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Dark, rich, creamy vegan nutella is made with raw hazelnuts, dark chocolate, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. It is a decadent chocolate hazelnut spread for dipping fruit, or slathering over pancakes, toast, and more!
When I first discovered nutella as a child I thought I'd found the best kept secret! This chocolate hazelnut spread that tasted amazing on just about anything was my new favorite treat!
It wasn't until I got older that I turned the jar over to look at the nutrition facts to see that my favorite chocolate treat was not so healthy!
With processed ingredients and added cane sugar, a 2 tablespoon serving comes in at 200 calories and 21 grams of sugar! That's more sugar than a full sized Snickers bar!
And I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to only enjoy 2 tablespoons - so I always end up eating more!
I figured, there had to be a better way right? So I set out to make my own quality homemade nutella. With healthy, dairy-free ingredients, this version can be enjoyed by all with a lot less guilt!
Tools and Equipment
Recipe Ingredients and Notes
- Raw Hazelnuts: Using raw hazelnuts that you roast in the oven eliminates the need for extra oils.
- Dark Chocolate and Coconut Oil: Use a quality dark chocolate, 70% or higher. The coconut oil, which is a better option than palm oil, helps the chocolate melt, and creates a creamy texture when combined with the hazelnuts.
- Maple Syrup: Instead of cane sugar, maple syrup creates a natural refined sugar free subtle sweet flavor.
- Almond Milk: Regular nutella uses dairy milk, this homemade nutella uses almond milk which is lower in fat and calories.
- Vanilla Extract and Sea Salt: Vanilla and sea salt bring out the natural flavors of the chocolate and hazelnuts.
- Dates: Optional, add if you want more sweetness!
How to Make Vegan Nutella - Step by Step
Step 1: Heat your oven to 350°F. Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet, and roast for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Remove from the oven, and place hazelnuts into a food processor or high-speed blender. Blitz for a few minutes, until you have a thick and creamy nut butter. (You'll probably need to stop and scrape down the sides of the container a few times.)
Step 3: While the nuts are processing, break the chocolate into small pieces and melt with the coconut oil (can be done in the microwave or on the stovetop).
Step 4: Once the nut butter is ready, add the melted chocolate and coconut oil, maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt. If adding dates, add at this time. Blitz for another couple of minutes, until everything is completely mixed together and smooth.
Step 5: When finished, the mixture will have a thick, peanut butter like consistency.
Step 6: Transfer this vegan chocolate spread to an airtight jar or serve immediately.
What Makes This Vegan Nutella Healthy?
- Lower in Sugar and Calories: This vegan nutella is lower in sugar and calories than regular nutella. One serving has under 200 calories and only 3.5 grams of sugar!
- Hazelnut Health Benefits: Hazelnuts are a good source of vitamin E, healthy fats, protein and dietary fiber.
- Dark Chocolate Health Benefits: Dark chocolate is a good source of antioxidants. It's know to raise HDL (your healthy cholesterol), and lower LDL. It can also control blood pressure, and promote heart health.
Will Kids Enjoy This Vegan Nutella Recipe?
Kids will love this vegan chocolate spread! They will be asking for it around the clock! It has a smooth texture, with a nutty and deep chocolate flavor. It's perfect to spread on rice cakes for a snack, or use as a dip with fruit for dessert. Spread on top of whole grain pancakes, and waffles. Let your kids imagination run wild, and see what delicious ideas they invent! They will probably want to eat it with a spoon!
Recipe FAQS
How to Serve
- Snacks: This healthy nutella makes a delicious snack. Spread on whole grain toast, or brown rice cakes, or crackers.
- Dessert: Use as a dip for fruit like strawberries, kiwi, or pear! Spread on top of cupcakes instead of frosting or make a dessert pizza with flatbread, topped with chopped nuts, fruit, and vegan marshmallows!
- Breakfast: Spread in between crepes, on top of French toast, waffles, or pancakes. Swirl inside muffins!
How to Store and Keep
Transfer to an airtight jar, and store at room temperature or in the fridge for a thicker texture. It will keep for a month in the fridge, and for a week at room temperature.
Why Is Store Bought Nutella Not Vegan?
Store bought nutella uses powdered milk. Because of this ingredient it is not vegan. There are other store-bought chocolate spreads that are vegan that do not add milk, such as Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter, but I've found that the homemade version tastes even better than store bought!
Top Tips for Making Vegan Nutella
- Use raw unsalted hazelnuts for the best flavor and health benefits.
- Use at least 70% dark chocolate to achieve a rich chocolatey flavor.
- Be sure to allow the hazelnuts to process until they create a nut butter. This will ensure you have a creamy texture.
- Don't skip the coconut oil. The coconut oil helps to give this healthy nutella a luscious texture that isn't grainy.
- For a thinner consistency store at room temperature. For a thick consistency, refrigerate.
- Try adding a dash of instant coffee to the recipe to enhance the chocolate flavor even more.
