Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Serves: 1
Cook Time: 15mins
Summary

Why settle for store-bought when you can make your own hazelnut spread that’s rich, creamy, and free from unnecessary additives? With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a healthier version that’s every bit as indulgent. 

Ingredients

2 Cups Hazelnuts

¼ Tsp Vanilla Extract

¼ Cup Cocoa Powder

Cup Sugar

¼ Tsp Salt

½ Cup Almond Milk

Directions

1. Roast the Hazelnuts

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 6 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and fragrant. Make sure you keep an eye on them! Hazelnuts can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.

2. Remove the Skins

Once roasted, let the hazelnuts cool slightly. Then, use a clean paper towel to rub off as much of the skins as possible. Don’t worry if some skins remain—it won’t affect the flavor.

3. Blend into Hazelnut Butter

Pour the hazelnuts into a food processor and blend. First, they’ll break into crumbs, then clump together, and finally transform into creamy hazelnut butter. This process takes about 3–5 minutes, depending on your food processor.

4. Add Flavorings

Once your hazelnut butter is smooth, add vanilla, cocoa powder, sugar and salt to a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. 

5. Incorporate Almond Milk

Slowly add 1/2 cup almond milk while blending. This helps achieve the creamy, spreadable consistency we all love. Add a splash more if needed, but don’t overdo it—it should stay thick and rich.

Notes

1. Sweetness Adjustments

The recipe calls for 1/3 cup sugar, but you can reduce it or swap it for honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness. Keep in mind liquid sweeteners may alter the consistency slightly.

2. Milk Alternatives

If you don’t have almond milk, any plant-based or dairy milk works! Just choose one with a neutral flavor to let the hazelnuts and cocoa shine.

3. Cocoa Options

For a deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch-processed cocoa powder. If you like it bittersweet, add an extra tablespoon of cocoa.

4. Texture Tips

If your spread isn’t as smooth as you’d like, keep blending. Hazelnuts release natural oils as they process, which helps create that creamy consistency.

5. Storage

Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Stir it before each use, as natural separation may occur.