How to make your own Nutella?

Making your own Nutella at home is easier than you might think. Start with raw hazelnuts, roast them until fragrant, and rub off most of the skins. Blend the nuts in a food processor until they turn into a paste, then add cocoa powder, powdered sugar or honey, vanilla extract, hazelnut oil, and a pinch of salt. Keep blending until the mixture is silky smooth and spreadable. The key is patience — let the processor run long enough to break down the nuts into a creamy butter before adding other ingredients. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a healthier, homemade chocolate hazelnut spread.

u003cstrongu003eWhat are the 7 ingredients in Nutella from the store?u003c/strongu003e

Classic Nutella that you buy in stores is made from seven simple ingredients: sugar, palm oil, hazelnuts, skim milk powder, cocoa solids, soy lecithin (an emulsifier), and vanillin (an artificial flavoring). Hazelnuts are a key component, but sugar and oil make up a large portion of the recipe, which is why homemade versions often taste fresher and nuttier. When you make your own at home, you have full control over the sweetness, type of oil, and quality of cocoa powder used. That way, you can replicate the delicious flavor of Nutella while cutting back on additives or excess sugar.

u003cstrongu003eDoes Nutella actually have hazelnuts in it?u003c/strongu003e

Yes, Nutella really does contain hazelnuts! In fact, it’s the main nut ingredient in the recipe. That said, store-bought Nutella isn’t as hazelnut-heavy as many people assume. The nuts make up about 13% of the jar, while sugar is the largest ingredient by weight. Making your own Nutella at home lets you flip that ratio, so the hazelnuts are the star and the flavor is more authentic, nutty, and wholesome.

u003cstrongu003eWhat is the secret ingredient in Nutella?u003c/strongu003e

The so-called “secret ingredient” in Nutella is really the combination of sugar and palm oil. While hazelnuts and cocoa provide the signature flavor, sugar and oil are what give Nutella its ultra-smooth, spreadable texture. Palm oil, in particular, helps the spread stay soft at room temperature. In homemade Nutella, you can use healthier oils like hazelnut oil or avocado oil instead, and adjust the sweetness to your preference. This way, the secret isn’t so secret. It’s just about balancing richness, sweetness, and smoothness to make a spread that tastes indulgent while being more wholesome than the store-bought jar.

u003cstrongu003eIs Nutella worse for you than peanut butter?u003c/strongu003e

In terms of nutrition, Nutella and peanut butter are quite different. Peanut butter is generally higher in protein and healthy fats, with less sugar, making it more nutrient-dense and filling. Nutella, on the other hand, is higher in sugar and lower in protein, which means it’s more of a treat than a protein-rich spread. That doesn’t mean Nutella can’t fit into a balanced diet — it’s just best enjoyed in moderation. If you want a healthier option, making your own Nutella at home lets you reduce the sugar, choose a high-quality cocoa powder, and highlight the hazelnut flavor.

u003cstrongu003eHow to make homemade Nutella creamy?u003c/strongu003e

The secret to getting creamy Nutella at home is in the blending process. First, roast your hazelnuts to bring out the oils, then blend them long enough to turn into a silky nut butter before adding any other ingredients. A food processor or high-speed blender works best. Adding hazelnut oil (or another mild oil) helps loosen the texture, while powdered sugar or honey sweetens without making it grainy. Finally, scraping down the sides and blending for an extra minute or two will make the spread smoother. Patience is key — the longer you blend, the creamier your homemade Nutella will be.

Homemade Nutella (Chocolate Hazelnut Spread)

Name: Homemade Nutella
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups hazelnuts, raw; 2 tablespoons hazelnut oil (or avocado oil); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup cocoa powder; 1/3 cup powdered sugar (or honey); 1/4 teaspoon salt

Description

Skip the store-bought version and make your own homemade Nutella with this easy recipe. A chocolate hazelnut spread that is creamy, quick, and ready in 20 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups hazelnuts, raw
2 tablespoons hazelnut oil (or avocado oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/3 cup powdered sugar (or honey)
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on the prepared sheet. Bake for until the skins are dark and the nuts are fragrant, about 10 minutes.
Transfer the warm hazelnuts to a clean kitchen towel and rub them together to loosen most of the skins. Don’t worry if some bits remain. Set aside to cool completely.
Place the hazelnuts in a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until they break down into a thick paste. Add the hazelnut oil, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, powdered sugar (or honey), and salt. Continue blending until silky smooth, 1–2 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Transfer the homemade Nutella to an airtight jar or container. Store at room temperature for up to 2–3 weeks, or in the refrigerator for a slightly firmer spread.

Notes

How to store: Store homemade Nutella in a clean, airtight jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 1 month, though the spread may firm up slightly.

How to reheat: If refrigerated, let the jar sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften. You can also microwave a small portion for 5–10 seconds to make it spreadable again.

How to freeze: You can freeze homemade Nutella in a freezer-safe jar or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and stir well before using.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Blender
Cuisine: Italian