Healthy Homemade Nutella (Smooth, Creamy & Vegan)

If you love Nutella but don’t love the excess sugar, dairy, and mystery ingredients found in store-bought jars, this Healthy Homemade Nutella is about to become your new favorite spread. It’s luxuriously smooth, deeply chocolatey, naturally sweetened, and completely vegan — yet tastes just as indulgent as the classic version we all grew up loving.

This recipe proves that you don’t need refined sugar, palm oil, or dairy to achieve that iconic chocolate-hazelnut flavor. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a powerful blender or food processor, you can create a creamy, spreadable Nutella alternative that’s better for you and just as satisfying.

Whether you’re spreading it on toast, swirling it into oatmeal, drizzling it over fruit, or eating it straight from the spoon (no judgment here), this homemade Nutella delivers pure comfort in every bite — without the guilt.

Why Make Homemade Nutella?

Store-bought chocolate hazelnut spreads often contain more sugar and oil than actual hazelnuts. When you make Nutella at home, you control every ingredient — the sweetness, the richness, and the texture.

Here’s why this version stands out:

• Naturally sweetened
• 100% vegan and dairy-free
• No refined oils
• Rich in healthy fats
• Customizable to taste

This healthier Nutella isn’t about deprivation — it’s about upgrading a classic treat into something nourishing and crave-worthy.

The Secret to Ultra-Creamy Vegan Nutella

The key to achieving that signature smooth texture is properly roasted hazelnuts and patience while blending. Roasting deepens flavor and helps the nuts release their natural oils, which is what creates that luscious, spoonable consistency.

Another important factor is using a high-quality cocoa powder. Since this recipe uses fewer ingredients, each one shines — and good cocoa makes all the difference.

Once blended long enough, the mixture transforms from crumbly to creamy to silky smooth. It’s kitchen magic you can actually taste.

Ingredients

• Raw hazelnuts
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Maple syrup or dates
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Warm water or plant milk (as needed)

Each ingredient serves a purpose: hazelnuts for richness, cocoa for depth, natural sweetener for balance, and liquid to fine-tune the texture.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet.
2. Roast hazelnuts for 10–12 minutes until fragrant and skins begin to loosen.
3. Transfer warm hazelnuts to a clean kitchen towel and rub to remove most of the skins.
4. Add hazelnuts to a high-speed blender or food processor.
5. Blend for several minutes, stopping to scrape down sides, until a smooth nut butter forms.
6. Add cocoa powder, maple syrup (or softened dates), vanilla extract, and salt.
7. Blend again until fully smooth and glossy.
8. Add warm water or plant milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
9. Taste and adjust sweetness or cocoa as needed.
10. Transfer to a jar and let cool before serving.

Healthy Homemade Nutella (Smooth, Creamy & Vegan)

A smooth, creamy vegan chocolate hazelnut spread made with real ingredients and natural sweetness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 22 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Nutella Spread

• 2 cups raw hazelnuts
• 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.25 cup maple syrup or softened dates
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 2-4 tbsp warm water or plant milk as needed

Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Food processor or high-speed blender
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Roast hazelnuts until fragrant and skins loosen.
2. Remove most skins and blend hazelnuts into nut butter.
3. Add cocoa powder, sweetener, vanilla, and salt.
4. Blend until smooth and glossy.
5. Add liquid as needed to adjust consistency.

Notes

Texture thickens slightly after chilling.

Texture & Flavor Profile

This healthy Nutella is rich, creamy, and deeply chocolatey with a warm roasted hazelnut backbone. The texture is smooth and spreadable, not gritty or oily. The flavor is balanced — chocolate-forward with gentle nuttiness and just enough sweetness to feel indulgent without being overpowering.

It’s the kind of spread that feels luxurious yet clean, making it easy to enjoy daily.

Tips for the Best Homemade Nutella

• Roast hazelnuts properly for maximum flavor
• Blend longer than you think — creaminess takes time
• Use warm liquid to help emulsify smoothly
• Taste as you go and adjust sweetness

If your Nutella seems thick at first, keep blending. The oils will release and transform the texture.

Delicious Variations

Customize your Nutella to suit your cravings:

• Extra-dark Nutella – add more cocoa powder
• Sugar-free version – use dates only
• Protein Nutella – blend in plant-based protein powder
• Spiced Nutella – add cinnamon or espresso powder

This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adapts beautifully to personal taste.

How to Use Healthy Homemade Nutella

This spread is endlessly versatile. Try it:

• On toast or waffles
• Swirled into oatmeal or yogurt
• As a dip for fruit
• In smoothies
• As a filling for crepes or pastries

Or enjoy it straight from the spoon — because sometimes that’s the correct choice.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store homemade Nutella in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Stir before using, as natural separation may occur. For a softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before spreading.

Fun Nutella-Inspired Fact

Chocolate hazelnut spreads originated in Europe as a way to stretch limited cocoa supplies. Today, homemade versions like this one bring the focus back to real ingredients and bold flavor — proof that simple food can still feel luxurious.