Nutella is a delicious chocolate hazelnut spread that is loved by many for its rich, chocolatey taste. While Nutella comes in a creamy, spreadable form right out of the jar, some people enjoy transforming it into a pourable, liquid state. There are a few simple methods for making Nutella liquid, which can allow you to drizzle it over desserts, mix it into drinks, or incorporate it into recipes more easily.
Using a Microwave
One of the quickest and easiest ways to make Nutella liquid is by heating it up in the microwave. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
- Take a microwave-safe bowl and add 1-2 cups of Nutella spread.
- Microwave the Nutella in 30 second intervals, stirring well after each interval.
- Keep microwaving and stirring until the Nutella looks smooth and pourable, about 1-2 minutes total.
- Carefully remove the hot liquid Nutella from the microwave and transfer it to a heat-safe bottle or jar for easy drizzling or pouring.
When microwaving Nutella, keep a close eye on it as the cooking time can vary depending on your microwave wattage. You want to heat it just enough to melt it to a liquid state without burning the chocolate or causing the oils to separate.
Using a Double Boiler
A double boiler can also be used to gently melt Nutella into a liquid. This is done by placing the Nutella jar over simmering water to slowly melt it using indirect heat. Here is the process:
- Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with a couple inches of water. Bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
- Place your jar of Nutella in the top pot, resting it right over (not touching) the simmering water.
- Heat the Nutella, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth, 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the top double boiler pot and pour the liquid Nutella into a pouring jar or bottle.
The double boiler allows you to melt the Nutella very gently, avoiding any scorching or burning that can happen in the microwave. Just be sure not to let the bottom pot boil dry.
Melting in a Hot Water Bath
Similar to using a double boiler, you can create a hot water bath to melt Nutella. This involves placing the Nutella jar in a pot of hot (not simmering) water to liquefy it.
- Fill a pot about halfway with hot water from the tap and heat it until very warm but not simmering, about 110-120°F.
- Fully submerge the Nutella jar in the hot water bath. You may want to screw the lid on loosely to prevent water from getting inside.
- Let the Nutella sit submerged, occasionally stirring the Nutella, until melted and pourable, 5-10 minutes.
- Remove the jar from the water bath and pour the liquid Nutella into your desired pouring vessel.
The hot water indirectly heats the Nutella to gradually melt it down. Just monitor the water temperature to prevent it from heating to a boil.
Melting on the Stovetop
You can also use low, direct heat to melt Nutella to a liquid state right on the stovetop. Here is how:
- Add Nutella to a small saucepan, filling it no more than halfway.
- Warm the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Once the Nutella begins melting, continue stirring often until completely smooth and liquid, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and transfer the liquid Nutella to a heat-safe bottle or jar.
Be sure to use low heat and stir constantly so the chocolate doesn’t scorch on the bottom of the pan. Removing from heat as soon as it liquefies prevents overcooking.
Thinning with Milk
For a quick and easy way to thin Nutella to a pourable consistency, you can simply mix in a bit of milk. The milk integrates smoothly to make the spread more fluid and drizzle-able. To do this:
- Add about 1/4 cup Nutella to a bowl or liquid measuring cup.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons milk and stir vigorously until fully blended and smooth.
- Continue adding milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring well after each addition, until Nutella reaches desired consistency.
Typically 2-3 tablespoons of milk is enough to transform a 1/4 cup of Nutella into an easy-to-drizzle liquid. Whole milk, 2% milk, or heavy cream will work well. Just be sure to stir thoroughly after adding the milk so no clumps remain.
Mixing in Vegetable Oil
Like milk, you can also mix vegetable oil into Nutella to instantly create a pourable chocolate-hazelnut drizzle. Follow these simple steps:
- Add 1/4 cup of Nutella to a liquid measuring cup or small bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and whisk vigorously until fully incorporated.
- Continue adding oil 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until Nutella reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
About 2-4 tablespoons of oil is usually enough to liquify a 1/4 cup of Nutella. Canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil work well since they have neutral flavors. Mix the oil in thoroughly to prevent separation.
Making Flavored Liquid Nutella
Plain liquid Nutella is delicious enough as is, but you can also infuse it with different flavors for a creative twist. Try mixing in any of these ingredients after melting the Nutella to create fun flavored drizzle sauces:
- Cocoa powder – enhances chocolate flavor
- Instant coffee granules – adds mocha flavor
- Vanilla extract – adds sweet vanilla notes
- Cinnamon – warm cinnamon spice flavor
- Peppermint extract – fresh minty flavor
- Hazelnut liqueur – boosts hazelnut taste
- Sea salt – adds a salted caramel vibe
- Coconut flakes – gives tropical flair
Start with small amounts, like 1/2 tsp of any dry ingredient or 1/4 tsp of any extract, and add more if needed. Get creative and make your own custom liquid Nutella flavors!
Storage and Handling
Liquid or melted Nutella needs to be stored properly to maintain its texture and taste. Here are some tips:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks max.
- If storing longer than 2 weeks, pour Nutella into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen, pop out cubes and store in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat frozen Nutella cubes in the microwave in 10 second bursts, stirring between each burst.
- Always reheat Nutella gently to prevent scorching or splitting.
- If Nutella separates after melting, let it cool slightly then stir vigorously to re-combine.
With proper storage methods, you can keep liquid Nutella on hand whenever the craving strikes!
Uses for Liquid Nutella
Once you’ve turned that dense hazelnut spread into a smooth, pourable chocolate sauce, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delicious ways to use your homemade liquid Nutella:
- Pancakes & waffles – Drizzle over the top of plain pancakes or waffles for an indulgent chocolate hazelnut breakfast
- Ice cream – Sauce up scoops of vanilla ice cream for the easiest sundae ever
- Fruit dip – Fresh strawberries, apple slices, and banana pieces all pair perfectly when dunked into liquid Nutella
- Milkshakes – Blend liquid Nutella into milkshakes for a nutty chocolate flavor
- Hot cocoa – Stir a few tablespoons into mugs of hot milk or coffee for a mocha twist
- Dessert fondues – Dip brownie cubes, marshmallows, rice krispie treats and more into a bowl of melted Nutella
- Cake decorator – Drizzle melted Nutella over finished cakes and cupcakes before serving
However you choose to use it, liquid Nutella takes the hazelnutty chocolate goodness of this iconic spread to a whole new level!
Conclusion
Nutella straight from the jar provides that deliciously indulgent, spreadable texture we know and love. But transforming it into a smooth, pourable liquid opens up a whole new realm of Nutella possibilities. Whether you melt it through heating, mix in milk or oil, or find your own creative method, liquid Nutella can take your desserts, drinks, and favorite snacks from great to spectacular. So next time a Nutella craving strikes, consider liquifying it to take your chocolate-hazelnut experience over the top.
