Healthy and Easy Homemade Nutella (Chocolate Hazelnut Spread) You’ll Love
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This delicious, smooth, luscious homemade Nutella recipe is one of the best I’ve ever made. Learn how to make this easy chocolate-hazelnut spread at home with just a few simple ingredients!
Nutella lovers, rejoice! This is the best homemade chocolate hazelnut spread for enjoying your favourite flavoр, without dairy, gluten, refined sugar, palm oil, or additives.
Store-bought Nutella Breakout
Have you ever wondered what is in the store-bought Nutella jar? Here is Deconstructed Nutella. As you can see, the Nutella jar contains sugar, hazelnuts, cocoa powder, skimmed milk powder, and palm oil. The breakdown is as follows:
- 58% sugar
- 13% hazelnuts
- 10.4% palm oil
- 8.7% skimmed milk
- 7.4% cocoa powder
- 0.43% soy lecithin
58% sugar?? For me, and I believe for you, it is shocking. Plus, the sugar load is just enormous, considering that Nutella is usually spread on crepes, toasts, pancakes, and so on. Which is not quite healthy, and we don’t all want this.
So, in addition to this fantastic homemade Nutella chocolate, you can try my quinoa crepes for a high-protein yet delish sweet treat.
The Healthier Yet Delish Homemade Nutella Alternative
So, if you are happy to learn how to make your own healthy and nutritious Nutella, let’s do it! This recipe is for an easy Nutella alternative made with clean ingredients and tastes even better than store-bought. It is also much healthier without sacrificing the taste!
This version is inspired by my gluten-free and lactose-free lifestyle and my passion for recreating favourites in ways that support gut health. This DIY Nutella is rich, comforting, and gentle on your body. It is made with roasted hazelnuts, raw honey, unsweetened cocoa powder, and homemade almond milk.
This easy Nutella recipe is perfect for spreading on toast, dipping fruits (I love drizzling it over strawberries—yum), coating ice cream, filling cakes, cookies, and crepes, or simply eating by the spoonful.
I’ve tested this homemade chocolate spread many times and refined it to perfection: smooth yet slightly crunchy, sweet but not overpowering, and 100% natural.
In my desserts blog section, you will find plenty of recipes with my favourite chocolate! Who doesn’t like chocolate, lol… They are also low-sugar, gluten-free, and lactose-free so that you can enjoy them without guilt.
Did You Know?
Who doesn’t love chocolate? I personally can’t point to anyone, and I kind of understand the affection for chocolate as I’m one of them 🙂
Fundamentally, chocolate is a food product derived from the seeds of the cacao tree, also known as Theobroma cacao. The word “theobroma” in Greek means food for the gods.
The word “chocolate” comes from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztec Empire. It appeared first in early Nahuatl texts as cacahuatl, meaning “cacao water” or “bitter water.” If you are interested to learn some other Aztec words, read this article – 10 Words from Nahuatl, the Language of the Aztecs. Intriguing, isn’t it?
Today, chocolate is widely used around the world and is a symbol of love and affection. It is not surprising that chocolate is the most popular gift for any occasion. Find out more about Cocoa and its health benefits.
But let’s get back to this fantastic, easy Nutella recipe.
What Is a Homemade Nutella Alternative?
Nutella is a classic and, I would say, the most popular Italian chocolate-hazelnut spread. This healthy Nutella alternative gives you all the flavour without the enormous sugar content.
You control the sweetness, texture, and nutritional content by making Nutella from scratch. The result? A decadent, guilt-free treat high in antioxidants, healthy fats, and fibre.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Nutella Recipe
- Lactose-free, gluten-free, and free from refined sugar
- Made with real, whole food ingredients
- No palm oil or preservatives
- Customisable texture: smooth or crunchy
- Easy to make in a blender or food processor
- Perfect for toast, porridge, smoothies, or by the spoonful!
Ingredients & Nutritional Benefits
Hazelnuts are the base of this healthy Nutella. These small, round tree nuts are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats. Roasting enhances their aroma and adds depth to the chocolatey spread.
Raw Honey: Naturally sweet, raw honey offers antibacterial properties, while maple syrup is a great vegan-friendly option rich in minerals like zinc and manganese.
Raw Cocoa Powder: This cocoa blends beautifully with a deep chocolate flavour. It’s also rich in flavonoids, making it a heart-friendly treat.
Vanilla Bean Extract: This extract balances the chocolate and enhances the hazelnut profile. Choose real vanilla extract for the best results.
Almond Milk: Adds silkiness and helps blend everything. I use my homemade almond milk, made without thickeners or additives.
Salt: Just a pinch elevates all the flavours.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Nutella at Home
Shortcut Homemade Nutella Option: Use Hazelnut Butter
If you’re short on time or don’t have a high-speed blender, you can still enjoy this delicious spread by using ready-made hazelnut butter. Simply replace the roasted hazelnuts with 250g of smooth or crunchy hazelnut butter (make sure it’s 100% nuts with no added sugar or oils). From there, follow the same steps: add cocoa powder, sweetener, vanilla, salt, and almond milk. Blend or mix well until smooth and creamy. This shortcut version still delivers fantastic flavour and takes just minutes to make!
1. Roast the hazelnuts: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking tray and roast for 10-12 minutes, or until aromatic. Let them cool slightly.
2. Peel the skins: Rub cooled hazelnuts in a clean kitchen towel to remove their skins. Don’t worry if some remain—it adds character!
3. Blend: Place the peeled hazelnuts in a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until you reach a nut butter texture—smooth or slightly crunchy, depending on your preference.
4. Add remaining ingredients: Cocoa, sweetener of choice (honey or maple syrup), vanilla, salt, and almond milk. Blend until smooth.
5. Adjust: Taste and tweak. Add more almond milk for a softer texture or a touch more honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
6. Store: Transfer to a clean, airtight jar. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Bring to room temperature before using.
FAQs
1. Can I use almonds or cashews as a substitute for hazelnuts?
Yes, but hazelnuts give that iconic Nutella taste. Almonds or cashews offer a milder flavour.
2. Is this chocolate hazelnut spread kid-friendly?
Definitely! It’s naturally sweet and free from additives.
3. Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa instead of raw cacao?
Yes, but raw cacao is more intense and bitter. You may want to adjust the sweetener.
4. Is this a vegan Nutella recipe?
If you use maple syrup instead of honey, it’s 100% vegan.
5. How long does homemade Nutella last?
Up to 2 weeks refrigerated in an airtight jar. You can also freeze it in small portions.
Nutritional Info (Per Tablespoon)
- Calories: 95
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Sugars: 3.5g
- Protein: 1.8g
- Fat: 7.8g
- Fibre: 1.1g
Once you try this homemade Nutella alternative, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the commercial kind. This spread perfectly balances chocolatey, nutty, and naturally sweet. It’s a must-have in your gluten-free, gut-friendly pantry.
Enjoy it over pancakes, swirl it into chia pudding, or pair it with fresh fruit for a delightful treat. However you use it, this easy Nutella recipe will bring joy to your kitchen.
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Homemade Nutella Recipe – Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free
Equipment
Ingredients
- 250 g Hazelnuts roasted and peeled
- 100 g Honey or maple syrup
- 30 g Raw cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp Vanilla bean paste
- ⅛ tsp Salt
- 120 g Almond milk homemade, store-bought or other unsweetened plant milk
Instructions
- Roast the hazelnuts: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the hazelnuts on a tray and roast for 10 – 12 minutes until fragrant. Let cool, then rub with a kitchen towel to remove skins.
- Blend the hazelnuts: Add hazelnuts to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until creamy. You can leave it slightly coarse for a crunchy version.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, vanilla and almond milk. Blend until smooth.
- Adjust texture: Add more almond milk for a thinner spread or a bit more sweetener if needed. Pulse several times again to incorporate.
- Store: Transfer to a jar. Store in the fridge for up to 4 weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
YourDani x x
Mention @deglutenistanutrition and tag #deglutenistanutrition — you’ll make my day! 🌿✨
Thank you for stopping by! I’m Dani!
nutrition student | Healthy Live Promoter | Gluten-free recipe developer
Welcome to DeGlutenista Nutrition!
Your visit really means the world to me. I’m happy to share simple, nourishing gluten-free recipes and practical food tips focused on gut health and clean eating, all with an emphasis on reducing ultra-processed ingredients.
My approach is simple: practising mindful eating, regardless of food sensitivities, can be both tasty and healthy.
