Description
This Healthy Vegan Nutella recipe offers a delicious and wholesome alternative to traditional Nutella, made entirely from natural ingredients including roasted hazelnuts and cashew nuts blended into a creamy nut butter, enriched with melted dark chocolate, cacao powder, and a touch of raw cane sugar. It is perfect for vegans and those seeking a nutritious chocolate spread free from dairy and artificial additives.
Ingredients
Nut Base
- 1 cup hazelnuts
- ½ cup raw, unsalted cashew nuts
Chocolate Mixture
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate (70% cocoa recommended)
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon raw cane sugar (or any preferred sweetener, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Nuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the hazelnuts and cashew nuts evenly on a baking tray and roast them for 6-8 minutes. Once roasted, let the nuts cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.
- Blend Nuts to Nut Butter: Place the cooled hazelnuts and cashew nuts into a blender or food processor. Begin blending; it will take about 10 to 15 minutes to achieve a smooth, liquid nut butter. Occasionally scrape down the sides with a spatula to ensure even processing. If your machine overheats, pause and let it cool down before continuing. The natural oils in the nuts will release, transforming the mixture into creamy nut butter.
- Melt the Chocolate: While the nuts blend, break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl. Microwave in short intervals of 15 seconds, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the nut butter is creamy, add the melted chocolate, cacao powder, and raw cane sugar (if using). Blitz the mixture for an additional 1-2 minutes to fully incorporate all ingredients into a luscious spread.
- Adjust Consistency and Store: Immediately after blending, the Nutella will be somewhat liquid due to warm nuts. To thicken, place it in the refrigerator for up to two hours. Transfer the Nutella into a sterilized airtight jar for storage. It can be kept at room temperature for about 3 weeks or longer if consumed timely.
Notes
- Use raw and unsalted nuts to control the flavor and salt content of your Nutella.
- If your food processor is small or not powerful, blending times may vary; patience is key to releasing natural oils.
- The sweetness level can be adjusted according to taste or dietary preferences by modifying or omitting the sugar.
- Storing the Nutella in the fridge extends shelf life but may thicken the spread; allow it to come to room temperature before use if preferred.
- Roasting nuts enhances their flavor but avoid over-roasting to prevent bitterness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
