Creme Fraiche Ice Cream with Nutella Flakes
Sneak Peek: This small-batch ice cream recipe combines tangy creme fraiche with a smooth vanilla base, then swirls in Nutella flakes for the ultimate homemade treat.

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Are you new to crème fraîche—or already a fan?
Whether you buy it or use my homemade crème fraîche recipe, this tangy, luscious ingredient adds something truly special to ice cream. In this small-batch recipe, it blends into a sweet vanilla base, then gets swirled with Nutella flakes using a trick inspired by Dorie Greenspan.
Ingredients and Substitutions

- EGGS: Use large eggs. Prefer a fresher taste? Pasteurize your own at home (see FAQ).
- SUGAR: Stick with granulated sugar for best texture.
- WHOLE MILK: Whole is ideal, but 2% will do in a pinch.
- HEAVY CREAM: Sub with half-and-half, but it will be less creamy.
- VANILLA EXTRACT: Use high-quality extract, paste, or vanilla beans.
- CREME FRAICHE: Store-bought or homemade (see recipe notes). Sub with heavy cream for vanilla ice cream instead.
- NUTELLA: Swap with peanut butter, sunflower butter, or chopped chocolate.
- COCONUT OIL: No true substitute—this is what makes Nutella “flake” in the cold ice cream.
Step-by-Step: Making Creme Fraiche Ice Cream with Nutella Flakes
- #1 Beat eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
- #2 Add milk, salt, vanilla, and cream. Mix gently.
- #3 Chill the mixture for 3–4 hours or overnight.
- #4 Thin the creme fraiche with some of the chilled base, then stir it all together.
- #5 Pour into ice cream freezer and churn per manufacturer’s instructions.
- #6 Melt Nutella and coconut oil.
- #7 Drizzle into churned ice cream and stir to create flakes.
- #8 Freeze 3–4 hours before serving.








FAQ
- Is it safe to use raw eggs?
- Pasteurize at home or use pasteurized eggs if concerned. Pasteurized eggs are also handy for homemade mayonnaise and French Silk Pie.
- Can I make this without an ice cream freezer?
- Technically yes, but texture will suffer. Use a freezer-friendly method like no-churn if needed.
- Can I skip the coconut oil?
- Not recommended. It’s what turns Nutella into flakes instead of melting into the ice cream base.
Final Thoughts
If creme fraiche feels too fancy or unfamiliar, don’t worry—it’s as easy to make as yogurt and adds incredible depth to your homemade ice cream. The Nutella swirl gives it that wow factor without needing a fancy technique.
During the pandemic, I got into the habit of freezing this ice cream in 2-ounce dressing cups to help with portion control. It’s rich and satisfying, so just a spoonful is plenty—and they’re the perfect size for an after-salad treat.

If you love small-batch ice cream like this one…
You might also enjoy my Blackberry Ice Cream with Chocolate Shards or Easy Espresso Ice Cream—both start with the same sweet cream base I adapted from Ben & Jerry’s recipe.
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.