Nutella, the luscious hazelnut chocolate spread, has won hearts worldwide with its rich, creamy texture and irresistible flavor. Whether spread on toast, swirled into yogurt, or enjoyed straight from the spoon, Nutella’s unique blend of chocolate and roasted hazelnuts is a classic favorite. But did you know that making your own homemade Nutella-style spread is easy, fun, and surprisingly affordable? Plus, you get to control the ingredients—perfect for avoiding preservatives, excess sugar, or allergens.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make Chocolate Nutella at Home using simple ingredients and kitchen tools. The result is a fresh, nutty, and chocolaty spread that rivals store-bought versions and tastes even better!
Why Make Nutella at Home?
- Freshness & Flavor: Homemade Nutella tastes fresher and more vibrant, with roasted hazelnuts that fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
- Customizable: Adjust sugar levels, choose dark or milk chocolate, and add extras like vanilla or cinnamon.
- Healthier: You can use natural sweeteners, less sugar, or dairy-free alternatives.
- Cost-effective: Hazelnuts and chocolate bought in bulk often cost less than pre-packaged spreads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups (about 225g) raw hazelnuts
- ½ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons neutral oil (like hazelnut oil, vegetable oil, or melted coconut oil)
- 4 oz (about 115g) milk or dark chocolate, chopped (optional but recommended for that authentic rich chocolate flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Roast the Hazelnuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast for 10-12 minutes until the skins start to crack and the nuts smell toasty. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn.
Once roasted, transfer the hazelnuts to a clean kitchen towel. Rub vigorously to remove most of the skins — it’s okay if some skins remain.
2. Grind the Hazelnuts into Nut Butter
Place the peeled hazelnuts in a food processor or high-powered blender.
Pulse and then blend continuously. At first, the nuts will turn into a coarse meal, then a thick paste, and eventually into smooth, creamy nut butter. This can take 5-10 minutes depending on your machine. Stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add Cocoa, Sugar, and Flavorings
Once smooth, add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract.
Blend again to combine thoroughly.
4. Melt and Add Chocolate
Melt your chopped chocolate gently in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.
Add the melted chocolate to the hazelnut mixture and blend until fully incorporated.
5. Adjust Consistency with Oil
Add the neutral oil tablespoon by tablespoon and blend until the spread reaches your desired consistency—smooth and spreadable.
If you want it thicker, use less oil. For a looser spread, add a bit more.
6. Taste and Adjust Sweetness
Give it a taste and add more powdered sugar or cocoa if desired. Blend again to combine.
Storage Tips
Transfer your homemade Chocolate Nutella to an airtight jar.
Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate for longer freshness (note refrigeration may thicken the spread).
Before serving, bring to room temperature or warm slightly for easier spreading.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Homemade Chocolate Nutella
- Spread on toast, bagels, or pancakes for a decadent breakfast.
- Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt bowls.
- Use as a dip for fresh fruit, pretzels, or cookies.
- Spread between layers of cakes or cupcakes as a rich filling.
- Stir into milk for a quick homemade chocolate hazelnut drink.
Final Thoughts
Making Chocolate Nutella at Home is a rewarding kitchen project that results in an irresistible, fresh, and customizable spread. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the classic flavors of chocolate and hazelnut but wants a homemade alternative that’s free of additives and tailored to personal taste.
Try this recipe today and enjoy the warm aroma and creamy richness of freshly made chocolate hazelnut spread anytime you want!