If you have ever dreamed of capturing that rich, creamy, chocolaty magic of a classic spread right at home, this Homemade Nutella Recipe is going to be your new best friend. The perfect balance of roasted hazelnuts, luscious cocoa, and just the right touch of sweetness creates a treat that is not only irresistible but also free from any preservatives or additives. This recipe brings you that familiar Nutella taste with an unmistakably fresh and natural twist, making every spoonful a moment of pure delight. Trust me, once you try making this at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bought it from the store!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the key to unlocking the full potential of this Homemade Nutella Recipe. Each component plays an important role, from the nutty depth of roasted hazelnuts to the silky smoothness brought by the oil, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 cups raw hazelnuts: Fresh, raw hazelnuts provide that unmistakable nutty flavor and creamy base once roasted and blended.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds the rich chocolate essence without extra sweetness, letting natural flavors shine.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the spread smoothly; feel free to adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a delicate, aromatic note.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates the sweetness and chocolate flavors perfectly.
- 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil: Vegetable or hazelnut oil ensures the Nutella has that glossy, spreadable consistency.
How to Make Homemade Nutella Recipe
Step 1: Roast Hazelnuts to Perfection
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll notice their skins darken and crack, which means they’re ready. Roasting not only enhances the flavor but also brings out a wonderful aroma that sets the tone for this homemade delicacy.
Step 2: Remove Hazel Skins
Once cooled just enough to handle, rub the hazelnuts vigorously in a clean kitchen towel. This step helps to remove as much of the papery skins as possible without losing those gorgeous roasted flavors underneath. Don’t worry if a few skins stick; they add a subtle rustic texture and a bit of extra nutrition.
Step 3: Blend the Hazelnuts into Butter
Pop your peeled hazelnuts into a food processor and blast them for 5 to 8 minutes. Be patient here as the nuts go from chopped to crumbly to finally a luxuriously smooth and creamy butter. Scrape down the sides when needed to ensure an even blend. This is where all the magic begins.
Step 4: Mix in Cocoa and Sweeteners
Next, add the unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of your choice of neutral oil. Blend everything together until silky and homogeneous. If the mixture feels too thick, drizzle in the remaining tablespoon of oil to reach your preferred consistency. Taste, and adjust the sweetness if needed. Your Homemade Nutella Recipe is now ready!
How to Serve Homemade Nutella Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped toasted hazelnuts or a dusting of cocoa powder on top when spreading on desserts or toast for an extra touch of flair and crunch. A dash of sea salt can also beautifully balance the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This Homemade Nutella Recipe pairs wonderfully with freshly baked bread, pancakes, waffles, or even as a dip for fruit like strawberries and banana slices. It’s a perfect companion for anything that calls for a little chocolatey indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the usual spread! Use this nutty spread to swirl into yogurt, layer in parfaits, or drizzle over ice cream. You can even use it as a filling for crepes or in homemade pastries to wow your guests with a luscious surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your homemade goodness is ready, transfer it to an airtight jar and refrigerate to keep it fresh for up to a month. It’s perfectly fine to store this delicious spread at room temperature for up to two weeks if you plan to use it quickly.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Homemade Nutella Recipe for a longer time, freezing is an option. Place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will last for several months. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving.
Reheating
If refrigerated Nutella becomes too thick, simply leave it at room temperature for a bit or warm gently in a microwave or double boiler for a few seconds. Stir well to bring back that smooth, spreadable texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use roasted hazelnuts instead of raw?
Absolutely! Pre-roasted hazelnuts can save time, but roasting your own helps develop fresher flavor and optimal texture. If using store-bought roasted nuts, just skip the roasting step.
Can I substitute the oil?
Yes! Neutral oils like vegetable or light olive oil work best because they don’t overpower the hazelnut flavor. Hazelnut oil adds a lovely boost, while coconut oil can be used but may slightly alter the taste.
How do I make this recipe vegan or sugar-free?
This spread is naturally vegan. For sugar-free, consider swapping powdered sugar for a natural sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to maintain the sweetness without refined sugar.
Why does my nut butter sometimes become grainy?
Grinding the nuts long enough is key to achieving a smooth texture. If graininess occurs, just keep blending and scraping down the sides until creamy; adding a touch more oil can also help smooth things out.
How long does homemade Nutella last?
When stored properly in a sealed container, this Homemade Nutella Recipe lasts up to 2 weeks at room temperature and up to 1 month refrigerated. Always check for any off smells or mold before consuming.
Final Thoughts
Making this Homemade Nutella Recipe is a wonderfully satisfying experience that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and makes your taste buds sing. It’s easy, rewarding, and so much better than anything you can find pre-made. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the pure joy of spreading your homemade chocolate-hazelnut perfection!
Print
Homemade Nutella Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Spread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Nutella is a rich, creamy hazelnut spread made with roasted hazelnuts, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients to create a delicious and natural alternative to store-bought Nutella, perfect for spreading on toast, dipping fruits, or adding to desserts.
Ingredients
Hazelnuts
- 2 cups raw hazelnuts
Dry Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons neutral oil (such as vegetable or hazelnut oil)
Instructions
- Roast Hazelnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw hazelnuts evenly on a baking sheet and roast them for 10–12 minutes, or until the skins darken and crack, enhancing their flavor and aroma.
- Remove Skins: Allow the roasted hazelnuts to cool slightly. Then, place them in a clean kitchen towel and rub vigorously to remove as much of the skins as possible. Removing the skins helps achieve a smoother final spread.
- Blend Hazelnuts: Transfer the skinned hazelnuts to a food processor. Blend for 5–8 minutes, stopping periodically to scrape down the sides, until the nuts release their oils and turn into a smooth, creamy nut butter.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the neutral oil to the hazelnut butter. Blend again until the mixture is uniformly smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more oil if necessary for a creamy texture.
- Store and Serve: Transfer your homemade Nutella to a clean jar. Store it at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate for up to 1 month. Stir before serving and enjoy as a spread or in recipes.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the hazelnuts thoroughly until all oil is released.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less powdered sugar according to your taste.
- If hazelnut oil is unavailable, use any neutral oil such as vegetable or canola oil.
- Removing the hazelnut skins is optional but recommended for best texture and flavor.
- Store the spread in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
