If you have ever dreamed of creating that luscious, chocolatey spread right at home, then this Homemade Nutella Recipe is going to be your new obsession. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll whip up a velvety, rich, and perfectly sweetened spread that rivals any store-bought version, and I promise you, the fresh roasted hazelnuts make all the difference. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, swirling it into desserts, or sneaking a spoonful straight from the jar, this recipe is comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is straightforward but plays a crucial role in delivering that iconic Nutella flavor and creamy texture. From the nutty depth of the hazelnuts to the smooth chocolatey cocoa, everything works in harmony to create something truly special.
- 1 ½ cups hazelnuts: Roasted to bring out their natural richness and slightly smoky undertone.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds the unmistakable deep chocolate notes without any extra sweetness.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Provides just the right touch of sweetness and helps with the smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor for extra warmth and depth.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and hazelnut flavors.
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as sunflower or grapeseed): Ensures the spread is silky and easy to spread without overpowering the other flavors.
How to Make Homemade Nutella Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Hazelnuts
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts evenly on a baking sheet and roast them for about 10 to 12 minutes until they give off that irresistible nutty aroma. Roasting intensifies their flavor and makes peeling easier.
Step 2: Remove the Skins
Once roasted, transfer the hazelnuts to a clean kitchen towel. Rub them vigorously together to remove the papery skins. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just try to take off as much as you can to keep the taste smooth and not bitter.
Step 3: Blend the Hazelnuts
Place the peeled hazelnuts into a food processor and blend continuously for 5 to 8 minutes. Be patient here—the nuts will go from crumbs to a creamy butter. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure an even texture.
Step 4: Add Cocoa and Sweeteners
Next, add the unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the hazelnut butter. Blend again until everything combines into a smooth and uniform chocolate mixture.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency with Oil
While blending, slowly drizzle in the neutral oil to reach the perfect spreadable consistency. If you want it thicker or thinner, feel free to adjust by adding a bit more oil or blending a little longer.
Step 6: Taste and Final Blend
Give your homemade Nutella a quick taste test! This is the moment to tweak the sweetness or the chocolate intensity by adding more powdered sugar or cocoa powder if you want. Blend once again to fully incorporate any additions.
Step 7: Store Your Creation
Transfer your finished Homemade Nutella Recipe into a clean jar with a tight lid. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two weeks or refrigerate it if you prefer a firmer texture. Both ways are delicious!
How to Serve Homemade Nutella Recipe
Garnishes
This spread is fantastic on its own, but adding a touch of garnish can elevate it even further. Toasted hazelnuts sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch, while a light dusting of cocoa powder or shredded dark chocolate can intensify the chocolate goodness visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Homemade nutella pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like sliced bananas, strawberries, or apples. It also transforms ordinary pancakes, waffles, or crepes into a decadent breakfast or dessert treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider swirling this homemade Nutella into yogurt or oatmeal to boost your morning bowl with irresistible creaminess and rich flavor. Use it as a dip for pretzels or as a luscious filling for homemade pastries and donuts. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Homemade Nutella Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, making sure to stir it occasionally to keep the oils blended. Alternatively, the fridge will preserve it for longer but expect a firmer texture that softens at room temperature.
Freezing
You can freeze this nutella spread for up to three months in an airtight container. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving to restore its creamy consistency.
Reheating
If your homemade nutella has chilled to a very thick consistency, gently warm it by placing the jar in a bowl of warm water or microwaving it in short intervals. Stir it well after warming to get back that smooth, spoonable texture.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
While hazelnuts give Nutella its signature flavor, you can experiment with almonds or cashews for a unique twist, but keep in mind the taste will be quite different from the classic.
Is there a way to make this sugar-free?
Yes! You can substitute the powdered sugar with a natural sweetener like erythritol or coconut sugar, but start with less and adjust to your preferred sweetness as these alternatives vary in intensity.
Can I make this recipe in a blender instead of a food processor?
A high-powered blender might work, but a food processor is ideal because it handles nuts better and prevents overheating, which could affect the flavor and texture.
How long does Homemade Nutella Recipe last in the fridge?
When refrigerated, it typically stays fresh for up to four weeks. Just bring it back to room temperature or warm gently before enjoying to get a spreadable consistency.
What oil is best for this recipe?
Neutral oils like sunflower or grapeseed work best because they don’t overpower the delicate nut and chocolate flavors. Avoid strongly flavored oils such as olive oil.
Final Thoughts
Jumping into this Homemade Nutella Recipe is a rewarding experience that brings cozy, chocolatey comfort to your kitchen with simple, wholesome ingredients. Once you’ve tasted that fresh nutty depth and perfectly balanced sweetness, store-bought spreads will feel like a distant memory. So, gather your hazelnuts and get ready to spread the joy!
Print
Homemade Nutella Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 1 jar (about 1 cup) Nutella spread
- Category: Spread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Nutella recipe offers a rich, creamy, and healthier alternative to store-bought chocolate-hazelnut spreads. Using roasted hazelnuts blended with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of neutral oil, this spread is perfect for toast, baking, or snacking. It requires minimal ingredients and can be made in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Nutella Spread Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups hazelnuts
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as sunflower or grapeseed), plus more if needed
Instructions
- Roast the hazelnuts: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts evenly on a baking sheet and roast them for 10–12 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly golden, which enhances their flavor.
- Remove the skins: Transfer the roasted hazelnuts onto a clean kitchen towel. Rub them vigorously to remove the skins; removing the skins helps to improve the texture and reduce bitterness in the spread.
- Blend hazelnuts into a creamy butter: Place the peeled hazelnuts into a food processor. Blend them for 5–8 minutes, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides. Continue blending until a smooth, creamy hazelnut butter forms.
- Add flavorings and sweeteners: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the hazelnut butter. Blend again until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate oil to adjust consistency: While the food processor is running, drizzle in the neutral oil to help smooth out the texture and achieve your desired spreadable consistency. Add more oil as needed for a thinner spread.
- Taste and adjust: Sample your Nutella and adjust sweetness or chocolate flavor by adding more powdered sugar or cocoa powder if desired. Blend briefly again to mix.
- Store the Nutella: Transfer the finished Nutella into a clean jar with a tight-fitting lid. You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate for a firmer texture. Stir before use if stored chilled.
Notes
- Removing hazelnut skins can be messy but is important for a smooth texture.
- If your Nutella is too thick after blending, add more neutral oil a teaspoon at a time until spreadable.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to adjust sugar and cocoa powder to suit your taste preferences.
- This recipe makes approximately one standard 8-ounce jar of Nutella.
