How to Make Creamy Hazelnut Chocolate Spread at Home
Everyone loves the creamy goodness of hazelnut chocolate spread! Whether you enjoy it slathered on toast, drizzled over pancakes, or eaten straight from the jar with a spoon, this delightful treat always feels special. While store-bought versions (like Nutella) are popular, making your own hazelnut chocolate spread at home is surprisingly simple. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid preservatives, adjust sweetness, and add your special touch.
In this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll learn how to make a creamy hazelnut chocolate spread using simple ingredients and steps. You’ll soon discover how fun and rewarding it is to create this treat in your own kitchen!
What You’ll Need
Here’s a list of ingredients and tools you’ll need to get started:
Ingredients
- Hazelnuts: 2 cups (roasted and peeled)
- Dark or Milk Chocolate: 1/2 cup (melted)
- Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons
- Powdered Sugar: 2–3 tablespoons (adjust based on your preference)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: A pinch (to enhance the flavor)
- Neutral Oil: 2–3 tablespoons (like sunflower or vegetable oil, to make it silky smooth)
Tools
- Blender or food processor
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Microwave or double boiler (for melting chocolate)
- Spatula or spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Hazelnuts
Start by roasting your hazelnuts. Roasting helps release their natural oils and makes them easier to blend into a smooth paste. Here’s how:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Spread the hazelnuts onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
– Roast them for 10–12 minutes, or until they’re fragrant and slightly brown. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn!
Once roasted, let the hazelnuts cool for a few minutes. Then peel off their skins by rubbing them with a clean kitchen towel or your hands. The skins won’t ruin your recipe, but removing them gives the spread a smoother texture.
Step 2: Blend the Hazelnuts
Place the peeled hazelnuts into a blender or food processor. Blend on high speed until the hazelnuts break down and form a smooth paste. This is called hazelnut butter—it’s creamy and oily, and will serve as the base for your chocolate spread.
Be patient! Depending on your blender’s power, this might take 3–5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the blender occasionally to make sure everything is evenly blended.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
For that luscious chocolatey goodness, it’s time to melt your chocolate. Use a microwave or double boiler:
– Microwave method: Place chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each round, until fully melted.
– Double boiler method: Set a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (without letting the bowl touch the water). Stir the chocolate until completely melted.
Step 4: Mix Ingredients
Now comes the fun part—combining everything! Add the melted chocolate, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the hazelnut butter in the blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste it to check if it’s sweet enough for your liking. If not, add more powdered sugar and blend again.
If the mixture feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of neutral oil to loosen it up. Blend until velvety smooth.
Step 5: Store Your Spread
Your creamy hazelnut chocolate spread is ready! Transfer it into a clean, airtight jar to keep it fresh. Store it at room temperature or in the fridge, depending on your preference. Note that refrigeration may make the spread firmer, so let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using.
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better your hazelnuts and chocolate, the tastier the spread!
- Customize: Want more chocolate flavor? Add extra cocoa powder or melted chocolate. Prefer a nutty taste? Use fewer sweeteners.
- Turn It Dairy-Free: If you’re avoiding dairy, use vegan chocolate and skip milk-based additives.
- Use the Right Tools: A sturdy blender or food processor is essential for creating a smooth, creamy texture. Weak equipment might leave you with a chunky spread.
Ways to Enjoy Your Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
There’s no wrong way to enjoy this delightful creation! Here are a few ideas:
– Spread it on bread, bagels, or croissants.
– Dip fruits like strawberries, bananas, or apple slices.
– Swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal for a chocolatey twist.
– Use it as frosting for cakes and cupcakes.
– Simply grab a spoon and dig in—it’s that good!
Final Thoughts
Making your own hazelnut chocolate spread at home is a fun and rewarding experience. You get to control the ingredients, create your preferred flavor, and wow family or friends. Plus, it’s free of unnecessary additives and preservatives.
So next time you’re craving a jar of creamy goodness, skip the store and head to your kitchen. This simple 5-step process will help you whip up a spread that’s just as delicious—if not better—than store-bought versions. Happy spreading!
