Delicious Homemade Nutella with Cocoa & Vanilla Recipe

This homemade Nutella recipe brings the deliciously comforting taste of the beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread right into your kitchen. There’s something truly special about creating your own creamy, chocolatey spread from scratch, and the process is made even more rewarding with the key instruction: 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. Rich cocoa, roasted hazelnuts, and your favorite sweetener come together to deliver a spread that’s both infinitely customizable and irresistibly smooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This homemade Nutella recipe is as simple as it gets, featuring a handful of everyday ingredients that each play a vital role. From the deep nuttiness of hazelnuts to the rich flavor of cocoa, every element contributes to the final, luscious result. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Hazelnuts: The star of the show! Roasted hazelnuts give classic flavor and that signature creamy texture once blended.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, floral depth that elevates the chocolaty notes.
• Cocoa powder: The ingredient responsible for the bold, chocolate flavor Nutella fans adore.
• Sweetener of choice: Whether you use powdered sugar, maple syrup, or another sweetener, it’s the key to balancing flavors.
• Salt: Just a pinch brightens everything up and intensifies both chocolate and nutty undertones.
• Milk (of choice) or oil (optional): For extra creaminess or a thinner, more spreadable Nutella, add a splash—this is the secret to dreamy texture!

How to Make Delicious Homemade Nutella with Cocoa & Vanilla

Step 1: Roast the Hazelnuts (If Needed)

This step is non-negotiable for that deep, toasty 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. Once they’re out of the oven and slightly cooled, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel and give them a rub to remove the skins. Don’t stress about a few remaining bits; it won’t ruin the spread.

Step 2: Blend to Butter

Add your warm, roasted hazelnuts to a powerful food processor or high-speed blender like a Vitamix. Blend until the nuts break down into a buttery paste. You’ll need patience here—scrape down the sides and keep going, as it can take between 5 and 20 minutes (depending on your appliance) for the hazelnuts to release their oils and become silky smooth.

Step 3: Add Cocoa, Sweetener, Vanilla, and Salt

Once your hazelnuts are creamy, toss in the cocoa powder, sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue blending for several minutes to achieve that decadent, uniform Nutella consistency. Scraping the sides occasionally helps blend everything perfectly.

Step 4: Adjust Creaminess

For extra creaminess or a softer spread, drizzle in a little of your chosen milk or oil—blend again until smooth. Start with a tablespoon or two and add slowly, tasting as you go. 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—it’s what truly unlocks their flavor before blending!

How to Serve Delicious Homemade Nutella with Cocoa & Vanilla

Garnishes

A finishing flourish brings out the best in your homemade Nutella. Sprinkle with a few extra toasted hazelnuts or flakes of sea salt for crunch and a flavor boost. A dusting of cocoa powder or a swirl of melted chocolate makes each spoonful feel extra special. Remember, the magic begins 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, as garnishes shine brightest on a freshly made spread.

Side Dishes

Slather this chocolate-hazelnut gold on warm toast, crisp waffles, or pancakes. Fresh fruit—think strawberries, bananas, or apple slices—pairs beautifully with each creamy bite. For an over-the-top treat, try it as a filling for crepes or sandwich it between cookies. The versatility truly begins 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—because the pure flavor elevates every meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Pour your Nutella into glass jars and tie with a ribbon for an adorable gift. Spoon into mini ramekins for DIY dessert dipping at gatherings. Or serve alongside scoops of vanilla ice cream. However you present it, the foundation of your spread’s vibrant taste is simple: 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.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your homemade Nutella will keep fresh for up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If it thickens, just give it a good stir. The flavor stays truest 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 before blending, so make sure to follow this crucial step each time you prep a batch.

Freezing

If you want to extend shelf life, freeze your Nutella in a freezer-safe jar or silicone container for up to two months. Let it come to room temperature before using and stir very well—sometimes a quick blend helps revive its silky consistency. This works especially well 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, as roasted nuts freeze beautifully.

Reheating

If your Nutella gets too firm or chilly, a gentle zap in the microwave (just 5-10 seconds) or a warm water bath will restore its spreadability in no time. Always make sure your hazelnuts are roasted for the smoothest reheat potential—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!

FAQs

Do I have to remove all the hazelnut skins?

No need to obsess! While removing most skins helps achieve a smoother texture and milder taste, a few bits left behind won’t hurt the spread at all. If you follow the instruction—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 also makes the skins much easier to get off.

Can I use a regular blender if I don’t have a high-powered one?

It’s possible, but it may take a little longer, and you’ll want to stop often to scrape down the sides. For the best creamy results, make sure you really blend until the nuts release their oils and become buttery smooth.

What’s the best sweetener for homemade Nutella?

You have lots of options! Powdered sugar keeps things classic, while honey, maple syrup, or even sugar-free alternatives work well for different diets. Adjust to taste, and remember that liquids can make your spread a bit looser, so balance accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Use your favorite plant-based milk (almond, oat, or even coconut) or choose a neutral oil for the creamy addition. Every other ingredient is naturally vegan, making it easy to customize for your needs.

How can I make my Nutella super smooth?

Be patient with blending—the longer you blend, the silkier it will get. Using fresh-roasted hazelnuts is important for achieving that creamy consistency, so always start with the golden rule: 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.

Final Thoughts

Now you’re all set to whip up your own batch of decadent, homemade Nutella right in your kitchen. There’s a special kind of joy in creating such a classic treat from simple ingredients, and it all begins with the reminder: 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. Happy spreading!

Print