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If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the rich, chocolate-hazelnut flavor of Nutella but with fewer additives and more control over the sweetness, this Homemade Nutella Recipe is going to become your new favorite kitchen project. Made with simple ingredients and blended into silky, spreadable perfection, this homemade version tastes fresher, richer, and more indulgent than anything from the store. Whether you spread it on toast, drizzle it over fruit, or enjoy it straight from the jar, this chocolate–hazelnut spread is pure comfort in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this homemade Nutella stands out:

Better than store-bought: Freshly roasted hazelnuts create unbeatable flavor and aroma.
Simple ingredients: No palm oil, preservatives, or artificial flavors.
Customizable sweetness: Choose your favorite sweetener—maple syrup, sugar, or a sugar-free option.
Diet-friendly: Easily make it vegan, dairy-free, or lower-sugar.
Budget-friendly: One batch makes more spread for less than buying a jar.
Versatile: Spread it, dip it, bake with it, or blend into drinks.

This is the homemade treat that turns everyday moments into something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the ingredients required to make your very own chocolate-hazelnut spread.

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the recipe card below.

Hazelnuts: Roasted hazelnuts give the spread its signature nutty flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
Cocoa Powder: For that deep, chocolatey richness.
Sweetener of Choice: Adjust based on preference—maple syrup, powdered sugar, coconut sugar, or a low-carb option.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance flavors.
Milk or Oil: Helps achieve a silky-smooth texture. Milk yields a creamy version, while oil makes it dairy-free.

Let’s Get Started

1. Roast the Hazelnuts

If your hazelnuts are not roasted, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, until the skins are cracked and the nuts are fragrant.

2. Remove the Skins

Once roasted, rub the hazelnuts in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much of the skins as possible. Don’t worry if a few stubborn pieces remain—they won’t affect the flavor.

3. Blend the Hazelnuts

Place the hazelnuts in a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until they turn into a paste—this can take several minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.

4. Add the Cocoa and Sweetener

Add cocoa powder, your sweetener of choice, vanilla, and salt. Blend again until combined.

5. Add Milk or Oil

To adjust the texture, add milk for creaminess or oil for a dairy-free option. Start with small amounts and blend until you reach the consistency you prefer—smooth, spreadable, and glossy.

6. Taste & Adjust

Taste your homemade Nutella and adjust sweetness, chocolate level, or thickness as desired.

7. Store and Enjoy

Transfer the spread to a jar and keep it in the refrigerator. It thickens slightly as it cools but remains wonderfully spreadable.

Servings and Pairing

This recipe yields about 1 ½ cups of chocolate-hazelnut goodness—perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.

Pair your homemade Nutella with:

Warm toast or freshly baked bread
Waffles, pancakes, or crepes
Apples, strawberries, and bananas
Yogurt bowls
Ice cream
Drizzled on oatmeal
Swirled into brownie or cookie batter

It’s a pantry staple that elevates everything it touches.

Variations

1. Vegan Nutella

Use plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) or neutral oil for a dairy-free version.

2. Dark Chocolate Nutella

Add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder and reduce sweetener for a rich, slightly bitter profile.

3. Sugar-Free Version

Use a granulated sugar substitute or a keto-friendly sweetener. If it’s granulated, blend it into a powder first so it doesn’t taste gritty.

4. White Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

Skip the cocoa and blend in melted vegan white chocolate for a creamy twist.

5. Extra Creamy Nutella

Blend in 1–2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil for added silkiness.

Storage Tips

Homemade Nutella stores beautifully:

Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks.
Room Temperature: If made with oil instead of milk, it lasts 1 week at room temp.
Freezer: Portion into small containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge.

If the spread thickens after chilling, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10–20 minutes, or warm the jar slightly in warm water.

FAQs

Can I use almonds instead of hazelnuts?

Yes! Almonds make a delicious alternative and create an almond-chocolate spread similar to Nutella.

Why isn’t my Nutella smooth?

Your blender may need more time. Keep blending until the nuts release their oils and form a paste. Adding a little more milk or oil helps too.

Can I reduce the sweetness?

Absolutely—this recipe is fully customizable. Start with less sweetener and adjust to taste.

What type of cocoa works best?

Unsweetened natural cocoa powder gives the smoothest flavor, but Dutch-processed cocoa creates a deeper, richer taste.

My spread hardened in the fridge—what do I do?

Let it sit at room temperature for a bit or warm the jar gently. A small splash of warm milk also helps loosen it.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Nutella at home feels surprisingly luxurious yet incredibly simple. With only a few ingredients and a food processor, you can create a silky, chocolatey spread that tastes fresher and richer than anything store-bought. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, dessert topping, or spoon-worthy indulgence, this homemade version brings pure joy in every bite.