Ingredients, Measurements & Crafting:
This version keeps the classic chocolate-hazelnut flavor but avoids refined oils and excess sugar.
Base Recipe (makes ~1¼ cups)
1½ cups (180 g) raw hazelnuts
3–4 tbsp maple syrup (or honey; adjust for sweetness)
2–3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
¼–½ tsp acceptable salt (to balance flavor)
2–4 tbsp neutral oil (hazelnut, avocado, or coconut) — optional, for silkiness
2–4 tbsp warm milk or water (optional, to thin the final spread)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Roast the Hazelnuts
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread nuts on a tray and roast 10–12 minutes, until the skins look cracked and nuts smell fragrant.
2. Remove Skins
Rub the hazelnuts in a clean towel or with your hands.
Remove as much skin as possible — the spread becomes smoother and less bitter.
3. Blend Into Hazelnut Butter
Add warm hazelnuts to a food processor.
Blend 3–7 minutes, scraping down occasionally:
crumb → coarse paste → smooth hazelnut butter.
4. Add Flavorings
Add:
Cocoa powder
Maple syrup or honey
Vanilla
Salt
Blend again. It will thicken (sweeteners cause the nut butter to stiffen).
5. Adjust Texture
Add oil for silkiness and richness.
Add warm milk or warm water 1 tbsp at a time for a smoother, more spreadable result.
6. Taste + Refine
Want it darker? Add 1 tsp more cocoa.
Too thick? Add ½–1 tbsp more warm liquid.
Benefits:
Here’s why this homemade version is far healthier than commercial Nutella:
1. Better fats
Hazelnuts and natural oils provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, rather than palm oil.
2. Lower sugar
You control sweetness — typically 70–80% less sugar than store-bought.
3. No additives
No emulsifiers, preservatives, or artificial flavors.
4. Nutrient-rich
Homemade Nutella contains:
Vitamin E (skin health + antioxidant)
Magnesium (energy, mood, muscle health)
Plant protein & fiber
5. Cocoa benefits
Unsweetened cocoa adds antioxidants and mood-boosting compounds.
Usage Tips:
Here are some creative and delicious ways to enjoy it:
Spread on toast, bagels, or crepes
Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt
Use as a dip for fruit
Layer in parfaits, pancakes, or waffles
Add a spoonful into smoothies
Bake into cookies or brownies
Use as a healthier frosting for cakes or cupcakes
Storage:
Room Temperature: Up to 2 weeks. Store in a cool, dark place in a sealed jar. (If you used water or milk, store in the fridge instead.) Refrigerator 4–6 weeks Mixture may firm up — simply let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before use. Freezer 3–4 months. Freeze in an airtight jar. Thaw overnight in the fridge.