If you have a sweet tooth and a love for creamy, chocolatey spreads that are both irresistibly delicious and completely plant-based, you are in for a treat! This Vegan Nutella (Hazelnut Spread) Recipe is my absolute favorite way to enjoy that classic hazelnut chocolate goodness without any dairy. It combines rich vegan dark chocolate, buttery hazelnuts, and a touch of coconut cream to create a luscious spread that’s perfect on toast, drizzled over desserts, or even eaten by the spoonful. Trust me, once you try this homemade delight, store-bought Nutella will never taste quite the same again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and that iconic chocolate-hazelnut flavor you crave. From the smooth vegan dark chocolate adding depth, to the hazelnut butter delivering that irresistible nutty richness, every element is key.
- 100 g vegan dark chocolate: Choose a good-quality chocolate for a rich, deep cocoa flavor.
- 150 g hazelnut butter: This brings the creamy, nutty base that makes this spread unforgettable.
- 150 g coconut cream: Adds velvety texture and a subtle tropical sweetness; full-fat canned coconut milk works too.
- 60 g confectioners sugar: A touch of sweetness, easily substitutable with maple syrup for a natural flair.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste: Infuses the spread with warm, aromatic vanilla notes.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Vegan Nutella (Hazelnut Spread) Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Start by finely chopping the vegan dark chocolate and placing it into a heat-resistant bowl. Set this bowl over a saucepan filled about a quarter of the way with simmering water, creating a gentle bain-marie. Stir occasionally with a rubber spatula to ensure the chocolate melts evenly without burning. This slow melting process preserves the smoothness and intensity of the chocolate flavor.
Step 2: Blend All Ingredients
Once melted, transfer the chocolate to a high-speed blender or food processor. Add the hazelnut butter, coconut cream, confectioners sugar, vanilla bean paste, and sea salt. Blend everything together for a couple of minutes until the mixture transforms into a perfectly smooth, creamy spread. This step ensures all the flavors marry beautifully, and the texture is just right for spreading or drizzling.
Step 3: Chill for Thickness
Transfer your freshly blended chocolate spread into airtight jars or containers. Refrigerate for a couple of hours to let it thicken up into that classic spreadable consistency we all adore. If you’re eager to enjoy it right away, no worries—serving it immediately at room temperature results in a more pourable, drizzle-friendly texture that’s wonderful on pancakes or desserts.
How to Serve Vegan Nutella (Hazelnut Spread) Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Vegan Nutella by sprinkling it with crushed toasted hazelnuts or a light dusting of cocoa powder. A drizzle of melted vegan dark chocolate on top can also add an eye-catching finish and extra indulgence. These simple touches turn your spread into a gourmet experience.
Side Dishes
Spread it generously on warm toast, fluffy pancakes, or waffles for a start-your-day treat everyone will love. It’s also divine dolloped over dairy-free yogurts, paired with fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries, or used as a decadent dip for crunchy apple slices.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using this Vegan Nutella as a filling for vegan crepes or swirl it into overnight oats for an exciting breakfast variation. For an extra special occasion, layer it in parfait glasses with vegan whipped cream and crushed nuts for a no-bake dessert. The possibilities with this spread are simply endless and so much fun to experiment with!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Vegan Nutella (Hazelnut Spread) in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavor over several meals. When you want to use it, simply take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour to soften for easy spreading.
Freezing
While this spread is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature before serving to restore its creamy texture.
Reheating
If refrigerated spread feels too firm, gently soften it by allowing it to sit out at room temperature for an hour. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture. For a quick drizzle, a warm water bath can slightly loosen it without compromising the flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of coconut cream?
For this Vegan Nutella (Hazelnut Spread) Recipe, coconut cream or full-fat canned coconut milk is recommended to keep it dairy-free and maintain the creamy texture. Using dairy milk would change the recipe’s vegan-friendly nature and the overall texture.
Is maple syrup a good substitute for confectioners sugar?
Absolutely! Maple syrup works wonderfully as a natural sweetener in this recipe. Just keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture, making the spread a bit looser, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
What kind of hazelnut butter should I buy?
Look for smooth, natural hazelnut butter without added sugar or oils for the best flavor and texture. You can also make your own by roasting hazelnuts at home and blending them until creamy.
How long will this spread keep at room temperature?
This Vegan Nutella (Hazelnut Spread) Recipe keeps well at room temperature for up to three days. Beyond that, it’s best stored in the fridge to preserve freshness and texture.
Can I add other flavors to this spread?
Definitely! Some of my favorite additions include a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of espresso powder for a mocha twist, or even a splash of rum extract for extra depth. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Nutella (Hazelnut Spread) Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone craving that classic hazelnut chocolate flavor without any dairy. It’s incredibly simple to make, endlessly versatile, and taste-wise, it’s pure magic. Once you whip up a batch, you might find it hard to ever go back to store-bought spreads. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Vegan Nutella (Hazelnut Spread) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Spread
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy Vegan Nutella recipe combines rich hazelnut butter, silky vegan dark chocolate, and coconut cream to create a decadent, dairy-free chocolate spread. Sweetened naturally with confectioners sugar or maple syrup and flavored with vanilla and sea salt, this spread is perfect for toast, desserts, or drizzling over fruit. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a delightful homemade alternative to store-bought spreads, with customizable sweetness and a luscious texture that can be enjoyed either thick or drizzleable.
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 100 g vegan dark chocolate
Spread Mixture
- 150 g hazelnut butter
- 150 g coconut cream (or full-fat canned coconut milk)
- 60 g confectioners sugar (powdered sugar/icing sugar) or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: Finely chop the vegan dark chocolate and place it in a heat-resistant bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan filled about one-quarter with simmering water to create a bain-marie. Stir occasionally with a rubber spatula until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Blend Ingredients: Add the melted chocolate, hazelnut butter, coconut cream, confectioners sugar or maple syrup, vanilla bean paste, and sea salt into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high for several minutes until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Transfer and Chill: Pour the spread into airtight jars or containers. Refrigerate for a couple of hours to achieve a thick, spreadable consistency. If you prefer a looser, drizzle-like texture, it can also be enjoyed immediately at room temperature.
- Storage: Keep the Vegan Nutella refrigerated in an airtight container where it will stay fresh for about one week. At room temperature, it is best consumed within 3 days. For optimal texture and shelf life, refrigerate and bring to room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat canned coconut milk if coconut cream is unavailable; refrigerate the can overnight and scoop the solidified cream.
- Adjust sweetness by substituting confectioners sugar with maple syrup for a natural sugar alternative.
- Ensure the chocolate is vegan (dairy-free) for a fully vegan spread.
- To get a smoother texture, blend the mixture for an extended time if your blender or food processor isn’t high-powered.
- Stored properly in the fridge, the spread can last up to one week.
