healthier chocolate hazelnut spread
Level
Easy
Time
30 Min
Serves
16
Published December 18, 2023 by Dr. Stephanie Gray, DC
This post may contain affiliate links.
POV: Don’t eat store bought chocolate spreads like Nutella. It is wildly poplular and some people (wrongly) think it is a healthier option because it’s made from hazelnuts. Don’t be fooled. The first ingredient is not hazelnuts. It’s sugar and the second ingredient is very bad-for-you palm oil (think bad cholesterol and triglycerides). One tablespoon of Nutella has 11 grams of sugar. For context, 25 grams of sugar is the recommended maximum amount you should have each day if you want to stay healthy. You will nearly exceed the amount of sugar your system can safely handle with just 2 tablespoons. Sorry to ruin your fun but truth is important when it comes to your health.
The good news is that you can enjoy a delicious, healthy chocolate hazelnut spread if you make it yourself at home. It’s easy to make and the real chocolate taste is quite euphoric. I promise you won’t miss the refined sugars or the bad fats. My recipe is made with lightly roasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, monk fruit sweetener, vanilla and a bit of dairy or plant based milk.
You will need a food processor or (good) high speed blender to successfully make this recipe.
This spread contains good fats from the nuts, has no bad oils and no added sugar.
Spread it on fruit or a piece of GF toast. Or use a spoon to eat it right out of the jar!
This chocolate hazelnut spread is naturally gluten free, grain free, plant based with a dairy free option.
For other great healthy snacks, check out these other recipes:
Flourless Cranberry Orange Loaf
Pumpkin Loaf with Cream Cheese Centre
Blueberry Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookie
Flourless Raspberry Lemon Loaf
1 Bowl Zucchini Trail Mix Cookies
What do you need for this Chocolate Hazelnut Spread:
- 2 cups raw unsalted hazelnuts
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup monk fruit sweetener
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup cream or any milk or non-dairy milk
How to Store this Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Store chocolate spread in a glass container with a lid. Because this spread doesn’t have any preservatives it must be stored in the refrigerator. Eat within 2 weeks. This spread will freeze well for 3 months.
Healthier Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Equipment
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1 Oven
-
1 large baking tray
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1 food processor or high speed blender (like a Vitamix)
Ingredients
- 2 cups raw unsalted hazelnuts
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/3 cup monk fruit sweetener
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup cream or any milk or non-dairy milk
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 F.
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Roast hazelnuts on a large baking sheet for about 15 minutes. Nuts should be lightly browned.
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Use a clean dish towel to rub the skins off the nuts. Don’t worry if you don’t get all of them!
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Add hazelnuts to food processor or high speed blender and process until a smooth paste forms. This can take several minutes. So be patient! You will need to scrape the sides several times with both methods.
I have an older food processor and it took about 7 minutes of continuous processing to make my hazelnuts look like peanut butter.
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Add the other ingredients and process again until mixed in.
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Add 1 more tbsp of milk at a time if you want to make it a little creamier.
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Transfer to a mason jar or container with a secure lid.
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Store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Spread on fruit, gluten free toast or with a spoon right out of the jar!
** Be sure to store this hazelnut spread in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Because there are no preservatives it can’t be stored in the cupboard like Nutella.
This hazelnut spread freezes well.
Substitute 1 cup of sugar free chocolate chips for 1/3 cup cocoa powder.
Use any type of milk. Dairy or non-dairy milk will work.
Nutrition
I’m a doctor of chiropractic, with a special interest in nutrition. I am passionate about healthy eating and using food to heal thyself. Food should be made in a kitchen not a factory. I believe in eating whole foods, keeping processed foods to a minimum. It is my goal to show you that eating healthy and cooking at home can be simple and very rewarding! All of my recipes are gluten-free. Some are ketogenic or paleo friendly.
