Why Is This Nutella Dream Shake So Popular?
The popularity of the Nutella Dream Shake is a fascinating phenomenon rooted in psychology, sensory pleasure, and modern culture. First and foremost, it taps into powerful nostalgia and comfort. The flavor of Nutella is a childhood favorite for millions, evoking memories of toast after school or secret spoonfuls from the jar. Combining that with the classic American treat of a milkshake creates a powerful comfort-food fusion.
Secondly, it is a masterpiece of visual appeal. In the age of Instagram and TikTok, food is not just to be eaten; it is to be shared. The Dream Shake, with its towering whipped cream, dripping sauces, and precarious toppings like whole donuts or slices of cake, is inherently “viral.” It is a status symbol of indulgence, a piece of edible art that promises an extraordinary experience before the first sip is even taken. It represents a break from the mundane, a permission slip to enjoy something wildly extravagant.
Finally, it delivers a multi-sensory textural experience. This isn’t a uniform liquid. It’s a journey of textures: the thick, almost spoonable consistency of the shake itself; the light, airy fluff of the whipped cream; the sticky, gooey pull of the caramel or chocolate drizzle; the satisfying crunch of chopped hazelnuts or cookie crumbs; and the soft, cakey bite of a donut or brownie topping. This constant variation in texture keeps the palate engaged and transforms drinking into an active, exploratory experience.
Why You’ll Love This Nutella Dream Shake:
You will love this recipe because it empowers you to become a dessert architect, creating a show-stopping masterpiece that rivals any expensive restaurant or boutique creamery offering. You will love the creative freedom it provides—the recipe is a canvas, and the toppings are your paints. You can keep it elegantly simple with just a drizzle of chocolate, or go full epicurean extravaganza with every sweet treat in your pantry.
But beyond the customization and the spectacle, you will love the sheer, unadulterated joy it brings. The process of blending, building, and decorating is fun and deeply satisfying. Presenting this shake to a friend, a family member, or even treating yourself, is an act of celebration. The first rich, cold, overwhelmingly chocolate-hazelnut sip is a moment of pure bliss. It’s a recipe that requires no special culinary skill, yet yields a result that looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in a professional kitchen. It’s a guaranteed smile-maker.
Here’s what you’ll need:
The foundation of a legendary shake is quality ingredients. This is where we build our dream.
For the Core Shake Base:
-
3/4 Cup (approx. 200g) Nutella: This is the star. Use the genuine article for that authentic flavor. For the best consistency, gently warm the Nutella for 10-15 seconds in the microwave to make it easier to scoop and blend. This will ensure no stubborn chunks remain.
-
4 Large Scoops (about 2 Cups) of High-Quality Vanilla Ice Cream: The ice cream is the body. Use a premium, dense, and creamy vanilla ice cream. The better the ice cream, the richer and thicker your shake will be. Avoid “light” or low-fat versions, as they contain more air and water, leading to a thinner shake.
-
1/4 Cup Whole Milk: This is our tool for consistency. Whole milk provides the necessary richness and fat content to blend everything into a luxuriously thick but pourable shake. You can use less for an ultra-thick, spoonable shake, or more for a slightly drinkable one.
For the Flavor & Texture Enhancers:
-
1/8 Tsp Fine Sea Salt: This is the secret weapon. Salt elevates and intensifies the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, cutting through the sweetness and adding a sophisticated depth that prevents the shake from being one-dimensionally sugary.
-
1 Tsp Pure Vanilla Extract: This enhances the vanilla notes in the ice cream and adds another layer of warm, aromatic flavor that complements the Nutella perfectly.
For the Toppings & Garnish (The “Dream” Assembly):
-
Whipped Cream: A generous amount, either from a can for convenience or freshly whipped from heavy cream with a little sugar.
-
Chocolate Sauce or Syrup: For drizzling inside the glass and over the top.
-
Additional Nutella, warmed: To create a “lined” glass effect.
-
Chopped, Toasted Hazelnuts: Provides essential crunch and reinforces the core hazelnut flavor.
-
Mini Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Shavings: For extra chocolatey texture.
-
The “Pièce de Résistance” (Optional but recommended): This is what makes it a “Dream” shake. Choose one or more: a whole glazed donut perched on the rim, a slice of fudgy brownie, a large chocolate chip cookie, or a fun-sized chocolate bar.
How to Make Nutella Dream Shake:
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Nutella Dream Shake. It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a dessert superstar!
Step 1: Prepare Your Glassware – The Foundation of the Dream
Take a tall, chilled glass—a pint glass or a specialty milkshake glass works perfectly. Using a spoon or a small spatula, spread a generous layer of the warmed Nutella around the inside of the glass. Create artistic swirls and ensure good coverage. Next, drizzle chocolate sauce over the Nutella lining. This step is crucial as it creates a beautiful visual effect and ensures every sip from the top to the bottom is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Blend the Dream Base
In a powerful blender, combine the 4 large scoops of vanilla ice cream, the 3/4 cup of Nutella, the 1/4 cup of whole milk, the 1/8 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 3: Achieve the Perfect Consistency
Secure the lid on your blender tightly. Start blending on a low speed to initially combine the ingredients, then gradually increase to high speed. Blend for 30-60 seconds, pausing to scrape down the sides if necessary, until the mixture is completely smooth, thick, and has a uniform, deep chocolate-brown color. It should be thick enough to mound on itself.
Step 4: The First Assembly Layer
Slowly pour the blended shake into your prepared glass. Do not fill it to the top yet. Leave about 1 to 1.5 inches of space at the rim to accommodate the towering toppings. Using a long spoon, you can gently stir the shake in the glass to further integrate the Nutella and chocolate lining.
Step 5: Build the Topping Tower
Now, pipe or spoon a massive, cloud-like dome of whipped cream on top of the shake, completely covering the surface and extending over the rim of the glass. This whipped cream platform will be the foundation for the rest of your decorations.
Step 6: The Artistic Drizzle and Crunch
Generously drizzle more chocolate sauce (and even some extra warmed Nutella) over the whipped cream dome. Immediately, while the sauces are still wet, sprinkle a lavish amount of the chopped, toasted hazelnuts and mini chocolate chips over the top. This ensures they stick to the toppings.
Step 7: The Grand Finale – The Pièce de Résistance
For the final, iconic touch, carefully take your chosen “pièce de résistance”—be it a glazed donut, a slice of brownie, or a cookie—and gently press it onto the rim of the glass, resting it against the mountain of whipped cream. For an extra touch, you can spear a couple of mini marshmallows or a fun-sized candy bar on a long skewer and place it on top. Serve immediately with a long spoon and a wide straw.
Tips for Success:
-
Chill Your Glass: Place your serving glass in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before assembling. This keeps the shake colder and longer and prevents it from melting too quickly.
-
Ice Cream Temperature: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for just 5-10 minutes to slightly soften. This makes it easier to scoop and blend, preventing the blender motor from straining.
-
Blender Power: If you have a less powerful blender, you may need to add the milk first to help the blades move more freely.
-
Thickness Control: The shake is meant to be extremely thick. If it’s too thick to blend, add milk one tablespoon at a time until it moves. If it’s too thin, add another half-scoop of ice cream and blend again.
-
Serve Immediately: A Dream Shake is a race against time. Have all your toppings prepped and ready to go before you blend so you can assemble and serve it at its peak thickness and visual appeal.
Equipment Needed:
-
A high-powered blender
-
Tall glasses (pint or milkshake glasses)
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
Spatula (for scraping the blender and lining the glass)
-
Whipped cream canister or a hand mixer/stand mixer with a whisk attachment
-
Long spoons and wide straws for serving
Variations of Nutella Dream Shake:
-
Cookies and Cream Dream: Add 1/2 cup of crushed Oreo cookies to the blender with the other base ingredients.
-
Banana Nutella Dream: Add one ripe, frozen banana to the blender for a creamy, fruity twist that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
-
S’mores Dream: Blend in 1/4 cup of crushed graham crackers and use marshmallow fluff instead of whipped cream for the topping. Garnish with a piece of Hershey’s chocolate.
-
Mocha Dream: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder or strong cooled coffee to the blender for a coffee-chocolate flavor.
-
Ferrero Rocher Shake: Blend the base and then add whole Ferrero Rocher chocolates (2-3) at the very end, pulsing just a few times to leave large, chunky pieces. Use chopped Ferrero Rocher as a topping.
Serving Suggestions for Nutella Dream Shake:
This shake is a complete dessert experience in itself and needs no accompaniment. However, it is the ultimate centerpiece for a dessert table. Given its immense richness, it can sometimes be shared between two people (though few would want to!). Serve it with a long spoon and a wide straw specifically designed for thick milkshakes to tackle its different layers.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
15 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Please note: This is a very rough estimate for one entire, fully loaded shake. This is an indulgent dessert treat.)
-
Calories: ~1200-1500 (or more, depending on toppings)
-
Protein: 18g
-
Sodium: 380mg
-
Sugar: 140g
-
Fat: 65g
-
Carbohydrates: 155g
-
Fiber: 6g
FAQs about Nutella Dream Shake:
Q: Can I make this shake ahead of time?
A: It is not recommended. The shake will melt and separate, and the whipped cream will deflate. The magic of the Dream Shake is in its immediate, freshly assembled presentation and texture.
Q: My shake is too thin. How can I fix it?
A: The most common cause is ice cream that is too soft or of low quality. Pour the thin shake back into the blender, add another scoop or two of frozen ice cream, and blend again until thickened.
Q: I don’t have a blender. Can I make this by hand?
A: It is very difficult to achieve the same smooth, thick consistency without a blender. You could try whisking very soft ice cream and Nutella together vigorously in a bowl, but it will likely be lumpy and not as aerated.
Q: How can I make a dairy-free or vegan version?
A: Absolutely! Use a rich, creamy vegan vanilla ice cream (cashew or coconut-based work well), a plant-based milk (oat or soy), and vegan whipped cream. Ensure the Nutella you use is the vegan-friendly version (some regions have slightly different recipes).
Q: What’s the best way to eat this? With a spoon or a straw?
A: The true Dream Shake experience requires both! Use the spoon to tackle the whipped cream, toppings, and the thick top layer. Use the wide straw to sip the more liquid shake from the bottom. Alternating between the two is part of the fun.
Final Thoughts:
The Nutella Dream Shake is more than a recipe; it is a edible sculpture, a temporary monument to joy, and a passport to pure, childlike indulgence. It represents the beautiful truth that food can be fun, artful, and deeply satisfying all at once. From the first glimpse of its towering, decadent structure to the last, lingering taste of chocolate and hazelnut, it is an experience that engages all the senses and creates a core memory. It’s a dish that asks you to forget about calories and constraints, if only for a moment, and to simply delight in the creation and consumption of something spectacular. So, fire up your blender, gather your sweetest treasures, and give yourself permission to dream in chocolate. You’ve earned it.
Print
Nutella Dream Shake: Decadent 5-Minute Dessert Drink
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Description
Indulge in the ultimate Nutella Dream Shake! A creamy, decadent dessert drink with whipped cream & chocolate drizzle. Ready in just 5 minutes
Ingredients
The foundation of a legendary shake is quality ingredients. This is where we build our dream.
For the Core Shake Base:
-
3/4 Cup (approx. 200g) Nutella: This is the star. Use the genuine article for that authentic flavor. For the best consistency, gently warm the Nutella for 10-15 seconds in the microwave to make it easier to scoop and blend. This will ensure no stubborn chunks remain.
-
4 Large Scoops (about 2 Cups) of High-Quality Vanilla Ice Cream: The ice cream is the body. Use a premium, dense, and creamy vanilla ice cream. The better the ice cream, the richer and thicker your shake will be. Avoid “light” or low-fat versions, as they contain more air and water, leading to a thinner shake.
-
1/4 Cup Whole Milk: This is our tool for consistency. Whole milk provides the necessary richness and fat content to blend everything into a luxuriously thick but pourable shake. You can use less for an ultra-thick, spoonable shake, or more for a slightly drinkable one.
For the Flavor & Texture Enhancers:
-
1/8 Tsp Fine Sea Salt: This is the secret weapon. Salt elevates and intensifies the chocolate and hazelnut flavors, cutting through the sweetness and adding a sophisticated depth that prevents the shake from being one-dimensionally sugary.
-
1 Tsp Pure Vanilla Extract: This enhances the vanilla notes in the ice cream and adds another layer of warm, aromatic flavor that complements the Nutella perfectly.
For the Toppings & Garnish (The “Dream” Assembly):
-
Whipped Cream: A generous amount, either from a can for convenience or freshly whipped from heavy cream with a little sugar.
-
Chocolate Sauce or Syrup: For drizzling inside the glass and over the top.
-
Additional Nutella, warmed: To create a “lined” glass effect.
-
Chopped, Toasted Hazelnuts: Provides essential crunch and reinforces the core hazelnut flavor.
-
Mini Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Shavings: For extra chocolatey texture.
-
The “Pièce de Résistance” (Optional but recommended): This is what makes it a “Dream” shake. Choose one or more: a whole glazed donut perched on the rim, a slice of fudgy brownie, a large chocolate chip cookie, or a fun-sized chocolate bar
Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Nutella Dream Shake. It’s as easy as pie, and I promise you’ll feel like a dessert superstar!
Step 1: Prepare Your Glassware – The Foundation of the Dream
Take a tall, chilled glass—a pint glass or a specialty milkshake glass works perfectly. Using a spoon or a small spatula, spread a generous layer of the warmed Nutella around the inside of the glass. Create artistic swirls and ensure good coverage. Next, drizzle chocolate sauce over the Nutella lining. This step is crucial as it creates a beautiful visual effect and ensures every sip from the top to the bottom is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Blend the Dream Base
In a powerful blender, combine the 4 large scoops of vanilla ice cream, the 3/4 cup of Nutella, the 1/4 cup of whole milk, the 1/8 teaspoon of fine sea salt, and the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 3: Achieve the Perfect Consistency
Secure the lid on your blender tightly. Start blending on a low speed to initially combine the ingredients, then gradually increase to high speed. Blend for 30-60 seconds, pausing to scrape down the sides if necessary, until the mixture is completely smooth, thick, and has a uniform, deep chocolate-brown color. It should be thick enough to mound on itself.
Step 4: The First Assembly Layer
Slowly pour the blended shake into your prepared glass. Do not fill it to the top yet. Leave about 1 to 1.5 inches of space at the rim to accommodate the towering toppings. Using a long spoon, you can gently stir the shake in the glass to further integrate the Nutella and chocolate lining.
Step 5: Build the Topping Tower
Now, pipe or spoon a massive, cloud-like dome of whipped cream on top of the shake, completely covering the surface and extending over the rim of the glass. This whipped cream platform will be the foundation for the rest of your decorations.
Step 6: The Artistic Drizzle and Crunch
Generously drizzle more chocolate sauce (and even some extra warmed Nutella) over the whipped cream dome. Immediately, while the sauces are still wet, sprinkle a lavish amount of the chopped, toasted hazelnuts and mini chocolate chips over the top. This ensures they stick to the toppings.
Step 7: The Grand Finale – The Pièce de Résistance
For the final, iconic touch, carefully take your chosen “pièce de résistance”—be it a glazed donut, a slice of brownie, or a cookie—and gently press it onto the rim of the glass, resting it against the mountain of whipped cream. For an extra touch, you can spear a couple of mini marshmallows or a fun-sized candy bar on a long skewer and place it on top. Serve immediately with a long spoon and a wide straw.
Notes
-
A high-powered blender
-
Tall glasses (pint or milkshake glasses)
-
Measuring cups and spoons
-
Spatula (for scraping the blender and lining the glass)
-
Whipped cream canister or a hand mixer/stand mixer with a whisk attachment
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 1500
- Sugar: 140g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 65g
- Carbohydrates: 155g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
