Velvety Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

Unleash Your Inner Chocolatier: The Ultimate Guide to Easy Homemade Nutella

Imagine a world where your favorite chocolate hazelnut spread is not only incredibly delicious but also made right in your own kitchen with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. This isn’t a fantasy; it’s the reality of making Homemade Nutella. Forget store-bought jars filled with palm oil and excessive sugar; with this simple recipe, you’ll create a rich, creamy, and irresistibly decadent spread that’s far superior in taste and quality.

Making your own Nutella is an empowering culinary adventure. It requires minimal effort, just seven essential ingredients, and a powerful blender or food processor. The result? A velvety smooth, intensely flavorful chocolate hazelnut spread that will transform your breakfast, elevate your desserts, and satisfy your cravings in the most delightful way possible. Get ready to discover how easy it is to craft this beloved treat from scratch and never look back!

Why Choose Homemade Nutella? The Unbeatable Benefits

The allure of homemade goodness extends far beyond mere taste, especially when it comes to something as universally adored as chocolate hazelnut spread. While commercial brands offer convenience, crafting your own Nutella provides a myriad of benefits that make it the superior choice. Here’s why going DIY is always a good idea:

1. Superior Flavor and Freshness

Store-bought Nutella often contains a blend of ingredients, with hazelnuts sometimes taking a back seat to sugar and other fillers. When you make it at home, you control the quality and quantity of each component. Using freshly roasted hazelnuts ensures a vibrant, nutty aroma and a deeper, more authentic flavor profile that simply can’t be matched by mass-produced versions. The cocoa powder you select, the vanilla extract, and even a pinch of salt all contribute to a nuanced taste that dances on your palate.

2. Ingredient Control and Healthier Choices

Perhaps the most significant advantage of homemade Nutella is complete control over the ingredients. Concerned about palm oil, excessive sugar, or artificial flavors? You can eliminate them entirely. This recipe uses natural oils like canola or melted coconut oil (which offers its own subtle, delightful flavor) and allows you to adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can opt for organic hazelnuts and cocoa, ensuring a purer, cleaner spread free from unwanted additives and preservatives.

3. Customization Galore

Beyond health benefits, homemade Nutella opens up a world of customization. Want it darker and richer? Add more cocoa. Prefer a hint of coffee? A touch of espresso powder can do wonders. A pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick? Go for it! You can experiment with different types of chocolate, vary the amount of salt to enhance sweetness, or even try other nuts like almonds or cashews for a unique twist. This flexibility ensures your Nutella is perfectly tailored to your taste buds.

4. Surprisingly Easy and Economical

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making your own nut butter. The process is remarkably straightforward and requires minimal active cooking time. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it from a store! Plus, buying ingredients in bulk, especially when hazelnuts are on sale, can make homemade Nutella a more economical option in the long run, giving you more delicious spread for your money.

Once you experience the joy of a warm bagel slathered with your very own homemade chocolate hazelnut spread, you’ll understand why this recipe is a game-changer. It’s not just food; it’s an experience, a commitment to quality, and a delicious declaration of culinary independence.

Crafting Your Own Chocolate Hazelnut Dream: The Simple Steps

The journey to creating your own velvety chocolate hazelnut spread is incredibly rewarding. While the process is straightforward, paying attention to a few key details will ensure your Homemade Nutella turns out perfectly smooth, rich, and bursting with flavor. Let’s walk through each step to transform humble hazelnuts into a luxurious treat.

Essential Equipment for Smooth Nutella

Before you begin, gather your tools. The most crucial piece of equipment for truly smooth and creamy Nutella is a powerful kitchen appliance. A high-speed blender or a robust food processor is essential. Grinding nuts into butter requires sustained power, so ensure your machine can handle the task without overheating. Less powerful machines might struggle, requiring more frequent pauses to cool down and scrape the sides of the bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

This recipe calls for just seven simple ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store:

• Fresh Hazelnuts (ensure they are raw, not roasted and salted)
• Powdered Sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar)
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (high-quality makes a difference!)
• Neutral Oil (such as canola or melted coconut oil)
• Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla for the best flavor)
• Salt (fine sea salt works wonderfully to enhance chocolate notes)
• Chopped Chocolate or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (optional, but highly recommended for depth)

The Art of Roasting Hazelnuts: Unlocking Flavor

Just like making homemade peanut butter, roasting the hazelnuts is a critical first step. This process isn’t merely about cooking them; it’s about awakening their deep, complex flavors and making their skins easier to remove. Roasting:

• Enhances Flavor: Heat brings out the natural oils and intensifies the nutty taste, creating a more aromatic and flavorful base for your Nutella.
• Aids in Skin Removal: The heat helps loosen the papery skins, which are often bitter and can give your spread a gritty texture. Removing them results in a smoother, more palatable product.

How to Perfectly Roast Hazelnuts:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows for even roasting without burning the nuts too quickly.
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
3. Spread Hazelnuts Evenly: Arrange the raw hazelnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven roasting.
4. Roast with Care: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 12 to 15 minutes. It’s crucial to keep an eye on them, especially after the 10-minute mark, as nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly. You’re looking for a golden-brown color and a fragrant, toasty aroma.
5. Cool and De-Skin: Once roasted, immediately remove the hazelnuts from the oven. Transfer them to a clean kitchen towel (a rough-textured towel works best). Let them cool for a few minutes until they are safe to handle. Then, gather the edges of the towel and gently rub the nuts together. The friction will help rub off most of the loose skins. Don’t worry if a few stubborn bits remain; a little skin won’t harm your spread.

The Transformation: Blending for Creamy Perfection

With your perfectly roasted and de-skinned hazelnuts ready, it’s time for the magical transformation in your food processor or high-speed blender. This step requires a bit of patience, but the results are absolutely worth it.

4. Initial Grind: Place the cooled, de-skinned hazelnuts into your food processor or blender. Process them until they are finely ground, resembling coarse flour or breadcrumbs. This can take about 1-2 minutes. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even grinding.
5. From Crumbly to Liquid Gold: Continue processing. The nuts will go through several stages:
   • First, they’ll form a dry, powdery meal.
   • Next, they’ll clump together into a thick, sticky paste.
   • Finally, as the nuts release their natural oils, the mixture will smooth out and start to liquefy, becoming a runny nut butter. This entire process can take anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on your machine’s power. Be patient, and don’t give up! Continue scraping down the sides regularly to help the process along and prevent your machine from overheating.
6. Sweetness and Cocoa: Once your hazelnuts have reached a liquid consistency, add the powdered sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder. Process again until these ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, and the mixture is smooth and uniformly colored.
7. Liquid Enhancements: With the food processor still running, slowly drizzle in the oil (canola or melted coconut oil) and vanilla extract. Continue processing until the spread is wonderfully smooth and velvety. The oil helps achieve that perfect, spreadable consistency.
8. A Pinch of Salt: Add the salt and process for another 5 seconds. Salt is a secret weapon in chocolate recipes, as it beautifully enhances the chocolate flavor, making it taste richer and more complex.
9. The Chocolate Boost (Optional but Recommended): If you’re using chopped chocolate or chocolate chips, add them now. Process until the chocolate is fully melted and integrated into the spread, creating an even more luxurious texture and deeper chocolate flavor. If the mixture seems to seize up or become too thick after adding chocolate, you may need to drizzle in a tiny bit more oil (half a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency.
10. Storage: Scrape your freshly made Nutella into a clean, airtight jar. Your homemade masterpiece is ready to be enjoyed!

Tips for the Best Homemade Nutella Experience

Achieving that perfect, dreamy Nutella consistency and flavor is all about a few smart techniques. Keep these tips in mind as you embark on your chocolate hazelnut journey:

• Toast the Nuts Thoroughly: As mentioned, this is non-negotiable. Roasting not only deepens the flavor of the hazelnuts but also facilitates the release of their natural oils. These oils are crucial for transforming the nuts into a smooth, creamy spread without needing excessive added oil. Look for a fragrant aroma and slightly darkened color.
• Choose Quality Chocolate: If you opt to add chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, the quality matters. A good quality chocolate bar will melt more smoothly and impart a richer flavor than lower-grade chips. For the best texture, if you’re melting the chocolate separately before adding (an alternative to adding chips directly), melt it slowly and gently until it’s just fluid.
• Don’t Skip the Salt: A small amount of salt might seem counterintuitive in a sweet spread, but it’s a culinary secret weapon. Salt enhances the natural sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor, making your Nutella taste even more complex and satisfying. Adjust to your preference, but don’t omit it entirely.
• Patience with the Processor: Grinding nuts into butter takes time. Your food processor or blender will need to run for several minutes (up to 10-15 minutes, with breaks) to achieve a truly smooth consistency. Don’t be alarmed if it looks like dry crumbs or a thick paste initially; keep processing, scraping down the sides often, and watch the magic happen as the oils release.
• Use Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar) is vital for a smooth texture. Granulated sugar might not fully dissolve and could leave your Nutella with a slightly gritty feel.

Storing Your Homemade Nutella

Once you’ve made a batch of this delicious spread, proper storage will ensure it stays fresh and delightful for as long as it lasts (which might not be very long!).

• Container: Store your homemade chocolate hazelnut spread in a clean, airtight container, such as a glass jar with a lid.
• Refrigeration: While it might seem intuitive, refrigerating homemade Nutella is generally not recommended. The cold temperature will cause the spread to harden significantly due to the solidification of the nut oils and any coconut oil used, making it difficult to spread.
• Countertop Storage: Your homemade Nutella can be safely stored on your kitchen counter at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. If you used melted coconut oil, the spread might be quite firm initially. Simply let it sit on the counter for a while to soften to a spreadable consistency before using.

How Long Does It Last?

Enjoy your homemade spread within two weeks for optimal freshness and flavor. Because it lacks the preservatives found in commercial products, its shelf life is naturally shorter. If you find yourself with an abundance, consider gifting small jars to friends and family – they’ll love it!

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Nutella

The versatility of homemade chocolate hazelnut spread is truly endless. While a simple dollop on a spoon is always an option (we won’t judge!), here are some fantastic ways to incorporate your freshly made Nutella into your daily routine and special treats:

• Classic Spreads: The most obvious and delightful use is spread generously on warm toast, bagels, croissants, or brioche.
• Fruit Dip: Serve it alongside slices of apples, bananas, strawberries, or pear for a naturally sweet and satisfying snack.
• Breakfast Booster: Swirl it into oatmeal, yogurt, or use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast. You could even use it to make my Slow Cooker Pumpkin Nutella Granola for an extra special treat.
• Baking Ingredient: Incorporate it into your baking! Think Nutella-filled muffins (like my Nutella-Filled Pumpkin Muffins), cookies, brownies, or even layered cakes.
• Beverage Enhancer: Blend a spoonful into your morning coffee for a mocha twist, or add it to milkshakes for an indulgent dessert drink.
• Dessert Topping: Drizzle it over ice cream, cheesecakes, or crepes for an instant upgrade.
• Sandwich Filling: Combine it with peanut butter or sliced bananas for a delicious and filling sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Nutella

Here are answers to some common questions that arise when making this delightful spread:

Q: Can I use pre-roasted hazelnuts?

A: While you can, it’s best to roast raw hazelnuts yourself. Pre-roasted nuts might be seasoned or have lost some of their natural oils, which are crucial for the spread’s creaminess and flavor. Roasting them at home ensures optimal freshness and oil release.

Q: My Nutella isn’t smooth, it’s clumpy. What went wrong?

A: This is usually due to not processing the hazelnuts long enough. The nuts need to release their natural oils to become smooth and liquid. Be patient, keep scraping down the sides of the food processor, and continue blending. Adding a tiny bit more oil (1-2 teaspoons) can also help kickstart the process if it’s truly stuck.

Q: Can I substitute other nuts?

A: Absolutely! While not technically “Nutella” (which is hazelnut-based), you can use this method to make other delicious spreads. Almonds, cashews, or a blend of nuts would work beautifully. Remember to adjust roasting times as different nuts have different oil contents.

Q: What if my food processor gets hot?

A: It’s normal for a food processor to warm up during prolonged use, especially when grinding nuts. If it gets very hot, turn it off and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before continuing. This prevents damage to your appliance.

Q: Can I use a different sweetener?

A: Powdered sugar is recommended for its fine texture, which ensures a smooth spread. You could experiment with maple syrup or honey, but these liquid sweeteners might alter the consistency of the spread, making it thinner. If you do, you might need to adjust the amount of added oil.

More Homemade Spread Recipes to Explore:

If you loved making your own chocolate hazelnut spread, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other homemade delights. There’s a satisfaction in knowing exactly what goes into your food. Here are a few more recipes to inspire your culinary journey:

• Strawberry Chia Jam
• Peach Jam (Fridge style)
• Homemade Cranberry Jam
• Homemade Peanut Butter

If you try this incredible Homemade Nutella recipe and love it, don’t forget to share your creations! Snap a photo and tag me on INSTAGRAM @crunchycreamysweet so I can see your delicious results. Your feedback and ratings help others discover this amazing recipe!

This recipe was originally published on May 15th, 2013, and updated on October 1st, 2019, to bring you the best possible homemade Nutella experience.