Homemade Nutella Recipe
If you have ever wished to capture the rich, creamy delight of a chocolate-hazelnut spread right in your own kitchen, this Homemade Nutella Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious, smooth, and irresistibly flavorful treat that balances roasted hazelnuts with deep cocoa notes, a touch of sweetness, and a hint of vanilla—all making it far better than anything you can buy in a jar. The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is to come together while delivering such a luxurious, fresh taste that will make you wonder why you never made it yourself before.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavor and texture just right begins with a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the nutty foundation of roasted hazelnuts to the subtle sweetness and smooth finish brought by the other components.
- 2 cups raw hazelnuts: These provide the rich, nutty base and creamy body once roasted and blended.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor without any extra sweetness.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the spread delicately and helps keep it silky smooth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out the flavors with a warm, comforting aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the overall taste complexity.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons neutral oil: Neutral oils like vegetable or hazelnut oil loosen the mixture and give it that perfect spreadable texture.
How to Make Homemade Nutella Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Hazelnuts
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread your raw hazelnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for about 10 to 12 minutes until their skins darken and crack, filling your kitchen with an irresistible nutty aroma. This roasting step is essential—it deepens the flavor of the nuts and makes them easier to peel.
Step 2: Remove the Skins
Once roasted and slightly cooled, take a clean kitchen towel and gently rub the hazelnuts inside it to remove as much skin as possible. While some bits of skin might remain, getting most of them off ensures a smoother spread and less bitterness in your final Homemade Nutella Recipe.
Step 3: Blend into Nut Butter
Transfer the peeled hazelnuts to your food processor. Blend them for 5 to 8 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. At first, you’ll get a crumbly mixture that slowly transforms into a creamy, buttery consistency. This takes some patience but trust the process—the creaminess is worth it.
Step 4: Add Flavors and Oil
Next, add the unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and start with 2 tablespoons of your chosen oil. Blend everything together until smooth and spreadable. If the mixture is too thick or dry, drizzle in another tablespoon of oil. Taste and adjust the sweetness or salt to find your perfect balance.
Step 5: Store and Enjoy
Once perfectly smooth, transfer your Homemade Nutella Recipe into a clean jar. It can be stored at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the fridge for up to a month, ready to be enjoyed whenever a chocolatey craving hits.
How to Serve Homemade Nutella Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Nutella experience by sprinkling a pinch of crushed toasted hazelnuts or a dusting of cocoa powder on top. A few dollops of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate turn this treat into an eye-catching indulgence for guests or yourself.
Side Dishes
Your homemade spread goes beautifully with warm toasted bread, fluffy pancakes, or freshly baked croissants. It’s also divine when spooned over vanilla ice cream or swirled into yogurt for a quick, decadent twist to everyday snacks.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Homemade Nutella Recipe as a dip alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or strawberries. Or use it as a luscious filling for crepes, cakes, or cupcakes. You can even swirl it into your morning oatmeal for a nutty chocolaty surprise that kickstarts your day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Homemade Nutella Recipe in an airtight jar or container. At room temperature, it lasts about two weeks, but to maintain peak freshness and extend shelf life, refrigeration is your best bet, where it can stay good for up to one month.
Freezing
This spread freezes well if you want to prepare a larger batch. Simply seal it tightly in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to use. Freezing won’t affect the flavor but may slightly change the texture, so give it a good stir once thawed.
Reheating
If your Homemade Nutella Recipe becomes firm or stiff in the fridge, gently warm the jar in a bowl of warm water or microwave small portions in short bursts. Stir each time to bring it back to a smooth, spreadable consistency perfect for enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use roasted hazelnuts instead of raw ones?
Yes, you can, but roasting them yourself ensures maximum freshness and flavor. Also, you can control the roasting time to prevent overcooking, which might add bitterness.
Is there a substitute for powdered sugar?
You can use confectioners’ sugar or finely ground granulated sugar. Some also opt for natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, but those may affect the texture and shelf life slightly.
Can I use a different type of nut oil?
Absolutely! Hazelnut oil is fantastic for enhancing flavor, but neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or even light olive oil work well to achieve the creamy texture without overpowering the taste.
How do I make the spread smoother?
Blending the hazelnuts for long enough is key. Don’t rush the process—patience turns the nuts from crumbly to buttery. Adding a bit more oil can also help reach the perfect smooth consistency.
Is this Homemade Nutella Recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! It contains no artificial additives and can be adjusted for sweetness, making it a wholesome and delicious treat that kids usually love, especially when spread on their favorite breads or fruits.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Nutella Recipe is genuinely one of those magical concoctions that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard. Simple ingredients, a little patience, and a sprinkle of love transform into a spread that brings smile after smile. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with friends and family, I promise once you taste this, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a treasured staple in your home!
Print
Homemade Nutella Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Nutella is a delicious, creamy hazelnut spread made from roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and sweetened with powdered sugar. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients and yields a rich, smooth spread perfect for toast, baking, or enjoying by the spoonful.
Ingredients
Nutella Spread Ingredients
- 2 cups raw hazelnuts
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 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 until the skins darken and crack, which enhances their flavor.
- Remove Skins: Allow the 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 prevents bitterness and results in a smoother spread.
- Blend Hazelnuts: Transfer the peeled hazelnuts to a food processor. Blend continuously for 5–8 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. You will first get ground nuts, then a thick paste, and finally a smooth, creamy nut butter.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of neutral oil to the blended hazelnuts. Blend again until smooth and creamy, adding more oil if the consistency is too thick.
- 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 if separated.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar.
- Using a high-powered food processor results in a smoother spread faster.
- Neutral oils like sunflower or vegetable oil work best to avoid overpowering the flavor.
- Roasting the hazelnuts maximizes their nutty flavor.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European