Spread the love and go vegan with our irresistible Vegan Nutella. All the flavors minus the dairy and refined sugar!
Vegan Nutella, also known as "chocolate hazelnut spread," is a delicious, healthy, and plant-based alternative to the traditional Nutella spread. It offers a similar creamy texture and rich flavor while being entirely free from animal products. Vegan Nutella is a popular choice among those following a plant-based diet, individuals with lactose intolerance, or anyone seeking a more healhty, ethical and sustainable alternative.
The key to making vegan Nutella lies in replacing the dairy ingredients found in the original recipe with plant-based substitutes. In this recipe, we replace milk with plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. These alternatives not only provide a creamy texture but also contribute unique flavors that complement the chocolate and hazelnut combination.
In addition to the milk replacement, this vegan Nutella recipe replaces refined sugar with maple syrup. To achieve the nutty flavor of Nutella, roasted hazelnuts are ground into a fine paste, combined with silky melted dark chocolate or cocoa powder, and sweetened with maple syrup. This recipe is very easy to customize the sweetness, texture, and intensity of the chocolate and hazelnut flavors to suit your preferences.
Vegan Nutella is not only a delectable treat but also offers several health benefits. It is cholesterol-free, lower in saturated fat, free of refined sugar and contains no animal by-products. Hazelnuts are packed with essential nutrients. They are an excellent source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats like oleic acid, which can help promote heart health. They also contain a good amount of dietary fiber, vitamins (such as vitamin E, vitamin B6, and folate), and minerals (including magnesium, potassium, and calcium).
Whether you spread it on toast, use it as a dip for fruits, or enjoy it straight from the jar, vegan Nutella offers a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your sweet cravings while aligning with a plant-based lifestyle.
Ingredients:
· 1.5 cups hazelnuts, toasted and skinned (I use #TraderJoes- Dry roasted & unsalted Oregon Hazelnuts)
· 1/3rd cup chopped dairy-free dark chocolate (melted) (I use Trader Joes Pound plus 72% dark chocolate) or 2-3 tbsp unsweetened cacao powder
· 4 tbsp maple syrup (adjust more or less desired sweetness)
· 3-4 tbsp almond milk or any dairy-free milk of your choice
· 1 tsp vanilla extract
· 1/4 tsp sea salt
· Optional: Add 1 tsp of instant coffee for an extra kick!
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 10-12 minutes, until they become fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
2. Melt the dark chocolate in a double broiler or a microwave.
3. Once the hazelnuts are cool, place them in Vitamix or any high-speed blender and pulse until they become finely ground.
4. Add the melted chocolate or cocoa powder, maple syrup, almond milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor. Process the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times during the process.
5. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness and salt as needed.
6. Transfer the vegan Nutella to a clean jar or container and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Enjoy your homemade vegan Nutella on toast, pancakes, overnight oats, baked oats or as a dip for fresh fruit.
My favorite way to enjoy this treat is by stuffing my Nutella in a mejdool date with a drizzle of dark chocolate!