This recipe has been a long time coming because it just so happens to be one of our household staples – chocolate hazelnut spread. For those of you that might know this spread by its better name, Nutella, know that it’s a deceptively-sweet spread your kids just cannot get enough. While it’s absolutely delicious, let’s make an at-home version with whole ingredients and less sugar.
Today on the blog, I’ll be breaking down exactly how to make this chocolate hazelnut spread recipe – otherwise known as healthier Nutella. I promise, your kids will love it and you can feel much better serving this clean version to your family.
What Is Nutella?
Nutella is the name-brand chocolate hazelnut spread loved by just about everyone. It’s made using roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, sugar, and skim milk and blended into a smooth, creamy consistency. While Nutella is really delicious, it’s quite unhealthy due to preservatives and added sugar. Kids and adults alike shouldn’t have to give up Nutella entirely, but making it at home can make it much better for you.
Why Make A Healthier Version?
When it comes to my kids, they love absolutely anything chocolatey and sweet. While they try to eat as much of it as possible, foods like Nutella are more of a dessert than an everyday mealtime addition. By making a healthier chocolate hazelnut spread, you are able to know exactly what goes into the recipe, plus make it free of any preservatives and additional sugar. This way, it’s not just a dessert for my kids, allowing them to enjoy it more often, even in the morning!
Do Kids Like Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread As Much As Nutella?
Yes! While the consistency is not 100% identical (Nutella’s is more solidified due to the preservatives), the taste is exactly like the classic chocolate hazelnut spread your family knows and loves. After my kids got over it not looking like Nutella or being from the Nutella jar they really do request my homemade version over their previous store-bought favorite.
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups roasted hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup cocoa or cacao powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them for about 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant and the skins start to loosen.
- Remove the hazelnuts from the oven and let them cool slightly. Rub them with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove as much of the loose skins as possible.
- In a food processor or blender, grind the roasted hazelnuts until they form a smooth paste. This may take a few minutes, and you may need to scrape down the sides of the processor or blender occasionally.
- Add the cocoa powder, maple or honey, salt, oil, and vanilla extract to the hazelnut paste.
- Process or blend until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Taste the homemade Nutella and adjust the sweetness or cocoa flavor to your preference by adding more maple/honey or cocoa powder if desired.
- Transfer the spread to a jar or airtight container for storage. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups roasted hazelnuts
- ¼ cup cocoa (or cacao) powder
- ¼ cup maple or honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast them for about 10-12 minutes, or until fragrant and the skins start to loosen.
- Remove the hazelnuts from the oven and let them cool slightly. Rub them with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to remove as much of the loose skins as possible.
- In a food processor or blender, grind the roasted hazelnuts until they form a smooth paste. This may take a few minutes, and you may need to scrape down the sides occasionally.
- Add the cocoa powder, maple or honey, salt, oil, and vanilla extract to the hazelnut paste.
- Process or blend until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Taste the homemade Nutella and adjust the sweetness or cocoa flavor to your preference by adding more maple/honey or cocoa powder if desired.
- Transfer the spread to a jar or airtight container for storage. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Curious To Find More Easy Homemade Recipes?
Once you start making homemade and healthy recipes, I promise there’s no going back. If you’re looking to start making the switch to more whole foods and meals at home, I want to help! My recipe book, Staples Made Simple, will give you a complete guide on how to make everyday recipes that are good for the body and the soul.
Have you ever made your own spread at home before? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest recipes on the blog, check out my recent posts: