Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

This luxurious homemade Nutella transforms basic pantry staples into a chocolatey, silky spread for toast, pastries, fruit, or even straight from a spoon. After years loving the store-bought version but wishing for something a little more wholesome and rich, I set out to make a recipe with just the right creamy texture and balanced nutty sweetness. Once you get a taste of this Nutella, it will find a regular spot in your fridge.

The first batch I made felt like magic – my kitchen smelled like chocolate and toasted nuts for hours, and friends could not believe it was homemade. This spread disappears fast every time I make it.

Ingredients

• Semi sweet chocolate: chopped for the classic layered chocolate flavor look for bars with higher cocoa content and fewer additives
• Roasted hazelnuts: for that signature rich nuttiness choose whole nuts without blemishes or signs of staleness
• Coconut oil: melted makes the spread silky and smooth opt for refined coconut oil if you do not want a coconut taste
• Pure vanilla extract: to boost aroma and round out flavors pick a high quality extract not imitation
• Powdered sugar: for optimal sweetness and smoothness choose a fine powder to avoid grittiness
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: intensifies chocolate depth Dutch process or regular both work well
• Salt: balancing flavor and bringing out the chocolate and nuts start with a pinch then adjust to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Melt the Chocolate:

Set a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water and add the chopped chocolate Stir gently as it melts into a smooth pool Remove from heat and let it cool just enough to be warm but fluid

Prepare the Hazelnuts:

Place roasted hazelnuts in a high power blender or food processor Add melted coconut oil and vanilla Blend until the nuts break down and form a sticky grainy dough scraping down the sides as needed

Blend in Sweeteners and Flavors:

Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt to the nut mixture Blend until the mixture is very smooth and uniform pausing to scrape the sides often

Add the Melted Chocolate:

Pour melted chocolate into the blender with the hazelnut mix Process again until velvety and fully combined

Adjust Consistency:

With the blender running slowly drizzle in water one tablespoon at a time until the Nutella is as spreadable as you like Taste and adjust sweetness or salt if needed

Transfer and Store:

Scoop the finished Nutella into a clean jar using a rubber spatula Store in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving for easy spreading

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Roasted hazelnuts are my favorite part of homemade Nutella Making the kitchen smell nutty and cozy reminds me of holidays baking cookies with my mom She would let me sneak a spoonful of the freshly blended spread before jarring it and it still feels like a treat every time

Storage Tips

Let Nutella cool completely before sealing in the jar. Keep refrigerated for the freshest flavor and stir if it thickens. If you like it softer, let it sit at room temperature before spreading. Stays tasty for about a month if kept cold and dry.

Ingredient Substitutions

No hazelnuts on hand Try roasted almonds or peanuts for a fun twist. Maple syrup or agave can replace powdered sugar but will thin the spread and change sweetness. Any neutral oil can work if you are out of coconut oil but avoid strong flavors.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve on warm toast, waffles, or pancakes for breakfast. Spread on crackers with banana slices for a quick snack. Drizzle over ice cream as a simple dessert sauce or use in baked goods in place of chocolate spread for a homemade upgrade.

Cultural and Historical Notes

Nutella’s roots trace back to Italian gianduja, a hazelnut chocolate paste born during chocolate shortages. Homemade versions capture that European tradition and let you tweak sweetness, cocoa, or nuttiness for your family’s taste and dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I achieve a smooth texture?

Blend roasted hazelnuts thoroughly, then add melted chocolate and coconut oil for a silky finish. High-powered blenders yield the best result.

→ Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?

Yes! Substitute regular chocolate with a quality dairy-free option for a delicious vegan-friendly hazelnut spread.

→ Can I use different nuts?

Certainly. Swap hazelnuts for almonds or peanuts to create unique nutty chocolate spreads to your taste.

→ How should I store the finished spread?

Transfer to a clean, airtight jar and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature for easy spreading before use.

→ Why roast the hazelnuts first?

Roasting enhances the natural sweetness and flavor, giving the spread a deep, aromatic, and satisfying nutty taste.

→ How do I adjust sweetness?

Add more powdered sugar or a touch of maple syrup as you blend, tasting until your preferred level is reached.