Vegan Homemade Nutella: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Vegan Homemade Nutella: Prepare to have your mind blown! Imagine a world where you can indulge in the rich, chocolatey-hazelnut goodness of Nutella without any dairy or questionable ingredients. That world is now a delicious reality, thanks to this incredibly easy and satisfying recipe. Forget the store-bought stuff loaded with preservatives and refined sugars; we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you with a spread so decadent, so creamy, and so utterly irresistible, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along.

While the commercially produced Nutella we know and love has its roots in post-World War II Italy, where cocoa was scarce and hazelnuts were abundant, this Vegan Homemade Nutella takes that resourceful spirit and elevates it to a whole new level. It’s a celebration of plant-based eating, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or texture to enjoy your favorite treats.

People adore Nutella for its smooth, velvety texture, its intense chocolate-hazelnut flavor, and its versatility. It’s perfect on toast, in crepes, as a dip for fruit, or straight from the spoon (we won’t judge!). This vegan version captures all of those qualities, offering a healthier and more ethical way to enjoy this beloved spread. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade – your taste buds will thank you!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (150g) raw hazelnuts
• 1/4 cup (60ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) maple syrup (or agave nectar)
• 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for extra sweetness)

Roasting the Hazelnuts

Okay, let’s get started! The first and arguably most important step is roasting the hazelnuts. This brings out their nutty flavor and makes them easier to peel. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is properly preheated for even roasting.
2. Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Use a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easier cleanup, if you like.
3. Roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the skins start to crack and the hazelnuts are fragrant. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily. The goal is to toast them, not incinerate them!
4. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly. This makes them easier to handle.
5. Wrap the hazelnuts in a clean kitchen towel and rub vigorously to remove the skins. This is where a little elbow grease comes in handy. Don’t worry if you can’t get all the skins off; a little bit is fine. The more you get off, the smoother your Nutella will be.

Blending the Nutella

Now for the fun part – turning those roasted hazelnuts into creamy, dreamy Nutella! You’ll need a high-speed blender or food processor for this. A regular blender might work, but it will take longer and you might need to add a bit more liquid.

1. Place the roasted and peeled hazelnuts in your blender or food processor. Make sure the hazelnuts are cooled down before blending.
2. Blend on high speed for several minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. At first, the hazelnuts will turn into a coarse meal. Keep blending, and eventually, they will release their oils and form a smooth, creamy butter. This process can take anywhere from 5-10 minutes, depending on your blender. Be patient!
3. Once the hazelnut butter is smooth, add the almond milk, maple syrup, cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Make sure the coconut oil is melted but not hot.
4. Blend again until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should only take a minute or two.
5. Taste and adjust the sweetness or saltiness as needed. If you want it sweeter, add a tablespoon or two of powdered sugar. If you want a richer chocolate flavor, add a little more cocoa powder. A pinch more salt can also enhance the flavors.

Fine-Tuning and Storage

Almost there! Now it’s time to make sure your Vegan Nutella is perfect and ready for enjoying.

1. If the Nutella is too thick, add a little more almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, it will thicken slightly as it cools.
2. If the Nutella is too thin, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a small amount of ground hazelnuts. Blend until smooth.
3. Transfer the Nutella to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This will help it last longer and prevent it from going rancid.
4. Let the Nutella chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the Nutella to thicken slightly.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your Vegan Nutella? Here are a few ideas:

• For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Substitute other nuts for the hazelnuts, such as almonds or walnuts. Keep in mind that the flavor will be different.
• Use a different sweetener, such as dates or coconut sugar. If using dates, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to soften them before blending.
• Add a tablespoon of espresso powder for a mocha flavor.
• For a chunkier Nutella, reserve a handful of chopped hazelnuts and stir them in at the end.
• If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use another neutral-flavored oil, such as avocado oil or sunflower oil.
• To make it even smoother, you can strain the Nutella through a fine-mesh sieve after blending. This will remove any remaining hazelnut skins or small pieces.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve made your delicious Vegan Nutella, it’s time to enjoy it! Here are a few ideas:

• Spread it on toast, bagels, or crackers.
• Use it as a dip for fruit, such as strawberries, bananas, or apples.
• Add it to your oatmeal or yogurt.
• Use it as a filling for crepes or pancakes.
• Bake it into cookies, brownies, or cakes.
• Make a Nutella milkshake or smoothie.
• Eat it straight from the jar with a spoon (we won’t judge!).

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• My Nutella is too grainy. This usually means that the hazelnuts weren’t blended long enough. Keep blending until they release their oils and form a smooth butter. You can also try adding a little more liquid.
• My Nutella is too bitter. This could be due to the cocoa powder. Try using a higher-quality cocoa powder or adding a little more sweetener.
• My Nutella is too thick. Add a little more almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• My Nutella is too thin. Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a small amount of ground hazelnuts. Blend until smooth.
• My hazelnuts are burning in the oven. Keep a close eye on them while they’re roasting and reduce the oven temperature if necessary.
• I can’t get the skins off the hazelnuts. Try rubbing them more vigorously with the kitchen towel. You can also try soaking them in hot water for a few minutes before rubbing.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: Approximately 200
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 4g

This Vegan Nutella is a delicious and healthier alternative to store-bought Nutella. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients and is free from dairy, gluten, and refined sugar. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another recipe; it’s a passport to a world of rich, decadent, and guilt-free indulgence. If you’re looking for a truly satisfying treat that aligns with your values, this Vegan Homemade Nutella is an absolute must-try. Forget the store-bought versions loaded with questionable ingredients and excessive sugar. This recipe empowers you to create a healthier, tastier, and completely customizable spread that will elevate your breakfasts, desserts, and snacks to a whole new level.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s unbelievably delicious! The combination of roasted hazelnuts, creamy plant-based milk, and just the right amount of sweetness creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Spread it on toast, swirl it into your morning oatmeal, use it as a dip for fresh fruit, or even bake it into your favorite vegan brownies for an extra layer of nutty goodness. The possibilities are truly endless!

But the best part? You know exactly what’s going into it. No hidden ingredients, no artificial flavors, just pure, wholesome goodness. This is a treat you can feel good about sharing with your family and friends.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Let’s talk about how you can enjoy this incredible creation. For a classic experience, spread it generously on a slice of toasted sourdough bread. The slight tang of the sourdough perfectly complements the sweetness of the Nutella. Or, for a more decadent treat, try it on a warm croissant. The flaky, buttery layers combined with the rich, nutty spread are simply divine.

Looking for something a little different? Try swirling it into your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a boost of flavor and energy. It’s also fantastic as a dip for apple slices, banana slices, or even pretzels. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can use it as a filling for homemade vegan crepes or as a topping for vegan ice cream.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different variations to create your own signature Nutella. Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness and bring out the nutty flavors. Or, for a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper. If you’re a coffee lover, try adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a mocha-inspired twist.

You can also adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet spread, simply reduce the amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. And if you want to make it even healthier, you can substitute some of the sugar with dates or other natural sweeteners.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors. The beauty of homemade Nutella is that you can customize it to perfectly suit your taste preferences.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your food processor, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade Vegan Homemade Nutella. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using #VeganHomemadeNutella and let me know what variations you tried and how you enjoyed it. I can’t wait to see what delicious creations you come up with! Happy spreading!