Hazelnut Chocolate Espresso Gelato

Hazelnut Chocolate Espresso Gelato

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With the price of ice cream climbing higher and higher, I have been making more homemade frozen desserts. Including this recipe for Hazelnut Chocolate Espresso Gelato. It’s one of my favorites. So creamy and delicious. Flavored with hazelnut chocolate and a touch of espresso. It’s so much better than anything you can buy in the store.

Hazelnut Chocolate Gelato Served in Polish Pottery Tea Cups

(Post modified on 8/16/23.)

A few years ago I gave my husband a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, and I hate to admit that I have not used it as often as I should. However, with the price of ice cream these days (not to mention the lack of availability of our favorite brand), I’ve found it’s more affordable (and tastier) to make my own.

I first ate gelato at the Kansas State Fair several years ago. At the time I was confused by the small serving dish I was given. Why so small? I tasted it and then, of course, I knew! It was so smooth and creamy. And loaded with flavor. One doesn’t need much to satisfy a sweet tooth or craving!

 

What is the Difference Between Ice Cream and Gelato?

When comparing recipes for both ice cream and gelato, the first thing I noticed was that ice cream required more heavy cream to whole milk, which means a higher fat content. And generally speaking, more sugar.

Another aspect that differentiated the two is that ice cream requires less time for churning than gelato. Not much time. A mere 5 minutes on my ICE-70 Series maker, but still a difference. Which may be one reason it is more dense than it’s airier ice cream cousin.

Make Homemade Hazelnut Gelato with Instant Espresso

I’m not going to bore you with the scientific details of the two. No matter the differences between ice cream and gelato, my husband and I enjoy both types of frozen desserts! I hope you will give this homemade recipe a try. Watch for a new ice cream recipe in the near future! 

 

More Frozen Desserts to Enjoy

 

Ingredients for Hazelnut Chocolate Espresso Gelato

(See the full recipe at the bottom of this post.)

  • whole milk (divided)
  • granulated sugar
  • cornstarch
  • instant espresso powder
  • vanilla extract
  • kosher salt
  • heavy cream
  • chocolate hazelnut spread

 

A Few Notes about Making Frozen Desserts

If using an electric ice cream maker, you’ll want to have your equipment ready to use. For instance, with my Cuisinart machine, I keep my churning bucket in our big deep freezer, as it must be thoroughly frozen before using. Instructions say to freeze for 24 hours before use. When I’ve finished a batch of ice cream, and after I’ve cleaned the bucket, I return it to our deep freezer so it’s always ready for use.

Another tip that might be useful, is to have your ice cream machine set up and ready to run as soon as you bring your frozen bucket from the freezer. After all, you don’t want it to thaw out. I also place the container that will hold my ice cream in the freezer so it’s really cold when I scoop the freshly made icy dessert into it.

 

Instructions for Making this Recipe

Ingredients for this Recipe

Gather your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.

Mix Gelato Ingredients Together in Bowl

Place 1 cup of whole milk in a large mixing bowl. Add to that the granulated sugar, cornstarch, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Whisk until everything is combined.

In a medium saucepan, add the remaining whole milk, along with the heavy whipping cream. Heat on medium-low heat until the milk warms. (Do not allow it to boil.)

Add to the warm milk the sugar mixture and whisk to combine.

Heat all of Gelato Mixture Until it Slightly Thickens

Keeping the heat on medium-low, mix in the chocolate hazelnut spread and stir until it is incorporated into the milk. Continue stirring until the mixture slightly thickens. You’ll know when it’s ready when the cream coats the back of a spoon. This may take anywhere from 8-12 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Pour the mixture into a bowl or large jar and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

When ready to churn, stir the mixture (or shake the covered jar) to ensure everything is mixed well.

The Gelato Has Finished Churning

Press the GELATO setting on the ICE maker and then START the machine. Pour the mixture into the churning bucket. Cover with the cap. Allow to mix until thickened and the machine beeps or stops.

If Desired Allow Gelato to Set in Freezer Before Serving

Quickly transfer the frozen gelato to a cold container. At this point, you may go ahead and serve the gelato or you may cover and freeze until ready to serve. If the dessert is too hard to scoop, allow it to set out for 10-12 minutes before serving.

Serve in a Pretty Serving Bowl or Custard Dish

Serve in a pretty bowl or dish. This recipe will serve 8-10 people.

See more Desserts Here. Browse Italian Recipes Here.  View Chocolate Recipes Here.

 

Recipe for Hazelnut Chocolate Espresso Gelato

Hazelnut Chocolate Espresso Gelato

This recipe for Hazelnut Chocolate Espresso Gelato is one of my favorite frozen desserts. So creamy and delicious. Flavored with hazelnut chocolate and a touch of espresso. It’s so much better than anything you can buy in the store.
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chocolate Hazelnut Spread, Frozen Desserts, Gelato, Heavy Whipping Cream, Whole Milk
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Freezing Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 10

Ingredients 
 

Instructions

  • Gather your ingredients so that you have everything close at hand on the counter or table.

Prepare the Gelato Mix

  • Place 1 cup of whole milk in a large mixing bowl. Add to that the granulated sugar, cornstarch, espresso powder, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Whisk until everything is combined.
  • In a medium saucepan, add the remaining whole milk, along with the heavy whipping cream. Heat on medium-low heat until the milk warms. (Do not allow it to boil.)
  • Add in the sugar mixture and whisk to combine.
  • Keeping the heat on medium-low, mix in the chocolate hazelnut spread and stir until it is incorporated into the milk. Continue stirring until the mixture slightly thickens.
    You'll know when it's ready when the cream coats the back of a spoon. This may take anywhere from 8-12 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and allow mixture to cool to room temperature. Pour into a bowl or large jar. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
  • When ready to churn, stir the mixture (or shake the covered jar) to ensure everything is mixed well.
  • Press the GELATO setting on the ice mixer and then START the machine. Pour the mixture into the churning bucket. Cover with the cap. Allow to mix until thickened and the machine beeps or stops, approximately 30 minutes.
  • Quickly transfer the frozen gelato to a cold container.
  • At this point, you may go ahead and serve the gelato or you may cover and freeze until ready to serve.
    If the dessert is too hard to scoop, allow it to set out for 10-12 minutes before serving.
  • Serve in a pretty bowl or dish. This recipe will serve 8-10 people.

Nutrition

Calories: 366kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 75mg | Potassium: 255mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 625IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 1mg
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