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
Scale
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
