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
Scale
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.
