Healthy Homemade Nutella (Smooth, Creamy & Vegan)

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy chocolate hazelnut spread without the refined sugar and processed ingredients, you’re going to love this Healthy Homemade Nutella (Smooth, Creamy & Vegan). It’s silky, rich, deeply chocolatey, and made with wholesome pantry staples — no dairy, no palm oil, and no unnecessary additives.

This easy homemade Nutella recipe delivers everything you love about the classic spread: creamy texture, roasted hazelnut flavor, and decadent chocolate notes. The difference? You control the ingredients, sweetness level, and quality.

Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or eat it straight from the spoon (no judgment here), this vegan chocolate hazelnut spread is about to become a staple in your kitchen.


Why You’ll Love This Healthy Homemade Nutella

This recipe is:

  • Vegan and dairy-free
  • Naturally refined sugar free
  • Made with real roasted hazelnuts
  • Rich and ultra-creamy
  • Customizable in sweetness
  • Ready in under 20 minutes
  • Freezer and refrigerator friendly

Unlike store-bought versions, this refined sugar free chocolate spread skips artificial flavors and processed oils. Instead, it relies on real food ingredients blended to perfection.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups raw hazelnuts
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons plant-based milk (as needed for blending)
  • Pinch of sea salt

Simple ingredients. Incredible results.


Ingredient Breakdown

Hazelnuts

The foundation of any chocolate hazelnut spread. When roasted and blended, they transform into a smooth, naturally creamy butter.

Tip: Roasting enhances flavor and makes blending easier.

Cocoa Powder

Adds deep chocolate richness without added sugar. Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for best flavor.

Maple Syrup

Naturally sweetens the spread while keeping it vegan. Adjust based on preference.

Vanilla Extract

Adds warmth and enhances the chocolate-hazelnut flavor combination.

Plant-Based Milk

Helps create a smoother, silkier consistency if needed.

Sea Salt

A small pinch balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor.


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 10–12 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  2. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Rub hazelnuts in a clean kitchen towel to remove most of the skins (a few bits are fine).
  3. Transfer roasted hazelnuts to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend for 3–5 minutes, scraping down sides as needed, until the nuts turn into smooth hazelnut butter.
  4. Add cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Blend again until fully combined.
  5. If needed, add plant-based milk 1 tablespoon at a time to reach desired creaminess.
  6. Blend until silky smooth and glossy.
  7. Transfer to a jar and allow to cool before sealing.

The result? A luxuriously smooth vegan chocolate hazelnut spread that tastes fresh and rich.

Healthy Homemade Nutella

A smooth and creamy vegan chocolate hazelnut spread made with wholesome ingredients and natural sweetness.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 16 tablespoons
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Base
  • 2 cups raw hazelnuts
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 0.33 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-4 tbsp plant-based milk as needed
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • High-speed blender or food processor
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Roast hazelnuts at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
  2. Rub skins off with towel.
  3. Blend until smooth hazelnut butter forms.
  4. Add cocoa, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
  5. Blend until smooth, adding milk if needed.
  6. Transfer to jar and cool before storing.

Notes

Let sit at room temperature briefly if refrigerated before spreading.

Tips for Ultra-Smooth Nutella

Use a High-Speed Blender

A powerful blender or food processor makes a big difference in achieving a creamy consistency.

Be Patient While Blending

Hazelnuts go through stages — crumbly, thick paste, then smooth butter. Keep blending.

Adjust Sweetness

Taste and adjust maple syrup before final blending.

For Extra Creaminess

Add a teaspoon of melted coconut oil for a silkier finish.


Flavor Variations

This easy homemade Nutella is incredibly flexible.

Dark Chocolate Version

Melt 1/4 cup dark chocolate and blend in for deeper richness.

Protein Boost

Add 1 tablespoon chocolate protein powder.

Cinnamon Twist

Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.

Espresso Kick

Blend in 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder for mocha flavor.


Is Homemade Nutella Healthier?

Compared to store-bought versions, this recipe:

  • Contains no refined sugar
  • Skips palm oil
  • Uses real hazelnuts
  • Has no artificial additives

It’s still a treat, but made with whole ingredients and natural sweetness.

Hazelnuts provide healthy fats and nutrients, while cocoa offers antioxidants. A little goes a long way thanks to its rich flavor.


Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store in airtight jar up to 2 weeks.
  • Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months.

Note: It may firm up in the refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading.


Serving Suggestions

This dairy free Nutella recipe is incredibly versatile.

Spread it on:

  • Toast
  • Pancakes
  • Waffles
  • Crepes
  • Banana slices
  • Rice cakes

Stir it into:

  • Oatmeal
  • Smoothies
  • Yogurt
  • Chia pudding

Or simply enjoy it by the spoonful.


Why This Recipe Works

The magic happens during blending:

  • Roasted hazelnuts release natural oils, turning into butter.
  • Cocoa powder blends into the fat for smooth richness.
  • Maple syrup emulsifies with nut oils for silky texture.
  • A small amount of milk ensures spreadable consistency.

No stabilizers needed — just whole-food chemistry at its finest.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought hazelnut butter?

Yes, though freshly roasted hazelnuts provide best flavor.

Can I make this sugar-free?

You can experiment with a sugar-free sweetener alternative.

Why is my Nutella thick?

It may need more blending time or a splash more milk.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely — just ensure your blender can handle the volume.


Final Thoughts

This Healthy Homemade Nutella (Smooth, Creamy & Vegan) proves that indulgent flavor doesn’t require processed ingredients. With roasted hazelnuts, cocoa, and natural sweetness, you get a luxurious chocolate spread that feels wholesome yet decadent.

Once you taste homemade, it’s hard to go back. Rich, creamy, chocolate-hazelnut bliss — made right in your own kitchen.

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