Healthy Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (Nutella)

Glass jar full of homemade Nutella with a spoon sitting next to the jar.

Learn how to make your own healthy Nutella. This chocolate-hazelnut spread is sweetened with pure maple syrup and dates. It is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan.

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Let’s make our own homemade Nutella copycat. Picture this: a homemade chocolate hazelnut spread that’s all also happens to be vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. And guess what? We’re sweetening it with pure maple syrup and dates, so there is less sugar without losing any of that awesome flavor. If you’re all about that healthy Nutella life but don’t want to give up on yumminess, this is for you.

Table of Contents

Once you’ve made your homemade Nutella you’ll want to use it in this Flaky Banana Nutella Croissant Recipe.

Glass jar full of healthy homemade vegan gluten free nutella copycat.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Nutella

TASTE: Creamy chocolate hazelnut spread tastes like hazelnuts with a hint of cashew, cocoa and sweetness. It has a rich nutty hazelnut flavor that compliments so many other foods. The chocolate flavor is not overpowering.

TEXTURE: The more you blend this made-from-scratch rendition in a high speed blender, the creamier it will be. You can make it chunky, if you prefer, or smooth and creamy.

PROS:This healthier chocolate-hazelnut spread version sweetens with pure maple syrup and dates, using coconut oil for fat instead of palm oil, like the original. Critics have raised concerns over palm oil’s environmental impact and potential health issues. This version has less sugar and arguably healthier than the store-bought counterparts.

CONS: Making your own homemade Nutella is not as easy as opening a store-bought jar.

WOULD I MAKE THIS AGAIN? Yes. I love this spread, especially when adding to other recipes like Nutella Stuffed French Toast, No Bake Nutella Cheesecake in a Jar or some Banana Nutella Biscuits.

DIET: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Keto Friendly

Ingredient Info and Substitutions

Full printable homemade nutella recipe ingredients list and instructions are in the recipe card below. This recipe uses simple ingredients that are, for the most part, less processed than those found in the store-bought version.

Homemade chocolate hazelnut spread ingredients in containers labeled including cashews, hazelnuts, salt, cacao powder, maple syrup, nut milk, coconut oil, tapioca flour, medijol dates, vanilla extract.

Nuts: This recipe uses both raw hazelnuts and cashews.
Sweetener: We used both pure maple syrup and medjool dates to sweeten this hazelnut butter recipe. You could also try honey as a substitute for maple syrup. Similar in consistency to maple syrup, honey can be used in a 1:1 ratio but is sweeter, so you may want to use less. You could also use agave syrup or molasses but you should use a bit less of those as they are sweeter than maple syrup.
Milk: Use your favorite nut milk (almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk or macadamia nut milk). You may use cow’s milk if you prefer.
Chocolate: We used raw cacao powder, which is different than cocoa powder. Cacao powder is made from cold-pressed, unroasted cacao beans, preserving more nutrients and antioxidants than cocoa powder, which is roasted. Cacao tends to have a more bitter taste and a higher fat content than cocoa. When substituting, use a 1:1 ratio, but be aware that the flavor and texture might be slightly different.
Starch: This recipe uses tapioca flour (tapioca starch). If you’re looking for a 1:1 substitute you could try cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or potato starch. I have not tried those.
Oil: Unrefined coconut oil is preferred. You can substitute vegetable oil, olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, hazelnut oil or other natural oils if you prefer.
Flavorings: Salt and vanilla extract are used to add depth of flavor.

Gluten Free Hazelnut Spread

Great news! This nutty homemade nutella is already gluten free Nutella and safe for people with Celiac Disease. As always, please make sure your work surfaces are free from contaminants and your ingredients are gluten free. Sometimes, facilities that process ingredients might cause cross-contamination or add unexpected gluten. Always check your ingredients and remember that labels might not list “gluten” as an ingredient. Make sure any of your substitutions are still gluten-free.

Dairy Free Hazelnut Spread

More good news! This homemade chocolate hazelnut spread is a dairy free hazelnut spread! No need to make adjustments to the recipe.

Vegan Hazelnut Spread

This is vegan homemade Nutella. If you change the sugar source, make sure you use agave syrup, not honey.

Jar of thick and creamy homemade hazelnut spread in front of a stack of french toast. — Homemade nutella with Nutella stuffed french toast.

Can I Make This Homemade Nutella Creamier and Shinier?

Absolutely! We’ve made this spread you see in the photos a bit chunkier because we like it that way. You can absolutely use your high speed blender or high speed food processor to grind your nuts into a finer paste. Then follow the instructions below to add additional coconut oil to thin out the chocolate-hazelnut spread to be a bit shinier like store-bought Nutella.

Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

Full printable step-by-step homemade vegan Nutella recipe instructions are in the recipe card below. You can print or save this homemade version of store-bought Nutella to Pinterest for later. Follow the ingredient suggestions and instructions for best results.

Roast Hazelnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes until the skins darken and start to crack. Once roasted, remove the hazelnuts from the oven and let them cool slightly.

Left image of hazelnuts with skin on. Right image of hazelnuts with skins mostly removed.

Step 1: After the hazelnuts have cooled a bit, place them in a clean kitchen towel and rub them together to remove the skins. Don’t worry if some skin remains—it adds a nice flavor.

Left image of nuts in blender, right image of nuts chopped in blender.

Step 2: In a high-speed blender or high-speed food processor, add the roasted hazelnuts, cashews and salt. Blend on high until the nuts start to break down and form a flour-like consistency. This might take a few minutes and you may need to scrape down the sides of the blender occasionally.

Left image of cacao powder and maple syrup added to blender. Right image of ingredients all blended.

Step 3: After fully blending the nuts, add the cacao powder and maple syrup to the ground hazelnuts and cashews. Blend again until you achieve a well-combined mixture.Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more maple syrup if needed.

Nut milk and coconut oil in a sauce pan.

Step 4: In a small saucepan, gently heat the nut milk and coconut oil over low heat until you melt the coconut oil. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the tapioca flour with a couple of tablespoons of the warmed almond milk-coconut oil mixture. Stir until the starch is fully dissolved.

Flour mixture added to coconut oil mixture in a sauce pan making a gloopy mixture.

Step 6: Pour the tapioca starch mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining almond milk and coconut oil. Heat the mixture over low-medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This will help give the “Nutella” a smooth and spreadable consistency.

Milk/oil/starch mixture and dates added to blender with nut mixture.

Step 7: Add the thickened mixture from the saucepan into the high-speed blender with the hazelnut mixture, along with the three soaked, pitted dates and vanilla. Blend again until everything is well combined, and you achieve a silky-smooth texture. Here, you can slowly drizzle more coconut oil (be sure to warm the oil again in order for it to become liquid) if you want the final result to have more of a sheen.

Healthy homemade hazelnut and cashew spread in a glass jar.

Step 8: If storing for later use, carefully pour your healthy “Nutella” into clean and dry glass jars.* Let it cool to room temperature before sealing the jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.

Flaky Banana Nutella Croissant Recipe

Is Homemade Nutella Healthier?

This homemade vegan Nutella copycat recipe offers several health advantages over traditional Nutella, primarily due to its ingredients and nutritional profile. Here’s why it’s considered healthier:

Lower Refined Sugar: Traditional Nutella relies heavily on refined sugar, while the homemade version uses pure maple syrup and dates for natural sweetness. These natural sweeteners contain minerals and fiber, offering a healthier alternative. Maple has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar. Source
Nutrient-Dense Nuts and Healthy Fats: Hazelnuts and cashews provide healthy fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These nuts contribute to heart health and can help lower cholesterol levels, unlike the palm oil used in traditional Nutella. Coconut oil and coconut milk substitute unhealthy fats, such as palm oil in traditional Nutella, with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). The body metabolizes MCTs differently, potentially offering health benefits like weight management. Source
Antioxidant-Rich Cacao: Using cacao powder instead of processed cocoa adds more antioxidants to the spread. Antioxidants are beneficial for reducing inflammation and protecting against disease. Source
No Dairy: By using coconut milk, the homemade version is dairy-free, making it suitable for vegans, lactose intolerant individuals, and those looking to reduce dairy intake for health reasons.
Control Over Ingredients: Making Nutella at home allows control over ingredient quality and quantities, enabling you to have control over the amount of sugar and fat and the elimination of additives and preservatives found in the commercial version.
Fiber Content: Dates and nuts increase the fiber content in the homemade version, aiding digestion and health. Source

Overall, the homemade vegan Nutella copycat offers a more nutritious alternative by incorporating whole, unprocessed ingredients and reducing the intake of refined sugars and unhealthy fats.

Jar of healthy homemade nutella on a plate with fresh berries.

Storing

To store homemade vegan Nutella, follow these steps to ensure it remains fresh and retains its quality:

Choose the Right Container: Transfer your homemade cashew-hazelnut spread into an airtight container. Use glass as it doesn’t absorb flavors and keeps the spread fresh.
Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature helps maintain the spread’s consistency and prevents the oils from separating.
Shelf Life: When stored properly in the refrigerator, homemade vegan Nutella can last for up to 2-3 weeks. The exact shelf life may depend on the freshness of the ingredients used and how clean the utensils and containers were during preparation.
Before Use: Before using, you might want to let the Nutella sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften, as it can firm up in the fridge. If the oils have separated, give it a good stir to reincorporate.
Check for Spoilage: Always look for signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or mold, before consuming, especially after long storage periods.

Remember, since homemade vegan Nutella lacks preservatives found in commercial spreads, it’s important to handle and store it properly to extend its shelf life and ensure safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip removing the hazelnut skins, or is it essential for the recipe?

While you can skip removing all of the hazelnut skins, it’s recommended to remove most of them. Rubbing the hazelnuts together in a clean kitchen towel helps remove the skins, but it’s okay if some bits remain as they add flavor. Removing the skins also contributes to the smoother texture of your “Nutella.”

How can I adjust the sweetness of the homemade “Nutella” to my liking?

You can easily adjust the sweetness of your homemade “Nutella” by adding more or less maple syrup. After blending in the cacao powder and maple syrup, taste the mixture and add additional maple syrup if you desire a sweeter taste. This allows you to customize the sweetness to suit your preference.

Can I make this creamy hazelnut butter without tapioca starch?

This recipe uses tapioca starch to thicken the “Nutella” and give it a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you lack tapioca starch, consider substituting it with cornstarch or arrowroot powder in a similar quantity. Nonetheless, incorporating starch is crucial for achieving the desired texture, so we recommend using it if possible.

What is the difference between cacao and cocoa?

The level of processing marks the key difference between cacao and cocoa. “Cacao” typically describes products that are less processed, more natural, and raw, whereas “cocoa” applies to cacao products that have been roasted and processed. However, manufacturers sometimes use these terms interchangeably, making it crucial to examine product labels or descriptions for a clear understanding of their specific characteristics and processing methods. For this recipe, we recommend cacao for its more natural, less processed qualities.

Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread (Nutella)

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Nutella