Indulge in the rich, creamy, and undeniably delicious taste of chocolate hazelnut spread with our homemade Vegan Nutella recipe. This isn’t just any substitute; it’s a gourmet experience that captures the beloved flavor everyone adores, yet is meticulously crafted to be paleo, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, grain-free, and significantly healthier than its store-bought counterpart. Exceptionally versatile and incredibly simple to prepare, this spread is perfect for enhancing almost any snack or meal. Prepare to transform your pantry with this delightful and guilt-free treat!
For many, Nutella represents that quintessential indulgent pleasure – a spoonful of creamy, chocolatey bliss that defies dietary resolutions. It’s often the exception we make in an otherwise wholesome diet, a treat deemed “worth it” for its sheer delight. And honestly, who can argue with the allure of that silky, rich, hazelnut-infused chocolate perfection? It’s a flavor profile deeply ingrained in our collective culinary consciousness.
But what if you could enjoy that same divine taste, knowing every ingredient that went into it was intentionally chosen for its health benefits and quality? Imagine a Nutella that is not only incredibly easy to make at home but is also completely paleo and vegan-friendly. Yes, it’s not just a dream! This recipe makes creating your own healthier chocolate hazelnut spread surprisingly straightforward. We’re talking effortless preparation that yields a spread so delicious, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.
This homemade Nutella isn’t merely vegan and paleo; it empowers you with complete control over its contents. Say goodbye to unknown additives and unnecessary sugars. With this recipe, you’ll confidently smother your morning toast, apples, cereal, or even just your fingers (no judgment here – we’ve all done it!) in a decadent spread that truly nourishes. And for that inevitable “breakfast-dessert” moment, a spoonful straight from the jar will feel like a well-deserved, wholesome indulgence.
Unlock the Deliciousness: Why This Homemade Vegan Nutella Reigns Supreme
Our vegan Nutella recipe isn’t just a delicious alternative; it’s a superior choice that harmonizes incredible taste with impressive health benefits. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes this recipe stand out:
- Unrivaled Chocolatey Richness with Toasted Hazelnuts: We’ve meticulously crafted this spread to deliver an intense, authentic chocolate-hazelnut flavor that rivals and often surpasses store-bought versions. The secret lies in perfectly toasted hazelnuts, which unlock their full, nutty aroma and contribute to the spread’s luxurious texture. Paired with high-quality real dark chocolate, the resulting flavor profile is deep, complex, and incredibly satisfying.
- Crafted with Wholesome, Minimal Ingredients: Simplicity is key to both flavor and health. This recipe features only a handful of carefully selected ingredients: premium vegan or paleo dark chocolate, freshly toasted hazelnuts, unrefined coconut oil, pure maple syrup for natural sweetness, a touch of vanilla extract for aromatic depth, and a pinch of sea salt to enhance all the flavors. No fillers, no artificial anything – just pure, natural goodness.
- Remarkably Easy and Quick to Prepare: Don’t let the gourmet taste fool you; this vegan Nutella is astonishingly simple to make. The majority of the process involves minimal hands-on time, primarily utilizing your blender for achieving that silky-smooth consistency and a microwave (or double boiler) for effortlessly melting the chocolate. It’s a recipe designed for convenience without compromising on quality.
- Accommodating for Diverse Dietary Needs: We believe everyone should enjoy delicious treats. This recipe is inherently vegan, making it ideal for plant-based lifestyles. It’s also paleo-compliant, free from grains, dairy, and refined sugars. Furthermore, for those monitoring carbohydrate intake, we’ve included an easy low-carb option, ensuring maximum flexibility for your dietary preferences.
The moment this spread touches your palate, you’ll be captivated by the profound nuttiness of the expertly toasted hazelnuts, a flavor that dances brilliantly with the heady notes of dark chocolate. The subtle bitterness of the chocolate is perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of maple syrup and the warm, inviting aroma of vanilla. This exquisite harmony of flavors is what truly defines this as your new go-to Nutella – a spread that elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet delight.
Beyond its incredible taste, this homemade Nutella also boasts impressive health benefits, thanks to its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Did you know that coconut oil, a core component, is revered for its unique combination of fatty acids? Its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are known for being easily digestible and can actually contribute to increased energy expenditure compared to longer-chain fats. It’s a beneficial fat that adds a delightful richness to our spread. While we’re not suggesting guzzling a cup, incorporating healthy fats like coconut oil, alongside the monounsaturated fats from hazelnuts and antioxidants from dark chocolate, makes this a treat you can truly feel good about.
Is Store-Bought Nutella Vegan? A Closer Look at the Ingredients
A common question many health-conscious individuals ask is whether the Nutella found in grocery stores aligns with a vegan lifestyle or a paleo diet. The straightforward answer is: No, traditional store-bought Nutella is not vegan, nor is it paleo. A quick glance at its ingredient list reveals why it falls short of these dietary standards:
SUGAR, PALM OIL, HAZELNUTS, SKIM MILK, COCOA, SOY LECITHIN AS EMULSIFIER, VANILLIN: AN ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR.
This list raises several red flags. “Sugar” is the primary ingredient, indicating a high refined sugar content. Skim milk, a dairy product, immediately disqualifies it for vegans and those avoiding dairy. Palm oil is often a point of concern for both health and environmental reasons, while soy lecithin, though vegan, is often derived from GMO soy and can be problematic for some. Finally, “Vanillin: an artificial flavor” highlights the presence of synthetic additives rather than natural extracts.
Fortunately, our homemade vegan Nutella triumphantly sidesteps all these issues. It contains absolutely zero dairy, refined sugar, or artificial ingredients, making it a truly wholesome and compliant treat for both vegan and paleo diets!
However, if time is of the essence and crafting this homemade delight isn’t feasible, you might consider Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Butter as a potentially healthier, though not strictly paleo, store-bought alternative. Always check the labels to ensure it meets your specific dietary requirements.
Storing Your Homemade Vegan Nutella: Longevity and Freshness
To ensure your delicious homemade vegan Nutella remains fresh and perfectly spreadable, proper storage is key. Transfer the finished spread into a clean, airtight container. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid works wonderfully. Store it at cool room temperature for optimal consistency and flavor. Under these conditions, your vegan Nutella will keep beautifully for at least 1 week. If you prefer a firmer texture or wish to extend its shelf life further, you can refrigerate it for up to 2-3 weeks. Just be aware that it will firm up significantly when chilled, so you may need to let it sit at room temperature for a bit or gently warm it before serving to regain its smooth, spreadable texture.
Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Vegan Nutella Every Time
Achieving that incredibly smooth, rich, and authentic Nutella experience at home is simpler than you think, especially with these insider tips:
- Leverage Your Blender’s Tamper: For truly velvety smooth vegan Nutella, a high-speed blender is your best friend. As the hazelnuts break down and transform into butter, the mixture can become thick and cling to the sides. Use the tamper that comes with your blender to consistently press the mixture down towards the blades. This ensures all ingredients are uniformly processed, resulting in an impeccably smooth spread without overworking your blender.
- Effortless Hazelnut Skin Removal: Removing the skins from roasted hazelnuts is crucial for the best texture and purest flavor. While a few stubborn skins are perfectly fine, here’s the most efficient method: After roasting and allowing the nuts to cool slightly, lay out a clean kitchen towel. Pour the warm hazelnuts into the center, fold the towel over them, and rub them vigorously. The friction will cause most of the skins to flake off easily. Simply open the towel, pick out the clean nuts, and discard the skins.
- Mastering Chocolate Melting for Smoothness: Melting chocolate requires a gentle touch. To prevent it from seizing up and becoming grainy, use a wide, microwave-safe bowl. This allows the chocolate and coconut oil mixture to spread out, ensuring even heating and preventing hotspots. Start by microwaving for 60 seconds, then stir thoroughly. Continue with 30-second bursts, stirring exceptionally well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy. Alternatively, a double boiler method offers a more controlled, gentle heat if you prefer.
- Quality Ingredients Make a Difference: While convenience is great, the flavor of your homemade Nutella largely depends on the quality of your ingredients. Opt for fresh hazelnuts, a high-quality dark chocolate (ensure it’s vegan/paleo certified if needed), and pure maple syrup. These premium ingredients will elevate the final taste significantly.
- Patience with Blending: Transforming whole hazelnuts into a smooth butter takes time and patience. Don’t rush the process. Let your blender run, scraping down the sides as needed, until the nuts release their oils and form a creamy, fluid consistency before adding the other ingredients.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking: The beauty of homemade is customization. The recipe provides a balanced sweetness, but feel free to adjust the amount of maple syrup to match your personal preference. Taste and add more in small increments if you desire a sweeter spread.
Creative Culinary Pairings: What to Eat with Vegan Nutella
Once you’ve whipped up a batch of this luscious vegan Nutella, the possibilities for enjoyment are virtually endless. Its rich, versatile flavor makes it a fantastic addition to both sweet and savory dishes:
- Elevate Your Toast Game: Spread generously on your favorite slices – whether it’s classic sourdough, a hearty gluten-free bread, or even thinly sliced sweet potato “toast” for a paleo-friendly option.
- Fruit’s Best Friend: A simple yet delightful snack. Dip slices of apple, banana, strawberries, or pear into a bowl of the creamy spread for an instant healthy treat.
- Unexpected Bagel Bliss: For a truly gourmet experience, spread it on a toasted bagel and top with crumbles of goat cheese and fresh raspberries. Trust us on this one – the combination of sweet, tart, and savory is absolutely divine!
- Savory Indulgence: Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it! Drizzle or spread a thin layer onto crispy slices of bacon (or your favorite vegan bacon alternative) for an intriguing sweet-and-salty flavor explosion.
- Breakfast Enhancer: Take your breakfast to the next level by drizzling vegan Nutella over warm waffles, fluffy pancakes, or delicate crepes. It’s a game-changer!
- Oatmeal & Yogurt Swirl: Stir a tablespoon into your morning oatmeal or swirl it into a bowl of plain coconut yogurt for an added layer of flavor and richness.
- Smoothie Secret: Boost your smoothies with a spoonful of Nutella for a creamy, chocolate-hazelnut twist. It adds both flavor and healthy fats.
- Baking Bonanza: Incorporate it into your baking! Use it as a filling for cookies, a swirl in brownies, or even as a decadent frosting for cakes and cupcakes.
Complement Your Spread: Other Delicious & Healthy Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re enjoying this healthier take on classic treats, you’ll surely love these other delightful and diet-friendly recipes:
- 5-Minute Paleo Caramel Sauce (Vegan)
- Healthy Cookie Dough
- Paleo Chocolate Mousse Dip
- Perfect Paleo Brownies (Fudgy, Crackly Top, Gluten Free)
- Vegan Pie Crust
- The BEST Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies
Vegan Nutella (Paleo & Healthy Homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread)
Cheryl Malik
Equipment
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baking sheet
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parchment paper
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Oven
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Microwave
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Wide bowl
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high-speed blender (or food processor)
Ingredients
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- 12 ounces vegan dark chocolate chips or chopped (ensure it’s paleo-friendly if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil at room temperature or melted
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- non-dairy milk to taste (e.g., almond, macadamia, or coconut milk)
Instructions
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Begin by preheating your oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven preheats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
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Spread the hazelnuts in a single, even layer across the prepared baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for approximately 12 minutes, or until they’ve achieved a light golden-brown color and their skins begin to crack and peel away. This toasting process is crucial for enhancing their flavor. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the hazelnuts to cool slightly.
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Once cooled enough to handle, remove the skins from the hazelnuts. You can do this by pinching individual nuts between your fingers, or more efficiently, by wrapping the hazelnuts completely in a clean kitchen towel and vigorously rubbing them together. Most of the skins should come off. It’s perfectly fine if a few small pieces of skin remain. Pick out the peeled nuts and discard the skins.
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In a wide, medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the vegan dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) and the coconut oil. Microwave for 60 seconds, then remove and stir thoroughly. Continue microwaving in 30-second bursts, stirring very well in between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Overheating can cause chocolate to seize, so proceed with caution.
Refer to the Notes section for more detailed guidance on melting chocolate. As an alternative, you can melt the chocolate and coconut oil together using a double boiler method for gentle, controlled heat.
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Transfer the peeled hazelnuts to a high-speed blender or food processor. Process until they are finely ground and begin to release their oils, forming a smooth hazelnut butter (this may take several minutes, use the tamper if your blender has one). Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the blender with the hazelnut butter and pulse until thoroughly combined. Next, add the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt, then process again until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
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Pour in 2 tablespoons of your chosen non-dairy milk and blend well. Continue adding non-dairy milk in 2-tablespoon increments as needed, blending thoroughly after each addition, until your desired consistency is achieved. The amount will vary based on your preferred thickness; typically, 4-6 tablespoons provide a lovely, spreadable texture. Once smooth and perfect, transfer the vegan Nutella to an airtight container with a lid. Refrigerate until you’re ready to enjoy, allowing it to firm up slightly.
- Choosing Your Chocolate: For strict paleo adherence, opt for a truly paleo-friendly dark chocolate, such as Pascha 100% Cacao Chips. Be aware that unsweetened chocolate will require adjusting the maple syrup quantity to achieve your desired sweetness level. Always check labels for dairy-free and soy-free certifications if needed.
- Precise Chocolate Melting: To prevent your chocolate from seizing and becoming grainy, meticulous attention to melting is essential. Use a bowl that’s wide enough so that the chocolate and coconut oil mixture does not exceed 1 inch in depth. Begin with a 60-second microwave interval, then proceed with 30-second bursts, stirring diligently after each. Alternatively, a double boiler offers a gentle, indirect heat method that reduces the risk of burning or seizing the chocolate.
- Selecting Non-Dairy Milk: Non-dairy milk is crucial for achieving the perfect spreadable consistency. We highly recommend unsweetened vanilla macadamia milk or almond milk for their neutral flavor profiles that complement the chocolate and hazelnut. Coconut milk can also be a delicious option, adding a subtle tropical note to your spread.
- Making it Low Carb: To adapt this recipe for a low-carb diet, use Lily’s Stevia Sweetened Chocolate Chips or another erythritol-sweetened chocolate. Additionally, swap out the maple syrup for powdered erythritol to maintain the low-carb profile without compromising on sweetness.
- Storage and Shelf Life: Store your homemade vegan Nutella in an airtight container at room temperature for approximately 1 week. For extended freshness, it can be refrigerated for up to 2-3 weeks, though it will firm up considerably and may require sitting at room temperature or gentle warming to become spreadable again.
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 16 servings. Please note that the actual number of servings may vary depending on your personal preferred portion sizes.
The nutritional values provided below are intended as general guidelines. They reflect information for 1 serving based on the specified ingredients and assuming 4 tablespoons of almond milk. Actual macronutrient values may differ slightly based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you choose to use.
To accurately determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Once finished, weigh the entire batch of the prepared recipe (excluding the weight of its container) and divide this total weight by 16. The resulting figure will give you the precise weight of a single serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
The number of total servings indicated is an approximation. The actual quantity of servings you obtain will be dependent on your individual portion sizes.
All nutritional values displayed are general guidelines and are based on the information for 1 serving using the specified ingredients, not including any optional additions. Slight variations in actual macronutrient values may occur based on the specific brands and types of ingredients utilized.
To determine the precise weight of a single serving, please prepare the recipe according to the instructions. Once the recipe is complete, weigh the entire finished batch, then divide this total weight (excluding the container’s weight) by your desired number of servings. The resulting figure will be the weight of one serving.
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