Dairy-Free Nutella (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

Discover the joy of crafting your own homemade Nutella, a harmonious fusion of chocolate and hazelnuts. 

This less calorie-dense, vegan-friendly version retains the classic chocolate taste we love, while being lower in sugar and potentially sugar-free.

Unlike the product you see in stores, which primarily uses palm oil and sugar, this homemade delight is packed with vitamins E and B and beneficial fats. 

Creating this Nutella is a breeze. 

Toasted hazelnuts are blended with cacao powder and a touch of vanilla, resulting in a creamy, antioxidant-rich spread with the beloved chocolate-nutty flavor. 

This recipe highlights the satisfaction of making your own nut butter, offering a healthier, less processed alternative that's ready to satisfy your cravings anytime.

This versatile homemade Nutella is perfect spread on toast, paired with fresh fruit, or as a dessert ingredient.

The secret to its smooth texture is perfectly roasting and blending the hazelnuts, then mixing them with unsweetened cocoa powder, a sweetener, and a splash of almond or coconut milk. 

Once prepared, keep it in the fridge to preserve its freshness. Enjoy this guilt-free treat, savoring the delightful blend of chocolate and hazelnuts, knowing you have full control over the ingredients.

A wholesome and delightful treat, this homemade Nutella is set to become a kitchen favorite.

Why Make Your Own Nutella?

Consider the following reasons to create your own homemade Nutella using our Healthy Homemade Nutella recipe:

1. A Healthier Choice 

This recipe incorporates wholesome ingredients like hazelnuts, unsweetened cocoa powder, natural sweeteners such as maple syrup or agave nectar, unsweetened almond or coconut milk, vanilla extract, and a dash of salt.

It yields a delightful, preservative-free treat that's lower in sugar.

2. Easy and Rewarding Process

The deep, nutty flavor of hazelnuts is brought out through roasting and skinning.

When these are blended with the other ingredients, a creamy spread with a balanced sweetness, rich chocolate flavor, and a hint of vanilla is created.

3. Fully Customizable

With full control over the ingredients, you can adjust the sweetness or cocoa intensity to suit your taste.

4. Guaranteed Freshness

Your homemade Nutella, once prepared, can be refrigerated to maintain its freshness for up to two weeks.

5. Tasty and Nutritious

Set off on a culinary journey and create a healthier alternative to your favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread.

It's a delicious, nutritious, and satisfying option that's bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

6. Friendly to Allergen Concerns

Making your own Nutella ensures it's free from common allergens found in commercial versions, like dairy or soy, making it a suitable choice for those with dietary restrictions.

7. Cost-Effective 

Purchasing ingredients in bulk and making your own spread can be more economical over time compared to buying pre-packaged spreads.

8. Satisfaction in Creation 

The unique pleasure derived from making your own food is unmatched.

You're not only aware of exactly what's in it, but also enjoy the process of creating something delicious from scratch.

9. Versatile Use 

This spread can be used in various ways - spread on toast, used in baking, paired with fruit, or savored straight from the jar!

Dairy-Free Nutella Ingredients

Here's your shopping list for this dairy-free Nutella:

• 2 cups of roasted and skinned hazelnuts, offering a deep, nutty flavor
• ⅓ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, providing the ideal touch of chocolate richness
• ¼ cup of maple syrup or agave nectar, delivering natural sweetness
• ¼ cup of unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, contributing to a smooth, creamy texture (hazelnut milk could also enhance the nutty flavor)
• ½ tsp of vanilla extract, adding a pleasant, aromatic touch
• ⅛ tsp of salt, ensuring a balanced flavor profile

How to Make Dairy-Free Nutella

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet.

Roast them for 10-12 minutes until they become lightly browned and fragrant.

Remove the hazelnuts from the oven. Transfer them to a kitchen towel and rub them together to remove the skins.

In a food processor, blend the warm hazelnuts until they reach a creamy consistency.

Be careful not to overprocess, as you want to maintain some texture.

Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup or agave nectar, almond milk or coconut milk, vanilla extract, and salt to the food processor.

Blend everything together until well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or cocoa level as desired.

Transfer the homemade Nutella to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for ultimate freshness. It will stay good for up to two weeks.

Tips & Tricks for Making the Best Non-Dairy Nutella

Roasting hazelnuts 

Keep a close eye on the hazelnuts while roasting to prevent them from burning. The slight browning adds a nutty flavor, but be careful not to go too far.

Achieving a smooth consistency 

To achieve a smoother texture, you can reheat the hazelnuts after removing the skins. This will help them release more oils and result in a creamier Nutella.

Customize to your taste 

Feel free to adjust the sweetness and cocoa level according to your preferences.

Add more maple syrup or agave nectar for extra sweetness or increase the cocoa powder for a stronger chocolate taste.

Room temperature serving 

If your Nutella thickens in the refrigerator, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. This will soften the spread and make it easier to enjoy.

Get creative with your Nutella 

While our recipe focuses on the classic chocolate and hazelnut combination, you can add your own twist by incorporating flavors like cinnamon, espresso powder, or a sprinkle of sea salt.