There’s something wonderfully comforting about the rich, velvety swirl of chocolate hazelnut spread-its sweet aroma, the creamy texture, the way it effortlessly transforms a simple slice of bread into a decadent treat. While store-bought jars offer convenience, they rarely capture the fresh, authentic flavors that come from making your own. Imagine indulging in a homemade chocolate hazelnut spread crafted with wholesome ingredients, tailored to your taste, and free from unnecessary additives. In this article, we’ll guide you through the art of creating your own luscious spread right in your kitchen, turning a beloved pantry staple into a personalized delight that’s as satisfying to make as it is to savor.
Gathering the Finest Ingredients for a Rich and Creamy Spread
Indulge at Home: Crafting Your Own Chocolate Hazelnut spread begins with sourcing premium ingredients that transform this luscious treat into an unforgettable experience. to capture the true essence of a rich and creamy spread, focus on selecting the freshest hazelnuts, the finest quality chocolate, and pure, velvety oils that balance flavor and texture perfectly.
Prep and Cook Time
Readiness: 10 minutes
cooking/Roasting: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield
About 1¼ cups of chocolate hazelnut spread (approximately 8 servings)
Difficulty Level
Easy – Perfect for home cooks of all levels eager to indulge in a homemade delight.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw hazelnuts, skin on
- ¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted for smoothness
- 1/3 cup high-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cacao), chopped
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as grape seed or light olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons cocoa powder for extra chocolate depth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 12-15 minutes, until their skins blister slightly and nuts smell toasty. Keep an eye to avoid burning!
- Remove from the oven and transfer the warm hazelnuts to a clean kitchen towel. Rub them vigorously to remove most of the skins; don’t worry if a few flecks remain-they add rustic charm.
- Place the skinned hazelnuts in a food processor. Pulse continuously until the nuts break down into a crumbly texture, then continue processing until a smooth, creamy butter forms – this may take 5-7 minutes. Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides.
- Add the powdered sugar, chopped dark chocolate, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process again until all ingredients are well incorporated, and the mixture is silky smooth.
- Slowly drizzle in the neutral oil while the processor runs to achieve your desired spreadable consistency. For a thicker spread, use less oil; for creamier, add more.
- Taste and adjust. If you want a more intense chocolate flavor, add the optional cocoa powder and pulse a few times to blend.
- Transfer to a clean jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and achieve perfect spreadability.
Tips for Success: Elevate Your Spread
- Hazelnut quality is key: Choose fresh, plump nuts without wrinkles or blemishes; homemade tastes best with vibrant ingredients.
- Toasting intensifies flavor: Don’t rush the roasting step-it unlocks the deep, nutty aroma every good spread needs.
- Chocolate selection matters: Use your favorite premium dark chocolate to customize sweetness and bitterness levels.
- Oil options: Light olive oil adds subtle richness, while grapeseed oil keeps the flavor neutral-avoid strong oils like extra virgin olive oil to prevent overpowering the nuts.
- Make ahead: This spread improves after resting overnight in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before serving for effortless spreading.
Serving Suggestions
Spread this indulgent creation generously over warm toast, fresh crepes, or buttery croissants. Add a sprinkle of toasted hazelnut pieces on top for contrast and crunch.For an elegant twist,pair with fresh raspberries or banana slices.It also makes a decadent dip for pretzel sticks or apple wedges, perfect for gatherings.
Nutritional Information (per 2 tbsp serving)
| Calories | protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 190 kcal | 3 g | 12 g | 15 g |
For those hungry for more homemade delights, check out our ultimate guide to homemade nut butters. Want to learn more about the health benefits of hazelnuts? Visit healthline’s complete nutrition guide for expert insights.
Mastering the Perfect Roast and Grind to Unlock Nutty Flavors
Indulge at Home: Crafting Your Own Chocolate Hazelnut Spread begins with that elevate every spoonful. The magic lies in gently coaxing out the oils and aromas hidden within raw hazelnuts, turning them into a rich, velvety base bursting with toasty depth. This process, when done thoughtfully, transforms simple nuts into the heart of an irresistible homemade spread that rivals even the most beloved store-bought versions.
Prep and Cook time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Roasting: 15-20 minutes
- Grinding & Mixing: 10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
yield
About 1½ cups (serves 6-8)
Difficulty Level
Medium – perfect for passionate home cooks eager to experiment with texture and flavor balance.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw hazelnuts
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 tablespoons high-quality cocoa powder, unsweetened
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (light olive oil or hazelnut oil)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate for extra richness
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw hazelnuts evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast the hazelnuts for 15-20 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the skins blister and crack, releasing a fragrant, toasted aroma.
- Remove from the oven and promptly transfer the hazelnuts to a clean kitchen towel. Rub them vigorously to remove as much of the skins as possible – this step sharpens the nutty flavor and creates a smoother texture in the spread.
- Allow the hazelnuts to cool fully before grinding to prevent overheating your food processor.
- transfer the cooled hazelnuts to a food processor and pulse until they become a coarse meal; continue processing until oils release and the mixture turns creamy and smooth, about 5-7 minutes.Pause to scrape down the sides regularly for an even grind.
- Add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, sea salt, oil, and vanilla extract to the nut butter base. Process again until all ingredients are fully incorporated and silky in texture. Taste and adjust sweetness or cocoa intensity as needed.
- Optional: For a more decadent finish, stir in the melted dark chocolate carefully until fully blended.
- Transfer your luscious hazelnut spread to an airtight jar. It will thicken slightly as it cools and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tips for Success
- Choose fresh hazelnuts: Opt for raw, unroasted nuts with no added preservatives to ensure optimal flavor.
- Don’t rush roasting: slow, even roasting deepens the nuttiness without introducing bitterness.
- skin removal is key: Try not to leave too many skins on for the smoothest spread and clean taste.
- Use a high-powered food processor: This prevents overheating and ensures a creamy consistency.
- Customize sweetness and chocolate: Vary sugar levels or add a splash of espresso powder for subtle complexity.
- Make ahead: The flavors meld beautifully if made a day in advance and stored chilled.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your homemade chocolate hazelnut spread by serving it drizzled over flaky croissants, swirled into vanilla ice cream, or spread thickly on toasted artisan bread with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Garnish with chopped toasted hazelnuts or a dusting of cocoa powder for a stunning visual and textural contrast. Pair with fresh berries or a glass of rich, warm milk to complete the indulgent experience.
Nutritional Information (per tablespoon)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | 2g | 6g | 7g |
For deeper understanding and techniques on roasting nuts,check out Serious Eats’ comprehensive guide. Also,you can explore our nut butter recipes collection to expand your homemade spread repertoire.
Blending Techniques for a Smooth and Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Delight
Indulge at Home: Crafting Your Own Chocolate Hazelnut Spread begins with mastering the art of blending to achieve a luxuriously smooth and decadent texture. Whether you’re recreating a family favorite or elevating your breakfast routine, the secret lies in thoughtful ingredient preparation and the right blending techniques to fully awaken the rich hazelnut and cocoa flavors.
Prep and Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield
Approximately 1 ½ cups of rich homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Difficulty level
Medium – perfect for food enthusiasts ready to embrace a small challenge for maximum reward
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups raw hazelnuts, skins removed
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (hazelnut or neutral oil preferred)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp milk or non-dairy choice (optional, for creaminess)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.This step intensifies the nutty aroma essential for your spread.
- Remove the skins by placing the warm hazelnuts inside a clean kitchen towel. Rub vigorously until most skins flake off-don’t worry if some patches remain; it adds rustic appeal.
- Pulse the hazelnuts in a food processor using short bursts initially. This will break them down into coarse crumbs.
- Continue processing for about 5 to 7 minutes until the nuts release their natural oils and transform into a smooth, creamy hazelnut butter. Be patient-this is the foundation of your spread’s creaminess.
- Add the cocoa powder,powdered sugar,sea salt,and vanilla extract to the processor. Blend again until fully combined, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Stream in the vegetable oil slowly while blending to achieve the perfect silky consistency.Adjust the oil amount based on how thick or spreadable you prefer your chocolate hazelnut delight.
- Optional: For an extra smooth finish, add milk or a non-dairy alternative in small increments, blending until just incorporated.
- Taste and tweak sweetness or saltiness to your liking. Once ready, transfer to a clean, airtight jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips for Success: Expert Insights on Blending Techniques
- Roasting is key: Never skip roasting your hazelnuts. It unlocks the essential oils and flavors that define your spread.
- Manage heat: If your food processor motor overheats, pause blending and let it cool to preserve equipment and flavor integrity.
- Patience pays off: Achieving ultra-smooth texture can take several minutes; resist the urge to rush and blend in intervals.
- Customize sweetness: Start with less sugar and increase gradually, tasting as you go.
- Oil alternatives: Try using hazelnut oil for a more intense nutty profile or coconut oil for added tropical richness-just note that coconut oil may solidify when refrigerated.
- Make ahead: This spread stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, and it softens slightly at room temperature for easy spreading.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Creation
This homemade chocolate hazelnut spread is a versatile treasure! Enjoy it drizzled over warm toast, dolloped into morning oatmeal, or as a decadent filling in crepes and pastries. For a stunning presentation, garnish your serving jar or toast with thinly sliced toasted hazelnuts and a light dusting of cocoa powder. Pair it with fresh berries or a few sea salt flakes to tease your palate with contrast. For an indulgent treat, spread between layers of sponge cake or swirl into homemade vanilla ice cream.
| Nutrient | Per 2 Tbsp Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 14g |
For further inspiration, explore our Homemade Nut Butter Recipes to diversify your pantry. To deepen your knowledge about hazelnut cultivation and health benefits, visit the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council Foundation.
Storing and Serving tips to Keep Your Homemade Spread Fresh and Irresistible
Chocolate hazelnut spread is a luscious indulgence that transforms simple moments into exceptional experiences. once you’ve crafted your own homemade blend, preserving its fresh, creamy texture and vibrant flavor is essential to savoring every spoonful with delight.
Prep and Cook Time
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 25 minutes
Yield
Approximately 1 ½ cups (serves 8-10)
difficulty Level
Easy
Ingredients
- 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skins removed
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or hazelnut oil for extra aroma)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 2 tbsp melted dark chocolate for richness
Instructions
- Prepare the hazelnuts: Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned. Wrap in a kitchen towel to rub off skins.
- Grind hazelnuts: In a food processor, pulse hazelnuts until they become a creamy butter, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add dry ingredients: Incorporate powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Pulse a few times to mix evenly.
- Drizzle oil and vanilla: While the processor runs,slowly add oil and vanilla extract. Continue processing until smooth and glossy.
- Optional step: For extra depth, blend in the melted dark chocolate until fully combined.
- Adjust consistency: If the spread feels too thick, add a teaspoon of oil at a time until desired creaminess is reached.
- Store immediately: Transfer your homemade chocolate hazelnut spread into a clean, airtight jar. Seal tightly.
Chef’s Notes: Tips for Keeping Your Chocolate Hazelnut spread Fresh and flawless
- Always use a dry, clean spoon to scoop out your spread to prevent moisture contamination.
- Store the spread at room temperature in a cool, dark place for up to 2 weeks. refrigeration can cause it to harden, so if chilled, allow it to soften before use.
- if oil separates on the surface, simply stir gently to reincorporate for a smooth texture.
- for extended storage beyond 2 weeks,refrigerate in an airtight container-though this may slightly affect spreadability.
- Feel free to experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but note these can alter shelf life and consistency.
Serving Suggestions for an irresistible Experience
Present your chocolate hazelnut spread beautifully on a rustic wooden board alongside freshly sliced baguette, buttery croissants, or warm pancakes. For a vibrant finish, sprinkle with crushed toasted hazelnuts and a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Add fresh berries or banana slices on the side to balance the rich, nutty sweetness with refreshing fruit notes.
Use it as a decadent topping on oatmeal or swirl into vanilla yogurt for an instant breakfast upgrade. For a touch of elegance, dollop the spread atop ice cream or cheesecake right before serving. The creamy texture and complex chocolate-hazelnut flavor make every bite unforgettable.
Nutritional Information
| Per 2 tbsp Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Hazelnut Spread | 180 | 3g | 16g | 12g |
Discover more sweet homemade delights like this in our Homemade dessert Sauces Collection. For detailed tips on hazelnut roasting and oil selection, explore this expert guide from The Spruce Eats.
The Way Forward
As the rich aroma of toasted hazelnuts mingles with the velvety embrace of melted chocolate in your kitchen, you’ve not only created a decadent spread but also a little jar of homemade joy. Crafting your own chocolate hazelnut spread is more than just a recipe-it’s an experience that invites creativity, patience, and a touch of love. So next time you crave that luscious, nutty sweetness, remember: the most delightful indulgences are ofen those made by your own hands, fresh from your heart to your table. Enjoy every spoonful,and let your homemade creation become the delicious highlight of your mornings,snacks,and sweet moments.
