Imagine dipping your spoon into a jar of rich, velvety chocolate bliss—homemade Cacao and Hazelnut Spread. This dreamy condiment is not just irresistibly creamy and deeply chocolaty, but also brimming with the pure flavors of roasted hazelnuts and real cacao. Whether you crave something to dollop onto warm toast, swirl into oatmeal, or simply savor by the spoonful, this spread is a game-changer for anyone with a sweet tooth and an appreciation for wholesome, customizable recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—these ingredients play starring roles, right down to the last sprinkle of salt. Every component brings something essential, from the nutty flavor and creamy texture to the perfect level of sweetness and deep cocoa notes.
- Hazelnuts: Roasted to perfection, these are the backbone of that nutty, silky base you crave.
- Unsweetened cacao powder: Adds pure, deep chocolate flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
- Powdered sugar or maple syrup: Sweetens the spread; choose maple syrup for a subtle caramel note or powdered sugar for a classic finish.
- Salt: Just a pinch, but it magically balances and elevates all the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract: A dash brings warmth and extra dimension to the chocolate.
- Neutral oil (sunflower or avocado): Loosens the mixture and makes it silky; use more as needed for your ideal texture.
- Milk (dairy or non-dairy, optional): For an extra creamy, luscious finish—totally up to your personal preference.
How to Make Cacao and Hazelnut Spread
Step 1: Roast and Peel Hazelnuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the hazelnuts evenly on a baking sheet. Give them 10 to 12 minutes to roast, until the skins start to split and a warm, nutty aroma fills the kitchen. Wrap the hot hazelnuts in a clean kitchen towel and rub them together to remove most of the skins—don’t worry if a few stubborn bits remain, they add character!
Step 2: Blitz to Hazelnut Butter
Toss those freshly peeled, still-warm hazelnuts into your food processor or blender. Blend for 3 to 5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until you’re left with a smooth, pourable hazelnut butter. You’ll see it transform from dry crumbs to a creamy consistency—pure kitchen magic!
Step 3: Add Chocolate Tone and Sweetness
Time to amp up the decadence! Sprinkle in the cacao powder, add your powdered sugar or maple syrup, salt, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of neutral oil. Blitz again until everything’s incorporated and ultra-smooth. This is the stage to adjust: for a spreadable, glossy finish, drizzle in more oil or a splash of milk until you hit your personal sweet spot.
Step 4: Taste and Perfect
Pause and dip your spoon in for a taste. Want more sweetness? Another spoonful of maple syrup might be just right. Craving a more intense chocolate hit? Add an extra teaspoon of cacao powder. Now’s the time to experiment and tailor your Cacao and Hazelnut Spread to match your cravings.
Step 5: Store and Savor
Scoop your finished Cacao and Hazelnut Spread into a clean glass jar, seal it tight, and tuck it into the fridge. It will firm up a little as it chills and stay fresh for up to two indulgent weeks—if it lasts that long!
How to Serve Cacao and Hazelnut Spread
Garnishes
A classic drizzle of honey, a dusting of extra cacao powder, or even a sprinkle of flaky salt can turn each spoonful into a special treat. For an elegant touch, scatter a few chopped hazelnuts or some zest from an orange right on top before serving.
Side Dishes
This spread is a natural on warm toast, pancakes, waffles, or simple crepes. It’s also fabulous swirled into Greek yogurt, dotted on oatmeal, or paired with fresh strawberries and sliced banana for a healthy-yet-indulgent snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your Cacao and Hazelnut Spread inspire dessert boards, molten cores in muffins, or layered in parfaits. Scoop into mini jars as homemade gifts or offer it as a dip on a fruit platter at brunch—the options are truly endless and always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any extra spread into a clean, airtight jar or container. In the refrigerator, your Cacao and Hazelnut Spread will keep beautifully for up to two weeks, maintaining both its flavor and creamy texture. Give it a good stir before each use for best results.
Freezing
If you want to keep a stash for later, you absolutely can freeze this spread! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will hold up for two to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving—no flavor lost, just pure, nutty chocolate goodness.
Reheating
Sometimes the spread thickens in the cold. If you want it softer, scoop out what you need and let it come to room temperature for fifteen minutes, or gently warm it in a microwave-safe bowl at low power in 10-15 second intervals, stirring between bursts, until it regains its silky flow.
FAQs
Can I use cocoa powder instead of cacao powder?
Absolutely! While cacao powder is less processed and has a slightly more intense chocolate flavor, regular unsweetened cocoa powder will work beautifully in your Cacao and Hazelnut Spread and still deliver fantastic results.
Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, it is! Just be sure to use a plant-based milk (if using) and maple syrup instead of powdered sugar if you want to guarantee a vegan version. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can dig in.
How can I make my spread even smoother?
If you love ultra-silky spreads, let your high-speed blender or processor run a little longer and don’t be shy about adding an extra spoonful of oil or milk. Warm hazelnuts and scraping the bowl often will also help achieve the creamiest possible Cacao and Hazelnut Spread.
Can I use other nuts?
Definitely! Almonds or cashews can step in for hazelnuts if you want to mix things up. You’ll get a different but still delightful nutty backbone, just keep in mind that roasting and blending times may vary slightly with different nuts.
How do I control the sweetness?
This recipe is all about flexibility. Taste as you go and feel free to dial the sweetener up or down, or swap in a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit to suit your own preferences. Your perfect Cacao and Hazelnut Spread is totally within reach!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with chocolate hazelnut bliss, don’t wait another moment—grab your blender and treat yourself to homemade Cacao and Hazelnut Spread. Every bite is a little celebration of flavor, and once you’ve tasted this, you’ll find yourself inventing new ways to enjoy it day after day.
Print
Cacao and Hazelnut Spread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/2 cups spread
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of this homemade Cacao and Hazelnut Spread. Made with roasted hazelnuts, cacao powder, and a touch of sweetness, this vegan and gluten-free spread is perfect for topping toast, stirring into oatmeal, or simply enjoying by the spoonful.
Ingredients
Roasted Hazelnuts:
1 1/2 cups raw hazelnuts
Cacao Powder:
1/4 cup unsweetened cacao powder
Sweetener:
1/2 cup powdered sugar or maple syrup
Salt:
1/4 teaspoon salt
Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Neutral Oil:
2–4 tablespoons neutral oil (such as sunflower or avocado)
Milk (optional):
2–3 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy, optional for creamier texture)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roast the hazelnuts: Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 10–12 minutes until fragrant.
- Remove skins: Rub the warm hazelnuts in a kitchen towel to remove most of the skins.
- Blend hazelnuts: Blend the peeled hazelnuts in a food processor until smooth.
- Add ingredients: Add cacao powder, sweetener, salt, vanilla extract, and oil. Blend until creamy, adjusting texture with milk if desired.
- Store: Transfer the spread to a jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, toast hazelnuts longer or add espresso powder.
- Adjust sweetness by using less sugar or a sugar substitute for a low-sugar version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
