Healthy Vegan Nutella Recipe
Introduction
This Healthy Vegan Nutella is a creamy, chocolatey spread made from wholesome nuts and natural ingredients. It’s a delightful alternative to store-bought versions, free from dairy and refined sugars, perfect for a guilt-free treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- ½ cup raw, unsalted cashew nuts
- 1/3 cup melted dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon raw cane sugar or sweetener of choice (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the hazelnuts and cashew nuts on a baking tray and roast for 6-8 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly before processing.
- Step 2: Place the roasted nuts in a blender or food processor. Blend for 10 to 15 minutes until smooth and creamy, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. If the processor overheats, pause and let it cool.
- Step 3: While the nuts are blending, break the dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it in a heatproof bowl in the microwave, checking every 15 seconds until fully melted.
- Step 4: Once the nut butter is smooth, add the melted chocolate, cacao powder, and sugar or sweetener if using. Blend again for 1-2 minutes until fully combined and creamy.
- Step 5: The mixture will be liquid while warm. For a thicker consistency, refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving.
- Step 6: Transfer the Nutella to a sterilized airtight jar. Store at room temperature and enjoy within three weeks.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother spread, peel the hazelnuts after roasting by rubbing them in a clean kitchen towel to remove the skins.
- Adjust sweetness with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Try using almond butter instead of cashews for a nuttier variation.
Storage
Store your Vegan Nutella in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. If you prefer a firmer texture, keep it refrigerated for a couple of hours before use. When refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature briefly to soften for easy spreading.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use raw nuts without roasting them?
Roasting the nuts helps enhance their flavor and makes blending easier by releasing natural oils. Using raw nuts may result in a less creamy texture and milder taste.
Is it necessary to melt chocolate, or can I use cocoa powder alone?
You can omit the melted chocolate and rely on cacao powder alone for a dairy-free and lower-calorie option, but the texture will be less smooth and the flavor less rich compared to including melted chocolate.
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Healthy Vegan Nutella Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1¼ cups (roughly 300 grams) 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Healthy Vegan Nutella recipe creates a creamy, chocolatey spread made from roasted hazelnuts and cashews blended with melted dark chocolate and cocoa powder. It’s a nutritious, dairy-free alternative to traditional Nutella, naturally sweetened and perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle or anyone looking for a wholesome chocolate-hazelnut spread.
Ingredients
Nuts
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- ½ cup raw, unsalted cashew nuts
Chocolate and Sweeteners
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon raw cane sugar (optional, or any sweetener of choice)
Instructions
- Roast the nuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the hazelnuts and cashew nuts evenly on a baking tray and roast them for 6-8 minutes until fragrant. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly to avoid overheating your blender or processor.
- Blend the nuts: Place the roasted hazelnuts and cashews into a blender or food processor. Begin blending, which may take 10 to 15 minutes to reach a smooth, liquid nut butter. Occasionally scrape down the sides with a spatula. If your machine overheats, pause to let it cool. The nuts will release oils over time, creating a creamy consistency.
- Melt the chocolate: While the nuts are blending, chop the dark chocolate into small chunks and melt it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-second increments, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine chocolate and nuts: Once the nut butter is ready and creamy, add the melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and sugar or sweetener. Blend everything together for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Adjust consistency and store: The Nutella will be quite liquid immediately after blending due to the warm nuts. For a thicker consistency, refrigerate it for a couple of hours. Transfer the spread into a sterilized airtight jar and store at room temperature for up to 3 weeks, or longer if it lasts!
Notes
- Use raw, unsalted cashews to avoid any added flavors or salt disrupting the spread’s balance.
- Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao for a rich, healthy chocolate flavor.
- Roasting enhances the flavor by bringing out the nut oils, but be careful not to burn the nuts.
- Patience during blending is key; the nuts gradually release oils turning into smooth butter.
- You can adjust sweetness to taste with your preferred sweetener or omit it for a less sweet spread.
- Store Nutella in a sterilized container to extend shelf life and maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
Keywords: Healthy Vegan Nutella, vegan chocolate spread, homemade Nutella, dairy-free Nutella, hazelnut spread, nut butter recipe
