Can You Microwave Nutella In The Jar?

Last updated on August 22nd, 2022 at 12:18 am

Nutella is a delicious spread that you can eat on almost anything. You can add Nutella to a majority of your breakfast favorites: toast, pancakes, waffles, bagels, bananas, etc. 

You can also add Nutella to a wide variety of desserts and make them even better: cheesecake, cakes, and ice cream. No matter where you decide to add the Nutella, it can often be a bit difficult to spread or even drizzle. 

Typically, when you need to melt something, the first option is to pop it in the microwave. What about Nutella? Can you put the whole jar of Nutella in the microwave? 

It is not recommended to place a whole jar of Nutella in the microwave. One of the reasons a microwave may not be the best option for melting Nutella is that the jar it comes in is not microwave safe. 

This means the jar could end up melting and becoming misshapen. Worse yet, the jar could melt right into your Nutella and ruin the whole jar. 

Another reason it is not recommended to use a microwave for melting Nutella is that if you put Nutella in heat for too long, it can have the opposite effect. Your Nutella might turn into a very solid consistency, like a rock. If you decide to microwave some Nutella in a microwave-safe bowl, be sure to only do so in short spurts. 

How Do You Melt Nutella? 

Nutella can often be difficult to spread. As great as whipped Nutella sounds, it, unfortunately, does not exist. 

Is there a way to melt Nutella so it can easily spread across your morning toast? Since you can’t microwave Nutella in the jar, is there an easier way to melt Nutella and make it spreadable? 

The easiest way to spread Nutella is by using a hot knife or spoon. Warm your utensil up in some hot water and then use it to spread the Nutella. 

These are also a few other methods you can use to melt Nutella and make it easier to spread. 

Microwave

Even though you may not be able to put a jar of Nutella in the microwave, you can still put Nutella in the microwave.

Scoop out the amount of Nutella you will need into a microwave-safe bowl. Be sure not to add too much as returning leftover, melted Nutella to the jar is not recommended. 

Once you have scooped out the appropriate amount, microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. Stir the Nutella and see if you have the desired spreadable consistency, if not then place it back for another 10 to 15 seconds. 

Keep repeating the process until you have the desired consistency for spreading. Be sure not to over microwave the Nutella as it can begin to burn or even create hardened clumps. 

Hot Water

If you are needing the entire jar of Nutella melted for baking purposes, this might be the easiest way to get the job done. Bring a pot of water to boil. Once the water is boiling, pour the water into a heat-proof container. 

Be sure not to fill the water too high so it won’t spill over the edges once the Nutella is added. Remove the lid from your Nutella jar and place the jar into the hot water. Be sure the water won’t spill over into the jar. 

Let the jar sit in the hot water for close to five minutes. Stir to see if your Nutella is the right consistency you need. 

This is the safest method in regards to not overheating or burning the Nutella. 

Hot Knife/Spoon

If you are adding some Nutella to your favorite ice cream, you can use a warm spoon to scoop out some softened Nutella. The concept is the same with a knife if you are using the Nutella to spread on your morning waffles, pancakes, or toast. 

All you need to do is run your knife or spoon under hot water for about a minute. Be sure to wipe off any excess water before placing the knife or spoon into your jar of Nutella. 

If you feel the spoon or knife has cooled, just wipe it off and repeat the process. 

Can You Eat Expired Nutella? 

Often at the grocery store, our eyes can be bigger than our stomachs. You may have gone through your last jar of Nutella pretty fast so this time you bought two. 

The only problem is you didn’t end up going through it as quickly as you thought and now the jar is reaching its expiration date. Is it that bad to eat Nutella past its expiration date? 

You should not eat Nutella past its expiration date. One of the ways you can tell that your Nutella has gone bad is by its consistency. 

Nutella will start to harden the longer it has sat on the shelf. In addition to becoming a hard paste, it will also begin to smell. Once this starts to happen, it is best to not take a chance and throw it away. 

With all the delivery services around today, you can have a new jar of Nutella at your doorstep in a few moments. There is no need to risk your health by eating old Nutella. 

How Do You Store Nutella? 

Have you ever opened your Nutella jar to see a thin pile of oil resting on top? That is normal and does not mean that your Nutella has spoiled. 

Nutella does not have a very long shelf life so how are you supposed to store Nutella to make sure to extend its shelf life as long as possible?

The best way to store Nutella is in a cool, dry place. Make sure that where you store the Nutella is also not anywhere near heat. 

If oil does happen to appear on the top layer of Nutella, just mix it in until the oil is all gone. Always be sure to close the jar tightly and store the jar upright. 

It may be tempting to store it upside down so you don’t have to reach as far to get to the Nutella but always store it upright. 

Final Thoughts 

Whether you are melting Nutella so it is easier to spread or to add to some desserts, be sure to never microwave it in the jar. The best option is with hot water or to microwave a small amount in short bursts. 

Always check your expiration date and store your Nutella upright to ensure an enjoyable Nutella experience.