Perhaps you’ve observed Nutella’s swift increase in popularity over the past few years. While chocolate hazelnut spread in some form has been cherished in other regions for centuries, its fame has surged in the US in the last decade, thanks in part to extensive marketing efforts.
According to Mental Floss, a jar of Nutella is purchased every 2.5 seconds globally! That’s a lot of delectable chocolatey delight. But what’s not to love, right?
Actually, quite a bit! This enticing hazelnut spread is packed with sugar, and some ingredients are questionable. Although Nutella bought from stores is often perceived as a healthy snack, its high sugar content places it alongside donuts and chocolate bars. In fact, Ferrero (the company behind Nutella) settled a lawsuit in 2012 for misleadingly marketing it as a health food.
A Healthier Homemade Nutella Recipe
Several years ago, when I introduced my children to this nostalgic treat before delving into the ingredients, they adored it. It was disheartening to realize it couldn’t be a regular treat, as the sugar content is not ideal for my six kids. Despite containing some beneficial elements like hazelnuts and dark chocolate, they are overshadowed by all that sugar!
Naturally, I embarked on a quest to craft a healthier, homemade alternative!
This homemade “no-tella” variation is ideal if you’re aiming to restrict carbs and sugar. Some recipes suggest melted chocolate, granulated sugar, or coconut sugar for sweetness. Instead, this version opts for maple syrup, offering a refined sugar-free option. Honey is another suitable choice. The liquid sweetener contributes to a creamier texture.
Recipe Adjustments
The drawback of this homemade version? It’s not as smooth as the “real” thing you find in stores, resembling more the texture of almond butter or natural peanut butter. For a natural option superior to the original, I recommend this one. It’s nutty, spreadable, and avoids granulated sugar, palm oil, and other additives.
Initially, I used room temperature coconut oil, but water seems to perform better. Though it shortens the shelf life somewhat, that hasn’t been an issue at our home. My kids consume it quickly enough that I don’t have to worry!
Homemade “No-tella” Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Here’s my take on Nutella: a homemade version crafted with real ingredients, free from dairy, and vegan. I’ve utilized this spread for making brownies, buttercream for cupcakes, cake fillings, breads, cookies, and more, signifying its versatility and deliciousness.
How to Remove the Hazelnut Skins
The flavor of homemade Nutella benefits from making it without the papery nut skins. No need to painstakingly peel them though! Several methods can help remove them. I use the jar method, placing freshly roasted hazelnuts in a jar, shaking, and then picking out the skinned nuts.
Another option involves using a kitchen towel. Place the roasted hazelnuts on a towel, fold it over, and rub the nuts together.
A delicious chocolate hazelnut spread recipe with simple ingredients, much less sugar, and higher in protein than the leading brand.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 12 to 15 minutes, until fragrant.
- Carefully put the roasted hazelnuts in a mason jar with the lid on and shake. The papery skins will fall right off. Remove the skinless nuts and put them in a food processor or a high-speed blender.
- Grind the hazelnuts for about 5-8 minutes until they turn into a creamy hazelnut butter.
- Mix the cocoa powder and warm water together until dissolved and smooth.
- Add the maple syrup, cocoa powder mixture, vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Blend for another 2-3 minutes until all the ingredients are combined and smooth.
- Transfer to a mason jar or other airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Nutella Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 TBSP)
- Calories 117
- Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
- Fat 9g 14%
- Saturated Fat 1g 6%
- Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat 7g
- Sodium 37mg 2%
- Potassium 138mg 4%
- Carbohydrates 8g 3%
- Fiber 2g 8%
- Sugar 5g 6%
- Protein 3g 6%
- Vitamin A 3IU 0%
- Vitamin C 1mg 1%
- Calcium 26mg 3%
-
Iron 1mg 6%
- Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Feel free to use any sweetener you’d like in this recipe, just sweeten to taste.
How to Use Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
This classic Italian spread is versatile and great for so many uses. Here are a few possibilities:
A Healthier Hazelnut Spread Option
Confession: I don’t make this recipe as often since finding an even better store-bought version. You can find it here. Although I advocate for the DIY approach, in this case, purchasing ready-made is a good choice for several reasons:
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Less sugar: It contains 40% less sugar than other alternatives. The leading brand has 21 grams of sugar per 2 tablespoons, while Nutiva only has 12 grams.
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Ethically sourced: While most hazelnut spreads use palm oil, which can be problematic if not ethically sourced. All ingredients in the Nutiva brand, including palm oil, are ethically sourced (rainforest and animal-friendly).
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More nutritious: Unlike other brands, this one provides 450 milligrams of omega-3s per serving from chia and flax! (That’s more than sardines and tuna offer per serving. My kids certainly favor the chocolate option!)
- Organic, non-GMO verified, and certified gluten-free: Many other brands aren’t organic or contain GMO ingredients.
Are you a fan of chocolate hazelnut spread? Ever tried to make homemade Nutella? Share below!
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