This vegan chocolate hazelnut butter is easy to make and delicious. Use it as a topping on toast, in desserts, or eat it straight from the jar. It's a great alternative to regular chocolate spreads.
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Why You'll Love This Vegan Nutella Recipe
Better Than Store-Bought- Homemade vegan Nutella is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it healthier and more ethical. By making it at home, you can control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness to your liking. Plus, it's a fun and easy DIY project that can save you money in the long run.
Easy To Make- Homemade vegan Nutella only requires simple ingredients like hazelnuts, cocoa powder, coconut oil, and maple syrup.
Versatile- Use this vegan chocolate hazelnut spread on toast, as a dip for pretzels or fruit, or as a filling for baked goods like cupcakes or brownies.
What Is Nutella?
Regular Nutella, or hazelnut butter, is a delicious chocolate and hazelnut spread that is loved by many. It is made from a blend of roasted hazelnuts, cocoa, sugar, milk, and other natural ingredients. The spread has a creamy and smooth texture and is perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, waffles, and more.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Dish Towel
- Food Processor
- Airtight Storage Container With Lid
Ingredients
- Raw Hazelnuts- Provides the base for the chocolate spread, giving it a nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Dark Cane Sugar- Adds sweetness.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder- Gives the homemade Nutella its deep chocolate flavor.
- Coconut Oil- Helps to bind the ingredients and provides a smooth consistency.
- Vanilla Extract- Adds a subtle hint of flavor and aroma to the finished product.
How To Make Homemade Vegan Nutella
Preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare this recipe. Place the hazelnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking tray and bake for around 10 minutes. Then let the hazelnuts cool.
Next, wet a dish towel and wring it out well. Place the baked nuts onto the damp towel. Fold the dish towel over the hazelnuts and rub firmly and quickly back and forth. Doing this will remove the shells, which will stick to the towel.
Handpick the cleanest peeled hazelnuts and add them to a food processor. Don't worry if some skins remain; the Nutella will still be delicious. Blend the hazelnuts for around 5 minutes, allowing the machine to cool after every 30 seconds or so. The hazelnuts will clump around the blades.
Finally, add the sugar, cocoa powder, coconut oil, and vanilla extract and process into a nut butter consistency. The mixture should be smooth and shiny. Enjoy your homemade vegan Nutella!
Loving Your Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
- Enjoy it like you would enjoy the store-bought Nutella, of course. But since this homemade chocolate spread is much healthier, you will have no issues.
- Dunk your fruit in it. Seriously, you have to try this. I suggest bananas, pineapple slices, and your favorite chopped apples.
- Fold it into vegan crepes and feel good about it.
- And, yes, even eating it with a spoon, because it is just that good!
And if you want some incredible recipes to use this vegan Nutella, check out some of my favorites here!
Vegan Pumpkin Waffles, smear it over the top.
Nice and warm Brown Bread Irish Scones would be perfect with a little (or a lot) chocolate spread.
Rich Whole Wheat Batter Bread can be toasted and topped with Nutella for a fantastic treat.
Popular Substitutions And Additions
- Use raw hazelnuts instead of roasted.
- Experiment with different sweeteners, such as maple syrup or coconut sugar
- Add chopped nuts to make a crunchy Nutella.
- Incorporate cacao nibs, vegan dark chocolate chips, chopped chocolate, or melted chocolate in the mixture for more chocolate flavor.
- For a more creamy texture, add a splash of your favorite dairy-free milk such as coconut milk, almond milk,
Can I Freeze Vegan Nutella?
I would not suggest freezing vegan Nutella because it may affect its texture and cause separation.
Vegan Nutella FAQs
Is vegan Nutella healthier than traditional store-bought Nutella?
Store-bought versions often contain refined sugar and palm oil, which are not the healthiest options. However, this vegan homemade Nutella is a different story. The first ingredient is hazelnuts, followed by unrefined coconut sugar. Unlike its store-bought counterpart, it doesn't contain milk or artificial flavors. This homemade Nutella with cocoa powder only has 5 pure ingredients. Additionally, it's preservative-free and additive-free, making it a healthier and more nutritious option. It's packed with high protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals, making it a delicious and healthy spread.
How should I store vegan Nutella?
It's best to store homemade vegan Nutella in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
Do I have to roast the hazelnuts for this vegan Nutella recipe?
Roasting the hazelnuts is optional, but it adds a boost of nutty flavor to the Nutella.
Can I make vegan Nutella without a food processor?
Yes, you can definitely make vegan Nutella without a food processor. All you need is a blender or a mortar and pestle to blend the ingredients until smooth. Just take your time and be patient until you achieve the desired consistency.
π Recipe
Vegan Nutella
Ingredients
- 2 cups hazelnuts
- Β½ cup dark cane sugar
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- Β½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Arrange the hazelnuts in a single layer over the prepared baking tray and bake for 10 minutes.
- Wet a dish towel and wring it out as best you can. Dump all the baked hazelnuts into the damp dish towel. Fold the dish towel over the hazelnuts and rub firmly and quickly, back and forth. This way, you will rub off the shell coverings as they will stick to the towel.
- Hand-pick out the cleanest hazelnuts and toss them in a food processor. Don't worry if all the skins won't come off; the nutella will still be delicious.
- Process the hazelnuts for about 5 minutes, allowing the machine to coll after about every 30 seconds. The hazelnuts will start to clump together around the blades.
- Add the remaining ingredients.
- Process again until smooth and shiny.
kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox
I want to stick my face in that bowl. Oh, holy YUM!
Heather // girlichef
You know, I had never even heard of Nutella until 5 or so years ago! This would be so dangerous in my house. I have a slight addiction (must be making up for my early years). π Looks seriously amazing.
Rebecca {foodie with family}
I made some homemade nutella and took it to our friendly neighborhood librarian (we homeschoolers need to keep tight with our library staff. π ) She LOVES it. She asks for more every time one of our family members goes in for books (which is frequently!) In other words, this homemade nutella is an effective friend-making device as well!
Amanda @The Kitcheneer
I am SO making this! This would make great Christmas presents in jars with bows this year! YUM
Nichole Kraft
My word, that looks delicious! I was also a "late bloomer" when it came to Nutella, and then I was very disappointed when I took time to read the label and realized it wasn't vegan. But this recipe changes all that!
One question, though. Where do you buy your hazelnuts? I live in a rural area and I can't usually find them here. Do you order them online? Thanks!
Brenda@Sugar-Free Mom
I love me some homemade nutella, mine is sugar-free but this one looks fabulous!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
I didn't try Nutella until recently either - I had been missing out! I can't wait to try making it at home!
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour)
Drool! I adore Nutella, a homemade version is so much better!
Stephanie @ Back For Seconds
I should not have this information π Looks dreamy!!
Kim - Liv Life
Love. Love. LOVE!! Have I mentioned I might love this recipe??!! I've been making my own nut butters for the last year or so, but I haven't attempted my own nutella. The use of the coconut oil and sugars pops this into the OMG category. Simply amazing!
Alexis @ Upside Down Pear
I feel like the heavens have just opened up π I love Nutella and would eat it with a spoon, but I haven't let myself buy it in quite some time as I'm not crazy about some of the ingredients in it. This looks awesome! And I can't wait to have some of that spread again!!
Ginny McMeans
Hahaha Kellie! You are so funny!
Ginny McMeans
It is dangerous Heather! I put my extra in the freezer and am hoping I keep forgetting about it. π
Ginny McMeans
Good to know Rebecca and you are an excellent patron π
Ginny McMeans
It really would Amanda. It will be so pretty too!
Ginny McMeans
Hi Nichole - I buy my hazelnuts at Sprouts and Whole Foods. They are also available online through Amazon and other places. I will place a link on the hazelnuts just to get you there. If the word 'hazelnuts' is blue in the ingredients that means I got it done so just click on that word. π
Ginny McMeans
Thanks so much Brenda. I bet your sugar-free one is great too!
Ginny McMeans
It is so fun Ashley! Just remember not to overprocess it. π
Ginny McMeans
Hahaha! Thanks Stephanie!
Ginny McMeans
Thanks so much Kim and I love that you are making your own nut butters. People just don't realize how easy and good they are until they try it.
Ginny McMeans
You are so funny! Thanks so much Alexis! Your praise is so appreciated. Hope you get to make it soon. π
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen
I have a friend who loves Nutella, I must share this with her.
Lauren @ Healthy Delicious
The texture looks incredible- even better than the original!
Kim Beaulieu
I can't stop staring at this. I want to slather it on everything. It's delightful.
Nichole Kraft
Thanks, Ginny! I can't wait to try this. I agree with the others commenting--I think this would make a great gift idea come December. π
Samantha
Homemade nutella is the bomb! Looks great. I can't wait to try this myself.
Maria
Will the texture be smooth or grainy? I've never attempted a homemade version before but I'm certainly looking forward to it. Looks delicious!
Ginny McMeans
Please do valmg!
Ginny McMeans
Well, I find it incredibly smooth Maria. It never comes across as grainy to me.
Ginny McMeans
You are the sweetest Lauren!
Ginny McMeans
Hahaha Kim! Thanks and you do have to be careful with it. π
Ginny McMeans
Thanks Sam and you will love it!
Aly ~ Cooking In Stilettos
I once tried to get hazelnut skins off via a method I found online with baking soda and while it worked, the Le Creuset interior turned a horrid shade of black for a while. I love your idea much better (as will my pans *LOL*) Great recipe!
Meseidy Rivera
Holy heavens! I need a spoon!
Ginny McMeans
Thumbs up!
Elizabeth@ Food Ramblings
Homemade nutella- I will definitely be making this! Thanks for the recipe π
Angie | Big Bear's Wife
My little brother INHALES nutella! I'm totally making him some of this!
Karissa | Sweet as a Cookie
This is dangerous! My boyfriend will flip if he knows I can make it myself now.
Sway king
Certainly an easy recipe. Going to make this for christmas gifts this year. We have 9.5 acres of hazelnut trees so Ill definitely have plenty.
Michaell
I think I will also make this for Christmas this year! My family always exchanges homemade gifts and this would be PERFECT! Thanks for this great recipe π
Liza
Oh Mama!!! I adore Nutella... thanks for sharing this recipe. I'm going to be making my own and therefore will never, ever, ever have to run out.
Ginny McMeans
haha Liza! A great idea π
Anne Fraser
Wow your Nutella looks fabulous. I made some a little while back, I could have processed it more because it was a bit grainy but still nice. Also I left the skins on the nuts to see what difference it made - it was still yum.
Anne
This is the BEST homemade nutella recipe I've tried so far π
Ginny McMeans
Fantastic Anne! Thanks for telling me - t makes me so happy. π
Jeri
If I bake the nuts but don't rub and process until a day or two later would it still turn out? Any reason why everything needs to be done all at once?
Ginny McMeans
I think that will be fine. maybe some skin won't come off from cooling but it is okay to have some skin. Also, you can buy them skinned if you want to pay a little more.
Vivian
I have a big question. Store bought nutella cannot be frozen. Everyone on the internet says that.. so I tested it. It did not remain hard as people are saying but the taste changed...had an off aftertaste. I want to fill 150 cupcakes with nutella for my son's wedding. They need to be made and frozen ahead because I can't be doing this the day before. Will this stay soft if I pipe it into the cupcakes - does the flavor change when frozen. This recipe might be the answer to all of my problems. I need urgent help - thanks!!
Ginny McMeans
I just took one out of the freezer and am -rechecking my taste buds. It won't be defrosted until tomorrow so I will get back to you. Fingers crossed.
Ginny McMeans
Hi Vivian - I ate the the whole container (it was smallish π ) over the last week and it was delicious. Two points are that if you are keeping the cupcakes in the fridge the 'nutella' is firmer. More like a fudge. If they are at room temperature then they are a bit softer. The oils may escape into the cake part (if at room temperature) but I think that might be very delicious. Can you do some test cupcakes to check?