Easy Homemade Nutella Recipe: Make It From Scratch

You can make a delicious homemade Nutella-like spread in under 30 minutes using just 5 simple ingredients: roasted hazelnuts, high-quality chocolate, sugar, cocoa powder, and a touch of vanilla. This recipe yields a rich, smooth chocolate-hazelnut spread without palm oil or artificial preservatives.

Why Make Your Own Nutella at Home?

Creating your own chocolate-hazelnut spread gives you complete control over ingredients and flavor profile. Unlike commercial versions that contain palm oil and multiple emulsifiers, homemade Nutella lets you avoid unwanted additives while customizing sweetness and richness to your preference. Professional pastry chef Antonio Rodriguez explains: "The magic happens when you roast the hazelnuts properly - that deep, nutty aroma is impossible to replicate with store-bought versions."

Commercial Nutella	Homemade Version
Palm oil, sugar, hazelnuts (13%)	100% roasted hazelnuts (35-40%)
Vegetable oils, skim milk	Dark chocolate (minimum 70% cacao)
Emulsifier (lecithins), vanillin	Natural sweeteners (maple syrup or coconut sugar)
200+ calories per 2 tbsp	170 calories per 2 tbsp (customizable)

What You'll Actually Need (No Special Equipment Required)

Forget complicated kitchen gadgets - your standard food processor handles this task perfectly. The key is patience during processing; rushing leads to gritty texture. Here's exactly what to gather:

• 2 cups (300g) raw hazelnuts (fresh, not stale)
• 70% dark chocolate bar (4 oz / 115g), chopped
• 3-4 tbsp sweetener (maple syrup for moisture, powdered sugar for shelf stability)
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

The Critical Roasting Step Most People Get Wrong

Properly roasted hazelnuts make or break your spread. Spread nuts in single layer on baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until skins darken and crack. Transfer immediately to clean kitchen towel - the residual heat continues cooking while making skin removal easier. Rub vigorously to remove most skins (don't worry about perfection).

Texture Transformation Timeline: From Nuts to Spread

Understanding the processing stages prevents premature stopping:

1. 0-2 minutes: Crumbly meal texture
2. 3-5 minutes: Thick paste begins forming
3. 6-8 minutes: Paste thins as natural oils release
4. 9-12 minutes: Smooth, glossy spread develops

"The transition from thick paste to smooth spread happens suddenly," notes Rodriguez. "Keep processing even when discouraged - that magic moment arrives around 10 minutes." Add melted chocolate and remaining ingredients only after reaching stage 3.

Troubleshooting Your Homemade Nutella

Encountering issues? These common problems have simple solutions:

• Too thick: Add 1 tsp neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed) while processing
• Not sweet enough: Incorporate additional sweetener 1 tsp at a time
• Gritty texture: Continue processing - natural oils need more time to release
• Separating: Chill spread slightly, then reprocess

When Homemade Makes Sense (And When It Doesn't)

Consider these context boundaries before starting:

• Make homemade when: You prioritize ingredient control, have dietary restrictions, or want richer hazelnut flavor
• Buy commercial when: You need shelf-stable product for travel, want consistent texture year-round, or lack processing equipment
• Best compromise: Blend equal parts homemade and store-bought for enhanced flavor with commercial stability

Storage and Creative Uses Beyond Toast

Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for 1 month (stir well after chilling). Try these professional applications:

• Fold into pancake batter for chocolate-hazelnut pockets
• Swirl into brownie batter before baking
• Mix with Greek yogurt for protein-rich dip
• Use as filling for homemade crepes
• Swirl into morning oatmeal with banana slices

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Nutella without a food processor?

Yes, but requires significant effort. Use a high-powered blender and pause frequently to scrape sides. Expect longer processing time (15-20 minutes) and potentially slightly grainier texture. A mortar and pestle works for small batches but requires considerable time and effort.

Why does my homemade Nutella separate after a few days?

Separation occurs because homemade versions lack commercial emulsifiers. Simply stir vigorously before use. For longer stability, add 1/2 tsp neutral oil during processing or store in refrigerator (bring to room temperature and stir well before using).

How can I make a healthier Nutella alternative?

Reduce sugar by 25% and use maple syrup instead of refined sugar. Substitute 1 oz dark chocolate with cacao nibs for added fiber. For lower fat content, replace 1/4 cup hazelnuts with almond flour (note: this changes flavor profile significantly).

Can I use pre-roasted hazelnuts from the store?

Freshly roasted hazelnuts yield superior flavor. Pre-roasted store-bought nuts often contain oils or seasonings that affect taste. If using pre-roasted, verify they're plain and unsalted. Raw hazelnuts provide the cleanest flavor base for authentic chocolate-hazelnut spread.