Homemade Nutella Recipe

Indulgence meets nostalgia with this homemade Nutella recipe, a treat so rich and creamy it puts the store-bought version to shame! Each spoonful is a celebration of pure toasted hazelnuts, luscious cocoa, and your favorite sweetener, whirled together until they’re silky smooth. If hazelnuts are not already roasted, preheat the oven to 400 F and bake for 6-8 minutes or just until they begin to brown — it’s a small step that makes an enormous difference, bringing out the nutty depth and warm aroma that define this classic spread. Whether you tuck it into crepes, dollop it onto pancakes, or sneak a spoonful straight from the jar, this recipe is guaranteed to be a new favorite in your kitchen. Let’s roll up our sleeves and spin magic from just a handful of simple, whole ingredients!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This delicious homemade Nutella comes together with just a few essential staples, making it easy to whip up at any time. Each ingredient has its own starring role, from texture to flavor, so use the best you can find for truly dreamy results.

• Hazelnuts (2 cups, 240g): The heart and soul of this spread—make sure they’re fresh and, if hazelnuts are not already roasted, preheat the oven to 400 F and bake for 6-8 minutes or just until they begin to brown for the best flavor.
• Pure vanilla extract (1/4 tsp): Rounds out the chocolate and nutty notes with gentle warmth.
• Cocoa powder (1/4 cup): For that unmistakable chocolate richness and gorgeous deep color.
• Sweetener of choice (1/3 cup): Maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar, or granulated sugar—all work, so pick your favorite.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a touch brightens up and balances all the flavors.
• Milk of choice or oil (1/2 cup milk or 2 tbsp oil, optional): Adds extra creaminess and helps achieve that dreamy, scoopable consistency if needed.

How to Make Homemade Nutella Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Hazelnuts

The secret to that deep, roasty flavor? If hazelnuts are not already roasted, preheat the oven to 400 F and bake for 6-8 minutes or just until they begin to brown. This unlocks their natural oils and transforms the humble nut into something irresistible. After roasting, let them cool slightly and give them a good rub in a clean towel to shed most of the skins—it’s totally fine if a few stubborn bits stick around!

Step 2: Blend the Nuts

Place your warm, skinless hazelnuts in a high-powered blender or food processor. Begin blending, stopping every so often to scrape down the sides. First you’ll see hazelnut meal, but keep going—persistence pays off! After several minutes, the natural oils will release and you’ll have creamy, nutty hazelnut butter.

Step 3: Add Chocolate and Flavors

Once your hazelnuts have blitzed into a buttery paste, add the cocoa powder, sweetener of your choice, vanilla, and salt. Continue blending for several more minutes until everything is silky and spreadable, pausing if your machine needs a break. If the mixture feels too thick, slowly drizzle in your milk of choice or a bit of oil for extra smoothness. Here’s where you get that true Nutella texture!

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give your homemade Nutella a quick taste—this is your opportunity to customize! Feel free to add a touch more sweetener or a sprinkle more salt until it’s just right for your cravings.

Step 5: Store and Enjoy

Spoon the finished product into a clean jar and get ready to fall in love at first bite. This luscious spread is best kept in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, but don’t worry—it’ll be gone before you know it!

How to Serve Homemade Nutella Recipe

Garnishes

Dress it up with a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts or a dusting of cocoa powder on top for extra flair. Sometimes, a swirl of melted chocolate or even a pinch of flaky sea salt can make each spoonful pop with gourmet vibes. If hazelnuts are not already roasted, preheat the oven to 400 F and bake for 6-8 minutes or just until they begin to brown for a homemade garnish, too!

Side Dishes

Spread it generously on warm toast, pancakes, or waffles for a blissful breakfast. Pair with crisp apple slices, juicy strawberries, or salty pretzels for an addictive snack board. And of course, a big scoop alongside a bowl of vanilla ice cream is the stuff dessert dreams are made of.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift the homemade Nutella in a pretty jar with a ribbon for a personalized present—people absolutely light up at the gesture! You can also tuck it inside crepes, sandwich it between cookies, or drizzle it atop brownies or banana bread for a chocolate-hazelnut twist. Honestly, if hazelnuts are not already roasted, preheat the oven to 400 F and bake for 6-8 minutes or just until they begin to brown, and you’ll always have the perfect ingredient for last-minute magic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade Nutella will keep beautifully for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. Make sure it’s stored in a tightly sealed jar, and always use a clean spoon to scoop it out. The natural oils may separate—just give it a good stir before spreading and it’ll be perfectly smooth again!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze this spread. Portion it into small, freezer-safe containers so you have just enough on hand for future cravings. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge; a quick stir is all it needs to return to creamy perfection.

Reheating

If your Nutella feels firm from the fridge, just allow it to sit out at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. For a faster fix, you can gently stir it over a bowl of warm water. Avoid microwaving, as this can mess with the silky texture you’ve worked so hard to create.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides hazelnuts?

Absolutely! While hazelnuts deliver that signature flavor, almonds or cashews can be blended in or swapped entirely for a fun twist. Just remember, if hazelnuts are not already roasted, preheat the oven to 400 F and bake for 6-8 minutes or just until they begin to brown for the best flavor from any nut you use.

My Nutella isn’t smooth enough. What should I do?

The secret is patience! Keep blending, scraping down the sides as needed—the oils will eventually break down for a perfectly smooth spread. If your food processor can’t quite get there, add a tablespoon of oil or milk to help it along. A good machine and fresh, well-roasted nuts make the process so much easier.

Is there a way to make this Nutella vegan?

Definitely! Just choose a plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk), and opt for maple syrup or agave as your sweetener. The result is just as decadent and completely dairy-free.

How do I get the skins off hazelnuts easily?

After roasting, pour the hazelnuts onto a clean dish towel, fold the towel over, and rub them vigorously. Most of the skins will slip right off. Don’t stress if a few stick—they won’t hurt the flavor or texture one bit.

Can I double the recipe?

For sure! If your blender or food processor is big enough, doubling works great—just make sure not to overload, or blend in batches. If hazelnuts are not already roasted, preheat the oven to 400 F and bake for 6-8 minutes or just until they begin to brown for all the nuts before you get started, so your spread is as rich and delicious as possible.

Final Thoughts

Melt-in-your-mouth, chocolatey, and downright irresistible—homemade Nutella is the kind of treat you’ll want to share but won’t mind keeping all to yourself. If hazelnuts are not already roasted, preheat the oven to 400 F and bake for 6-8 minutes or just until they begin to brown and you’re well on your way to creating something truly special right in your own kitchen. Go on, give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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