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    Salted Plains » Recipes » Vegan

    Vegan Nutella (Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Spread)

    Published: May 24, 2023 by Tessa · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Indulge guilt-free with our homemade Vegan Nutella recipe—a healthier, dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread. Enjoy the creamy, chocolatey goodness without compromising your dietary preferences.

    Chocolate spread in a jar.

    Nutella is a magically delicious spread. What's not so magical is the amount of sugar and palm oil the store-bought traditional Nutella contains.

    Is Nutella vegan? The favorite spread also includes dairy and is not vegan. 

    But don't fret, we are sharing a dairy-free Nutella alternative that is easy to make at home!

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients and substitutions
    • ​Step-by-step instructions
    • Tips
    • Serving suggestions
    • FAQs
    • More hazelnut dessert recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • Healthier than store-bought Nutella
    • Simple ingredients
    • Creamy spread that goes with so many things!
    • Great for those on a plant-based diet

    Ingredients and substitutions

    Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete ingredient list and instructions in the recipe card below.

    Ingredients in small bowls to make hazelnut butter.

    With only 5 ingredients, rich nutty butter can be yours. Here are the major ingredients you'll need for a healthy spread:

    Raw hazelnuts - In order to bring out the flavor, these raw hazelnuts will be baked in the oven briefly to become roasted hazelnuts, and the natural oils will help turn them into a smooth butter. Plus, these nuts are packed with dietary fiber, vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and high amounts of flavanoids, and other minerals.

    Unsweetened cocoa powder - I used Dutch-processed cocoa powder, but natural cocoa powder (or cacao powder) will substitute well. Cacao powder will just have a more intense cocoa flavor.

    Maple syrup - The warmth of maple enhances the flavor. Plus, it's one of the best natural sweeteners. Agave syrup works as an excellent vegan liquid sweetener substitute.

    Vanilla extract - Vanilla complements the chocolate and hazelnut and helps enhance sweetness without added sugar.

    Unsweetened almond milk - Instead of dairy milk or skim milk powder, this plant-based milk adds richness. Coconut milk or other dairy-free milk alternatives will work as well.

    ​Step-by-step instructions

    Before you start: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Raw hazelnuts on parchment paper.
    Hazelnuts on a gray linen towel.

    Step 1: Spread nuts into a single layer on baking and roast in the oven for 10 minutes. 

    Step 2: Rub the skins off with a kitchen towel.

    Chocolate hazelnut butter in food processor.
    Chocolate spread in a glass jar.

    Step 3: Transfer hazelnuts to the bowl of a food processor. Process until nuts start to become a creamy consistency. Add the remaining ingredients to the food processor.

    Step 4: Blend until smooth and creamy.

    Tips

    An airtight jar or container is the best way to store your nut-based spread. Keep the jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. 

    Before each use, stir with a knife to reintegrate the spread. This homemade Nutella will thicken a bit after refrigeration.

    Serving suggestions

    Like many homemade nut butters, this vegan spread is just the thing to accompany breakfast items, snacks, or desserts. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate that nutty flavor of Nutella!

    • Spread it on toast (with a sprinkle of sea salt)
    • Dip with fruit
    • Use as a pancake or waffle topping
    • Mix into smoothies
    • Stuff it in gluten free crepes
    • Bake with it: incorporate it into cookies, brownies, or muffins
    • Enjoy it with pretzels or crackers
    • Make Nutella hot chocolate!
    • Use to fill pastries

    FAQs

    Is vegan Nutella healthier than regular Nutella?

    With much less sugar than the original Nutella as well as the omission of vegetable oils, whey powder, and synthetic vanillin, this homemade Nutella recipe uses whole ingredients making it a healthier option.

    Does homemade Nutella need to be refrigerated?

    Yes! This homemade chocolate hazelnut spread should be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

    Can I make vegan Nutella at home?

    Absolutely! All you need is five ingredients; hazelnuts, cocoa powder, maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla extract, and a food processor.

    Homemade Nutella on toast.

    More hazelnut dessert recipes

    • Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Bars Recipe (dairy-free, refined sugar-free) | saltedplains.com
      Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Bars
    • Double Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookies made with hazelnut meal, hazelnut butter, cocoa powder, and organic dark chocolate chips for a truly decadent cookies. Gluten-free, grain-free, vegan.
      Double Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Cookies
    • Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Tart
    • Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies w/ Dark Chocolate #glutenfree | saltedplains.com
      Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies With Dark Chocolate

    Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!

    📖 Recipe

    Chocolate hazelnut spread in a jar.

    Vegan Nutella

    Indulge guilt-free with our homemade Vegan Nutella recipe—a healthier, dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread. Enjoy the creamy, chocolatey goodness without compromising your dietary preferences.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 14
    Calories: 124kcal
    Author: Tessa

    Equipment

    • Food Processor

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups raw hazelnuts
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 3-4 tablespoons maple syrup*
    • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread hazelnuts in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes until toasted. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 1-2 minutes.
    • Transfer hazelnuts to a clean kitchen towel. Using the towel, rub the hazelnuts together to remove as much of the skins as possible. Once complete, place hazelnuts in the bowl of a food processor.
    • Process hazelnuts, stopping occasionally to wipe down sides, until it goes from crumbly to a creamier consistency. Once hazelnuts start to turn into butter, add the remaining ingredients. Process until chocolate hazelnut butter is completely smooth.
    • Store chocolate hazelnut spread in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. The spread will thicken as it chills. Before using, stir to reintegrate. Chocolate hazelnut spread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

    Notes

    *Agave syrup can be used as a vegan alternative to maple syrup. If you are not concerned about making this vegan, honey also works well. Start with a little less of either than called for in the recipe and add more to taste. 
    Adapted from my Homemade Honey Roasted Almond Butter.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 124kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 48mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @SaltedPlains or tag #saltedplains!
    Chocolate hazelnut spread in a jar.
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    Comments

    1. Brynne

      September 27, 2021 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      Love that this is a healthier option for a great staple 😍

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Tessa! I create gluten-free, real food recipes that are approachable and delicious.

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