It is best not to heat Nutella directly in the glass jar it came in. The glass is thin and is not microwave safe. There is a risk that the Nutella and jar will heat up too much and may break, the Nutella may burn and the oil can overheat.
The best way to heat Nutella is to transfer it to a microwave safe dish. This could be glass or plastic. Microwave it for 15 seconds at a time, checking and stirring until it has heated through.
Microwaved Nutella will be softer and easier to spread. You can stir it through icecream or add it on top of pancakes.
Avoid heating a plastic Nutella jar in the microwave as the plastic is not microwave safe either. It could melt or bubble in the microwave, and make a mess.
In this article, we’ll explore the best way to microwave a jar of Nutella and some tips to do it safely.
What can happen if you microwave a Nutella jar
Check out what can happen if you microwave Nutella directly in the jar for too long.
1. Nutella Jars are thin
Nutella can come in a glass jar, which is made of thin glass and will not be labelled as microwave-safe. Heating thin glass for too long can cause it to shatter, which can be dangerous and messy.
2. Nutella contains oil
Nutella contains oil, which can get very hot when microwaved. The oil can heat quickly which can damage the glass if you put it in the microwave for too long.
3. The sugar can burn quickly
Nutella also contains sugar which can quickly caramelize and then burn. After i microwaved around 2 tablespoons of Nutella, it was warm and runny after 30 seconds. I did this in 15 second bursts and checked in between.
If you are heating up more Nutella it could take up to 1 minute. It is still best to do this in 15 second bursts to avoid burning it.
How to avoid breaking the Nutella jar in the microwave
If you microwave a Nutella jar for too long a few things could happen. The glass jar could shatter, the hot Nutella could run everywhere and glass can cause burns and cuts.
To avoid these risks, it is best to transfer the Nutella to a microwave-safe container before heating it up. This will make sure that the jar won’t shatter. You should also be careful not to overheat the Nutella, as this can cause the oil to get too hot.
How to Microwave Nutella Safely
Microwaving Nutella can be a quick and easy way to make it more spreadable or to use it in recipes. It is important to do it safely so here are some steps to follow to safely microwave Nutella.
Step 1: Move the Nutella to a microwave safe container
Move the Nutella into a microwave safe dish. This could be ceramic, plastic or microwave safe glass. I like to use a container with a lid, that way it will avoid any splatters in my microwave.
Step 2: Put the lid on with space
If your container has a lid, pop it back on with some space for steam to escape. I just pop the lid on slightly diagonally. You could also cover the Nutella with plastic wrap. Just pop a few holes in it with a fork.
Step 3: Microwave Nutella in 15 second bursts
Microwave the Nutella in short bursts to stop it from overheating. Start with 15 seconds at a time and check the Nutella after each interval. Repeat until the Nutella is warm and spreadable.
Step 4: Stir often
Stir the Nutella every 15 seconds while heating it up. This will make sure that it heats evenly. This will also stop any hot spots from forming and burning the Nutella. Use a spoon or spatula to mix the Nutella.
Step 5: Check the temperature
Check the temperature of the Nutella before using it. You can use a food thermometer to make sure it’s not too hot. Nutella should not be heated above 104°F (40°C) as this can cause it to lose its texture and flavor.
Alternatives to Microwaving Nutella
If you’re looking for other ways to heat Nutella other than microwaving, there are a few options to consider. Here are two popular methods:
Using a Double Boiler
One way to warm Nutella without using a microwave is to use a double boiler. A double boiler is where you stack two pots on top of each other. The bottom pot is filled with water and heated, while the top pot holds the Nutella.
To use a double boiler, fill the bottom pot with water and place it on the stove over medium heat. Place the Nutella in the top pot and place it on top of the bottom pot. Stir the Nutella occasionally until it melts and heats up.
Warming in Hot Water
Another way to warm Nutella without using a microwave is to place the jar in a bowl of hot water. This method is quick and easy, but it requires a bit more attention than the double boiler method.
To warm Nutella in hot water, fill a bowl with hot water from the tap. Make sure the water is not too hot, as this can cause the jar to crack. Place the Nutella jar in the bowl and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir the Nutella occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature.
Can You Microwave a Jar of Nutella? | Summary
It is best not to microwave Nutella directly in the jar. Move it to a microwave safe dish and heat it in 15 second bursts. A super easy way to warm a jar of Nutella is to pop it in a hot water bath. Make sure the water is not too hot. Add the jar and stir it gently.
I am an accredited practicing dietitian, experienced gardener and a dedicated cook. I love writing and sharing my experience so you can learn from my successes and mistakes.