Frozen Treats

Hazelnut Ice Cream

Name: Hazelnut Ice Cream
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 270 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups (190g) hazelnuts; 2 cups (475ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (235ml) whole milk; 1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugar; 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp (1.25g) fine salt; 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, melted; 2 large egg yolks; 1 tsp (5g) hazelnut syrup (optional); 1 cup (120g) chopped hazelnuts (optional)

By Juno Sinclair · June 19, 2026 · Frozen Treats

Prep30 min

Cook10 min

Total270 min

Serves6

There's something special about a homemade ice cream that just can't be replicated by store-bought varieties. Maybe it's the love and care that goes into each batch, or perhaps it's the ability to tailor the flavors to your exact liking. For me, it's the combination of both that makes homemade ice cream truly unforgettable.

I still remember the first time I made hazelnut ice cream in my own kitchen. The aroma of toasted hazelnuts filled the air, and the first bite was like a symphony of flavors on my palate. It was creamy, rich, and utterly divine. From that moment on, I was hooked on making my own ice cream, and hazelnut remains one of my favorite flavors to this day.

This recipe for hazelnut ice cream is a culmination of years of experimentation and refinement. It's designed to be easy to follow and execute, even for those who are new to making ice cream at home. The key is in the balance of flavors and the technique used to achieve that perfect, creamy texture. So, let's dive in and explore the world of hazelnut ice cream together!

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy it on its own, or use it as a base for other flavors. Try mixing in some chocolate chips or caramel sauce for a decadent treat, or use it as a topping for your favorite desserts. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to share this recipe with you so you can start experimenting and creating your own unique flavors.

Whether you're a seasoned ice cream maker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, let's get started and make some delicious hazelnut ice cream!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal special equipment, making it accessible to anyone who wants to make delicious hazelnut ice cream at home.
The combination of hazelnuts, cream, and sugar creates a rich, indulgent flavor that's perfect for special occasions or everyday treats.
You can customize this recipe to your taste by adding different mix-ins or flavorings, such as chocolate chips or caramel sauce.
The ice cream has a smooth, creamy texture that's achieved through careful temperature control and churning.
This recipe makes a generous batch of ice cream, perfect for sharing with friends and family or storing in the freezer for later.
The hazelnut flavor is deep and nutty, with a subtle bitterness that balances out the sweetness of the cream and sugar.

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this hazelnut ice cream recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures. The hazelnuts provide a rich, nutty flavor that's perfectly complemented by the cream and sugar. The key to achieving this balance is in the toasting of the hazelnuts, which brings out their natural oils and intensifies their flavor.

The technique used to make this ice cream is also crucial. By using a combination of heavy cream, whole milk, and a touch of vanilla, we create a base that's both creamy and smooth. The addition of toasted hazelnuts then adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast that elevates the entire dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the temperature control. By chilling the mixture properly before churning, we ensure that the ice cream will have a smooth, even texture. And by churning it at the right temperature, we can achieve the perfect balance of air and ice, which gives the ice cream its light, creamy texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious hazelnut ice cream, you'll need a few key ingredients. The most important of these is, of course, the hazelnuts themselves. You'll want to use high-quality, fresh hazelnuts that are free of any bitter or unpleasant flavors. You'll also need heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract to bring out the flavor of the hazelnuts.

When shopping for these ingredients, be sure to choose the best quality you can find. Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the final flavor and texture of your ice cream. And don't be afraid to experiment with different types of milk or flavorings to create unique and delicious variations.

1 1/2 cups (190g) hazelnutsFresh, high-quality hazelnuts are essential for this recipe. Look for hazelnuts that are plump and have a rich, nutty aroma.
2 cups (475ml) heavy creamHeavy cream provides the richness and creaminess that's characteristic of high-quality ice cream. Make sure to choose a high-quality, fresh cream for the best flavor.
1 cup (235ml) whole milkWhole milk adds a touch of sweetness and tenderness to the ice cream, while also helping to balance out the richness of the cream.
1/2 cup (115g) granulated sugarGranulated sugar provides the sweetness that balances out the bitterness of the hazelnuts. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste, but keep in mind that the hazelnuts will add a rich, nutty flavor to the ice cream.
1 tsp (5g) vanilla extractVanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and depth to the ice cream, while also helping to bring out the flavor of the hazelnuts. Choose a high-quality, pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
1/4 tsp (1.25g) fine saltA touch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness of the ice cream and brings out the flavor of the hazelnuts. Use a fine, flaky salt for the best flavor.
1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, meltedMelted butter helps to enrich the flavor of the ice cream and adds a touch of creaminess. Make sure to use high-quality, unsalted butter for the best flavor.
2 large egg yolksEgg yolks provide the richness and creaminess that's characteristic of high-quality ice cream. Make sure to choose fresh, high-quality eggs for the best flavor.
1 tsp (5g) hazelnut syrup (optional)Hazelnut syrup adds an intense, nutty flavor to the ice cream. You can omit this ingredient if you prefer a milder flavor or substitute it with a different type of nut syrup.
1 cup (120g) chopped hazelnuts (optional)Chopped hazelnuts add a delightful texture and flavor contrast to the ice cream. You can omit this ingredient if you prefer a smoother texture or substitute it with a different type of nut.

Equipment You’ll Need

Ice cream makerMedium saucepanHand mixer or whisk1-quart (1L) ice cream container with lidFine-mesh strainerMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Hazelnut Ice Cream

1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
2
Remove the hazelnuts from the oven and let them cool completely. Once cool, place the hazelnuts in a food processor or blender and process until they're finely ground.
3
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Gradually add a little of the warm cream mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
5
Once the egg yolks are warm, gradually pour them into the saucepan with the cream mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
6
Continue to heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-12 minutes.
7
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and hazelnut syrup (if using). Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover it and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight.
8
Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
9
Once the ice cream is almost fully churned, add the chopped hazelnuts (if using) and continue to churn until they're fully incorporated.
10
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the container in the freezer to harden for at least 2 hours before serving.
11
Once the ice cream is hardened, scoop it into bowls and serve immediately. You can garnish the ice cream with additional chopped hazelnuts or a drizzle of chocolate sauce, if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to toast the hazelnuts until they're fragrant and lightly browned, as this will bring out their natural oils and intensify their flavor.
Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't over-churn the ice cream, as this can make it too airy and icy.
If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can also freeze the mixture in a shallow metal pan and then blend it in a food processor once it's frozen solid. This will give you a slightly chunkier texture, similar to gelato.
Experiment with different types of nuts or flavorings to create unique and delicious variations.
Consider adding a touch of salt to balance out the sweetness of the ice cream and bring out the flavor of the hazelnuts.
For a creamier ice cream, use more heavy cream and less whole milk.
To add a fun texture to the ice cream, try mixing in some chopped nuts, candy pieces, or even cookie dough.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not toasting the hazelnuts enough, which can result in a bland or unpleasant flavor.
Over-churning the ice cream, which can make it too airy and icy.
Not using high-quality, fresh ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the ice cream.
Not chilling the mixture long enough, which can result in an icy or grainy texture.
Adding too much sugar, which can make the ice cream too sweet and overpowering.
Not stirring the mixture constantly while it's heating, which can result in lumps or a grainy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Try adding a touch of coffee or espresso to the ice cream for a mocha flavor.
Use different types of nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add a handful of chocolate chips or chocolate chunks to the ice cream for a decadent treat.
Mix in some caramel sauce or dulce de leche for a sweet and salty flavor.
Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free and vegan version of the ice cream.
Add a splash of liqueur, such as Kahlua or Baileys, for a grown-up twist on the ice cream.
Try using different types of milk, such as almond or soy milk, for a non-dairy version of the ice cream.

What to Serve With Hazelnut Ice Cream

This hazelnut ice cream is perfect for serving on its own, or as a topping for your favorite desserts. Try pairing it with some fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, for a sweet and refreshing treat. You can also use it as a base for other flavors, such as adding a handful of chocolate chips or caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

Some other ideas for serving this ice cream include:

Fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberriesChocolate sauce or chocolate chipsCaramel sauce or dulce de lecheChopped nuts, such as almonds or pecansCookie dough or cookie piecesWhipped cream or whipped topping

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store this hazelnut ice cream, simply transfer it to an airtight container and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the container in the freezer to harden for at least 2 hours before serving.

If you want to make the ice cream ahead of time, you can also store it in the freezer for up to 3 days. Simply scoop the ice cream into bowls and serve immediately.

To thaw the ice cream, simply place the container in the refrigerator overnight or thaw it at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, you can re-freeze the ice cream if you want to store it for later.

Some tips for storing and serving this ice cream include:

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of hazelnuts should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of hazelnut you like, but keep in mind that some hazelnuts may have a stronger or more bitter flavor than others. If you're looking for a milder flavor, you may want to try using a blanched or skinned hazelnut.

Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can make this recipe without an ice cream maker. Simply freeze the mixture in a shallow metal pan and then blend it in a food processor once it's frozen solid. This will give you a slightly chunkier texture, similar to gelato.

How long will this ice cream keep in the freezer?

This ice cream will keep in the freezer for up to 3 days. Simply scoop the ice cream into bowls and serve immediately.

Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this recipe to create unique and delicious variations. Some ideas include mixing in some chopped nuts, candy pieces, or even cookie dough.

What's the best way to toast hazelnuts?

The best way to toast hazelnuts is to spread them on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.

How do I know when the ice cream is ready?

You'll know the ice cream is ready when it's almost fully churned and has a smooth, creamy texture. If you're using an ice cream maker, follow the manufacturer's instructions for churning time.

Can I use this recipe as a base for other flavors?

Yes, you can use this recipe as a base for other flavors. Simply add your desired ingredients, such as chocolate chips or caramel sauce, to the mixture before churning it in the ice cream maker.

What's the best way to store this ice cream?

The best way to store this ice cream is to transfer it to an airtight container and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the container in the freezer to harden for at least 2 hours before serving.

The Full Recipe

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