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