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    Home » All Recipes

    Author: Donna | Published: Oct 18, 2021 | Modified: Oct 18, 2021

    Healthy Homemade Nutella Spread

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    Healthy Homemade Nutella

    A smooth and creamy healthy homemade Nutella spread free from refined sugars is a super versatile recipe to have on hand. Great for spreading on toast or croissants, or stuffing into some homemade pop tarts. Why not add a dollop to your next batch of overnight oats or baked oatmeal. Or eat it straight from the jar, no judgment here.

    homemade nutella stored in a glass jar with a gold spoon dolloping some out
    deliciously nutty and chocolatey.

    Healthy Homemade Nutella Spread With Dark Chocolate

    How could you say no to a delicious hazelnut spread?

    Especially a homemade version made using just dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to balance everything out.

    Too Easy.

    Labelled ingredient shot for DIY nutella: chocolate chips, hazelnuts, vanilla and salt

    A Note On Ingredients

    Although this recipe requires only 4 simple ingredients that can easily be found in the grocery store, I do have a few tips, tricks, and substitutions to make this hazelnut spread work for you and your preferences.

    Chocolate

    I like to keep this on the 'healthier' side by using dark chocolate as it contains less sugar.

    Please note that this will make this version of Nutella less sweet than the one you would buy pre-made in the store.

    If you prefer a sweeter version you have a couple of options:

    • sub in milk chocolate instead;
    • add about a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey at the same time as adding the melted chocolate to the mixture;
    • add some granulated stevia, coconut sugar, or other granulated sweetener of choice to the mixture while it is in the blender. The amount of sugar you add will depend on your sweetness preference.

    If you are wanting to keep this recipe vegan or gluten-free please be sure to check the list of ingredients on whatever chocolate you decide to use.

    Variation: if you prefer not to use chocolate and want to make this recipe even healthier, you can always use 3 tablespoons of raw cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder instead.

    Simply add the cacao or cocoa to the hazelnut butter once it is smooth.

    You may want to add some liquid sweetener like maple syrup or honey here to help everything blend well and to give you a smooth and creamy spread.

    Hazelnuts

    Look for raw hazelnuts, we are going to roast them ourselves in the oven.

    If you do happen to have roasted hazelnuts on hand you can still use those, just be sure to try and remove most of the skin if you can.

    Using freshly roasted hazelnuts with the skins removed allows you to make a creamier hazelnut spread.

    Vanilla

    Look for vanilla extract, not essence as it has a far superior natural vanilla flavor.

    You can also go a bit fancy and add vanilla beans instead if you prefer.

    Make this homemade nutella suit your level of sweetness by adding some maple syrup or stevia if needed.

    A collage showing how to make homemade hazelnut butter and then add melted chocolate to make a hazelnut spread

    How To Make The Hazelnut Butter

    To make this recipe we are first going to start with making the hazelnut butter.

    For this, you are going to need a high-speed blender like a Vitamix, or a good food processor.

    If you have a less than powerful blender, it is still possible to make the recipe work, it may just take a little longer, and you may not end up with as smooth a spread, but it will still be delicious.

    • Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast them until they are starting to turn golden;
    • Once roasted, the skins should be starting to crack and should be easily removed by rubbing the hazelnut;
    • Use a clean kitchen towel, or a paper towel to aggressively rub all of the hazelnuts together until the skins have been completely removed.

    Don't worry if there are still a couple of bits of skin on some of the hazelnuts, we just want to make sure most of them have been removed.

    Once you have skinned the hazelnuts, add them to the blender or food processor and blend hazelnuts until they are completely smooth.

    You may have to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all of the hazelnuts are incorporated.

    It may seem like it is taking a long time, but once the natural oils start to come out from the nuts it will come together really quickly, and we will be able to blend it into a completely smooth paste with a creamy consistency.

    roasted hazelnuts with the skin rubbed off
    Once roasted, the skins should easily rub off the hazelnuts.

    How To Melt The Chocolate

    The method you use here may depend on the type of chocolate you decide to use.

    Microwave

    If you use chocolate chips or chocolate melts, these are easily melted by adding them to a microwave-safe bowl and popping them into the microwave for blasts of 30 seconds.

    After each 30 second blast, mix the chocolate and then blast again until melted and smooth.

    Double Boiler

    If you do not have a microwave you can use a double boiler method instead.

    Fill the bottom of a double boiler with water and place on low heat. 

    Place chocolate chips or coarsely chopped chocolate in the top of the double boiler over hot (not boiling) water and allow it to melt.

    Do not cover.

    When most of the chocolate is shiny, stir until smooth.

    melted chocolate in a white bowl being stirred with a spatula
    whatever method you choose the chocolate should be melted until smooth.

    Storing And Freezing Your Homemade Hazelnut Spread

    Homemade Nutella should be stored in a glass jar with a lid at room temperature for about 2 weeks.

    Although it would arguably have a longer shelf life if stored in the fridge, it will be less spreadable as the chocolate will become solid.

    If you accidentally store it in the fridge, and it is no longer spreadable, just leave it on the bench for a couple of hours and it will soon soften up.

    Store your chocolate spread at room temperature or it will no longer be easily spreadable.

    DIY nutella stored in a glass jar with chocolate chips sprinkled on the table
    Store in a glass jar or other airtight container with a lid.

    How To Serve Homemade Nutella

    There are so many ways to serve homemade Nutella, you are only limited by your imagination.

    Try some of these options:

    • make a nutella pizza by spreading the nutella on a pizza base and topping with berries;
    • spread in puff pastry and bake to make homemade poptarts or these hand pies from Tara's Multicultural Table;
    • dollop on top of ice cream;
    • add to your next batch of overnight oats;
    • add to baked oatmeal;
    • add to a milkshake or a chocolate smoothie;
    • sandwich between graham crackers or other cookies;
    • mix with heavy cream and use as a homemade nutella sauce for drizzling;
    • make a nutella cheesecake.

    If you have another way you enjoy eating nutella, be sure to leave a comment below and I will add it to the list.

    A gold spoon scooping some homemade nutella out of a glass jar

    Shop This Post:

    Need More Sweet Snacks?

    Homemade chocolate treats always go down well, why not try one of these recipes next?

    • Homemade Hazelnut and Dark Chocolate Bark Thins
    • Creamy Homemade 4 Ingredient Peppermint Chocolate Sauce
    • Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
    • Creamy White Chocolate Pistachio Truffles
    • Chocolate Raspberry Truffles

    Happy Eating.

    xx

    Recipe

    A gold spoon scooping some homemade nutella out of a glass jar

    Healthy Homemade Nutella Spread

    A smooth and creamy healthy homemade nutella spread is a super versatile recipe to have on hand. Great for spreading on toast or croissants, or stuffing into some homemade poptarts. Why not add a dollop to your next batch of overnight oats or baked oatmeal. Or eat it straight from the jar, no judgment here.
    5 from 29 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 12 mins
    Total Time 12 mins
    Course Chocolate
    Cuisine Dessert
    Servings 10 serves
    Calories 163 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ cups raw hazelnuts
    • ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • maple syrup (optional extra if you prefer it sweeter)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone sheet. Spread the hazelnuts over the baking sheet.
    • Add the hazelnuts to the preheated oven and roast for 12 minutes, or until they are turning golden and the skins are starting to crack.
    • Remove the roasted hazelnuts from the oven and allow them to cool for 5 minutes. When cool enough to handle, rub the skins off the hazelnuts as much as possible using a paper towel or a tea towel.
    • Place the hazelnuts into a high-speed blender or a food processor. Blend until a smooth butter is formed. You may need to stop and scrape down the edges with a spatula to make sure all of the hazelnuts are incorporated.
    • While the hazelnuts are blending, melt the chocolate chips. You can do this using a double boiler or blasting in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
    • Add the melted chocolate to the hazelnut butter along with the vanilla and salt. Blend for another few minutes until the mixture is completely smooth.
    • Transfer the mixture to an airtight jar and store it at room temperature for about 2 weeks.

    Notes

    Want It Sweeter?
    If you prefer a sweeter nutella, you can always add about 1 tablespoon of maple syrup to the mixture when you add the melted chocolate.
    Storage
    Store in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 weeks.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 163kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 4gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 61mgPotassium: 205mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword hazelnut spread, homemade nutella
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment HERE and let us know how it was!

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sherry says

      October 22, 2021 at 12:35 pm

      My family loves Nutella! I never realized how easy it was to make until I came across your recipe.

      Reply
    2. Becky says

      October 20, 2021 at 4:13 am

      I've always wanted to make homemade nutella. I am SO making this! Looks easy enough.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        October 20, 2021 at 5:06 pm

        Too easy!

        Reply
    3. Alejandra says

      October 20, 2021 at 3:44 am

      I did not know you could make nutella at home! Can’t wait to try this!

      Reply
      • Donna says

        October 20, 2021 at 5:06 pm

        Do it!

        Reply
    4. Helen says

      October 20, 2021 at 2:33 am

      This is fabulous, and so much better in taste, and the ingredients than store bought. I am never buying it again - home made all the way now!

      Reply
      • Donna says

        October 20, 2021 at 5:06 pm

        Absolutely!

        Reply
    5. Megan says

      October 20, 2021 at 12:37 am

      This was so easy to make! Dangerous though - I'll be tempted to eat it all!

      Reply
      • Donna says

        October 20, 2021 at 5:08 pm

        It's all good, there's nuts in there 🙂

        Reply
    6. Jennifer says

      October 19, 2021 at 11:51 pm

      I love making things from scratch and this Nutella spread was perfect!

      Reply
    7. Mandy Applegate says

      October 19, 2021 at 6:20 pm

      I need this nutella spread in my life - NOW!

      Reply
    8. laura says

      October 19, 2021 at 2:01 pm

      YES! This so. much healthier than storebought Nutella!!

      Reply
    9. Kathy Hester says

      October 19, 2021 at 11:30 am

      Thank you for a vegan version of Nutella! I've been missing it so much.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        October 19, 2021 at 7:45 pm

        No worries 🙂

        Reply
    10. Sachi says

      October 19, 2021 at 10:56 am

      Tho I love Nutella, I don't buy it because of the artificial flavorings. I love this recipe, it's so much healthier and tastier with the dark chocolate.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        October 19, 2021 at 7:45 pm

        Us too, I have been missing it for so long!

        Reply
    11. Kim says

      October 19, 2021 at 6:50 am

      This was delicious!! I used coconut sugar and it turned out amazing.

      Reply
    12. Lynn Polito says

      October 19, 2021 at 1:45 am

      Fantastic! And so much healthier than regular Nutella! Great recipe!

      Reply
    13. Aimee says

      October 18, 2021 at 11:54 pm

      Love this! The perfect way to make croissants even fancier.

      Reply
      • Donna says

        October 19, 2021 at 7:46 pm

        The BEST on croissants!

        Reply
    14. Cindy says

      October 18, 2021 at 2:12 pm

      This was perfect the way it is written. I don’t like things super sweet anyway but did not need to add any more sweetener. Delicious!

      Reply
    15. Sherry says

      October 18, 2021 at 1:42 pm

      Thank you for the recipe! My daughter loves, loves, loves hazelnut spread and she loves this easy homemade Hazelnut spread!!

      Reply

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    Hello and welcome, I'm Donna!

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