There's a special kind of bliss that sweeps through my kitchen when I whip up a batch of this Healthy Homemade Nutella. The rich, nutty aroma of freshly roasted hazelnuts fills the air, transporting me to a place where indulgence meets health. After years of quick fixes to satisfy my sweet tooth, I stumbled upon this delightful recipe that has transformed my breakfast routine and dessert cravings alike.
With just a handful of wholesome ingredients — think maple syrup and cocoa powder — I can create a creamy spread that’s not only delicious but also nourishing. Whether it's slathered on warm toast or drizzled over fruit, this creamy vegan treat is guaranteed to please, making it a must-have for anyone looking to ditch the store-bought versions full of hidden sugars and preservatives. Plus, it only takes about 22 minutes from start to finish! As I dive into this recipe, I can't wait for you to join me in bringing a bit of joy back into your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Healthy Homemade Nutella
- Creating this Healthy Homemade Nutella is a breeze, taking only 22 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect time-saver for busy mornings or last-minute snacks.
- The rich and indulgent flavor will satisfy your sweet cravings without the guilt, thanks to wholesome ingredients like hazelnuts, maple syrup, and cocoa powder.
- Its versatility shines whether you choose to spread it on toast, drizzle it over fruits, or enjoy it by the spoonful straight from the jar.
- Visually, the glossy texture and vibrant color enhance any dish, making it not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes that will impress your family and friends.
Healthy Homemade Nutella Ingredients
Creating your own Healthy Homemade Nutella at home is all about using fresh, nourishing ingredients!
For the Nut Butter
• Raw hazelnuts – a rich source of healthy fats and essential vitamins.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – adds deep chocolate flavor without the extra sugar.
For Sweetening
• Maple syrup – a natural sweetener that enhances the taste while keeping it healthy; you can also use softened dates as a substitute.
For Flavor
• Vanilla extract – a splash of this adds a warm, aromatic finish to your Nutella.
• Salt – just a pinch brings out the flavors beautifully.
For Adjusting Consistency
• Warm water or plant milk – add 2-4 tablespoons as needed to achieve your perfect creamy spread.
This simple yet delightful collection of ingredients makes it easy to whip up a delicious batch of nutty goodness any time!
How to Make Healthy Homemade Nutella
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Roast the hazelnuts by spreading them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, until they're fragrant and the skins begin to loosen. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
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Remove most of the hazelnut skins. You can do this by gently rubbing them with a clean kitchen towel. Don’t worry if a few skins remain; they won't hurt the flavor.
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Blend the husked hazelnuts in a food processor. Start processing until they turn into a creamy nut butter, which may take around 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed!
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Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup (or softened dates), vanilla extract, and salt into the nut butter. Process again until everything is beautifully combined and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
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Adjust the consistency by adding warm water or plant milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy texture. It should be luscious and spreadable!
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Healthy Homemade Nutella Variations
Feel free to explore exciting twists that cater to your taste buds while keeping the delightful essence of this creamy spread.
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Nut-Free: Swap hazelnuts for sunflower seeds to make a delicious seed butter that's equally creamy and nutty.
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Sweetener Alternatives: Use agave syrup or honey for a different taste profile, retaining the sweetness you crave without compromising health.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising spicy twist that will awaken your taste buds.
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Extra Chocolatey: Boost the chocolate richness by incorporating chocolate hazelnut spread or dark chocolate chips into the mix for indulgent depth.
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Coconut Vibe: Mix in some shredded coconut for a delightful tropical flair, bringing together nutty and sweet notes that complement each other beautifully.
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Berry Burst: Blend in freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries for a fruity flavor explosion that adds both sweetness and a pop of color to your Nutella.
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Coffee Lover's Delight: Stir in some instant coffee granules or espresso powder to create a mocha-flavored treat that’s perfect for coffee enthusiasts.
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Vanilla Bean: Use the seeds from a vanilla bean pod instead of extract for an intense vanilla flavor that elevates the whole spread to a new level of sophistication.
How to Store and Freeze Healthy Homemade Nutella
Room Temperature: Store unopened jars of Healthy Homemade Nutella in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. Once opened, enjoy within 10 days for optimal freshness.
Fridge: Keep your Healthy Homemade Nutella in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 month. This helps maintain its creamy texture and flavor while extending its shelf life.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions of Healthy Homemade Nutella in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Reheating: If your nutella thickens, simply let it warm to room temperature or give it a gentle stir after thawing. Enjoy it in its delicious, spreadable state!
Make Ahead Options
These Healthy Homemade Nutella treats are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can roast the hazelnuts and blend them into nut butter up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can measure out the cocoa powder, maple syrup, and other ingredients up to 3 days ahead, keeping them in a cool, dry place. When you're ready to finish, simply combine the prepped ingredients with the hazelnut butter as per the recipe, adjusting the consistency with warm water or plant milk as needed. This way, you’ll have creamy nutty goodness ready to enjoy with minimal effort on busy mornings or snack times!
What to Serve with Healthy Homemade Nutella?
Transform your breakfast or snack time into a delightful experience with these wonderfully complementary pairings.
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Warm Toast: The crispy, buttery base enhances the creamy texture of the Nutella, creating a blissful contrast. A slice of freshly toasted bread is like a canvas waiting for that nutty masterpiece!
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Sliced Bananas: Sweet, soft banana slices are the perfect pairing, adding natural sweetness and a satisfying fresh element to each bite. Their creaminess harmonizes beautifully with the spread's rich flavor.
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Fresh Berries: Berries like strawberries or raspberries offer bright acidity and vibrant color, beautifully balancing the richness of the Nutella. Consider them as little bursts of happiness on your spoon!
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Oatmeal Bowls: Swirl a generous dollop of this Healthy Homemade Nutella into warm oatmeal for a decadent yet wholesome breakfast. The nutty and chocolatey meld elevates morning oats into a cozy, indulgent bowl.
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Greek Yogurt: Top a bowl of thick Greek yogurt with a spoonful of Nutella for a satisfying snack or dessert. The tangy creaminess of the yogurt pairs wonderfully with the rich, chocolatey spread.
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Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzle your Nutella creation over fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles for a breakfast treat that feels like dessert. Add some fresh fruit on top, and you have a dish that’s love at first bite!
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Ice Cream: For a sweet twist, use your Healthy Homemade Nutella as a delightful topping for vanilla ice cream. It adds a rich layer of flavor that elevates a classic dessert into something special.
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Milk or Plant-Based Drinks: Pair a glass of almond, coconut, or regular milk alongside your Nutella-topped treats for a refreshing and creamy contrast. Each sip complements the chocolatey goodness perfectly!
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Nutty Granola Bars: Combine this delicious spread with homemade or store-bought nutty granola bars for an energy-boosting snack. The chewy texture and nutty flavors will keep you fueled all day long.
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Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: Beyond bananas, consider dipping strawberries or apple slices into the Nutella for a fun, bite-sized treat. It’s a delicious and healthy way to indulge your sweet tooth!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Healthy Homemade Nutella, ensure your hazelnuts are evenly roasted to develop the best flavor; keep a close watch while they're in the oven to avoid burning.
- A common mistake is not blending the hazelnuts long enough; be patient and allow them to transform into a smooth nut butter for perfect consistency.
- To enhance the chocolatey flavor without added sugar, always opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
- If your mixture turns out too thick, gradually incorporate warm water or plant milk, adjusting until you achieve that creamy spreadable texture that everyone loves.
Healthy Homemade Nutella Recipe FAQs
What type of hazelnuts should I use for my Healthy Homemade Nutella?
Absolutely! Aim for raw, unsalted hazelnuts, as they provide the perfect base with rich nutrients and a mild flavor. If you can, select hazelnuts that are fresh with no dark spots, which can indicate that they may be past their prime.
How should I store my Healthy Homemade Nutella?
You can keep unopened jars of Healthy Homemade Nutella at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. If you’ve opened it, aim to enjoy it within 10 days for the best flavor. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.
Can I freeze my Healthy Homemade Nutella?
Very! To freeze, simply portion it into zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers. Ensure you remove excess air, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. If it thickens, just give it a light stir or let it sit out until it reaches room temperature.
What if my Healthy Homemade Nutella doesn’t blend smoothly?
No problem! If your blend isn’t achieving that creamy nut butter texture, you may not have blended it long enough. Be patient and keep processing for an additional minute or two, scraping down the sides. If it’s still too thick, you can add a tablespoon of warm water or plant milk to help it along.
Is this Healthy Homemade Nutella suitable for allergy considerations?
Definitely! This recipe is nut-based, so it's not suitable for anyone with nut allergies. However, if you're looking for a nut-free alternative, you could try sun butter in place of hazelnuts. Just be aware that this will alter the flavor of the spread, but it can still be delicious!
Can I adjust the sweetness in my Healthy Homemade Nutella?
Absolutely! If you prefer a sweeter spread, feel free to increase the amount of maple syrup or softened dates. Start by adding a teaspoon at a time and taste as you go until it reaches your perfect sweetness level. Enjoy the journey of flavor discovery!
Healthy Homemade Nutella
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Roast the hazelnuts by spreading them on a baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes, until they're fragrant and the skins begin to loosen.
- Remove most of the hazelnut skins by gently rubbing them with a clean kitchen towel.
- Blend the husked hazelnuts in a food processor until they turn into a creamy nut butter, which may take around 3-5 minutes.
- Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt into the nut butter. Process again until everything is beautifully combined and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust the consistency by adding warm water or plant milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy texture.
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