Crème Fraîche Ice Cream Recipe (with Nutella Flakes)
Sneak Preview: This small-batch crème fraîche ice cream blends tangy crème fraîche into a vanilla base and finishes with Nutella flakes—ready in about 6 hours 45 minutes including chilling.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
What is Crème Fraîche Ice Cream?
Whether you buy it or use my homemade crème fraîche recipe, this tangy, luscious ingredient adds something truly special to ice cream. Here it blends into a sweet vanilla base before Nutella flakes are stirred in using a trick inspired by Dorie Greenspan.
Ingredients & Substitutions
EGGS: Large eggs—pasteurized if preferred (see FAQ)
SUGAR: Granulated for best texture
WHOLE MILK: 2% works in a pinch
HEAVY CREAM: Can sub with half-and-half for a lighter version
VANILLA: Extract, paste, or scraped vanilla bean
CRÈME FRAÎCHE: Homemade or store-bought; sub heavy cream for a more classic vanilla ice cream
NUTELLA: Any chocolate-hazelnut spread; sub peanut butter or chopped chocolate
COCONUT OIL: Don’t skip—this is what makes the Nutella harden into flakes instead of blending in
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crème Fraîche Ice Cream with Nutella Flakes
⬇️ Jump to the recipe below for exact amounts and detailed instructions.
Crème Fraîche Ice Cream with Nutella Flakes
Video
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (227 g) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch salt
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream
- 1 cup (240 g) crème fraîche (see notes for a homemade version)
- ⅓ cup (100 g) chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil room temperature
Instructions
Making Ice Cream
- Whisk 2 large eggs and ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar until light in color and sugar dissolves.
- Add 1 cup (227 g) whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, pinch salt, and 1 cup (238 g) heavy cream. Stir just until smooth.
- Chill for 3–4 hours or overnight.
- Whisk a spoonful of chilled base into 1 cup (240 g) crème fraîche until smooth and pourable.
- Stir creme fraiche into the full base. Mix well.
- Freeze in a small-batch ice cream maker per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Melt ⅓ cup (100 g) chocolate hazelnut spread and 1 tablespoon coconut oil in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir to combine.
- Drizzle Nutella mixture into churned ice cream while stirring to create flakes.
- Transfer to container and freeze 3–4 hours until firm.
Notes
Warm 1 cup of heavy cream to about 100°F (about 1 minute in the microwave—check after 1 minute). Stir in 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt, whey, or buttermilk. Loosely cover and let sit undisturbed in a warm spot for 8–24 hours, until thickened like Jell-O. Refrigerate and use within 10–14 days. Don’t skip the coconut oil—it helps the Nutella harden instantly into delicate flakes instead of melting into the ice cream. This trick, borrowed from Dorie Greenspan, works with any chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Equipment
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
FAQ
- Is it safe to use raw eggs?
- Use pasteurized eggs if concerned or pasteurize eggs at home. 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 crème fraîche feels unfamiliar, don’t worry—it’s simple to make and adds remarkable depth to 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 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.
— Paula, Home Economist
Homemade Food Worth Sharing
Need help troubleshooting?
Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com — photos help!
Paula Rhodes, Home Economist & Owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to prove that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my favorite ways to do that.