If you love chocolate hazelnut spread but want a healthier version, this Healthy Vegan Nutella recipe is a perfect choice. Many store-bought spreads contain lots of added sugar, palm oil, and artificial ingredients. Making your own at home lets you enjoy the same creamy chocolate flavor with better, wholesome ingredients.
This homemade spread is rich, smooth, and packed with roasted hazelnut flavor. The combination of cocoa, natural sweetener, and creamy nuts creates a chocolate spread that tastes indulgent but is made with simple, plant-based ingredients.
As someone who enjoys experimenting with healthier dessert recipes, this Healthy Vegan Nutella has become one of my favorite kitchen staples. It’s easy to make in just a few minutes and works perfectly for breakfast, snacks, or desserts.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best Healthy Vegan Nutella, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful blending tips, flavor variations, storage advice, and answers to common questions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich chocolate hazelnut flavor just like classic Nutella
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Completely vegan with no dairy or palm oil
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Naturally sweetened with simple ingredients
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Quick and easy recipe ready in minutes
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Perfect for breakfast or snacks
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Healthier homemade alternative to store-bought spreads
Once you try this homemade version, it’s hard to go back to packaged chocolate spreads.
Ingredients & Prep

Main Ingredients Prep
The key to great Healthy Vegan Nutella is roasted hazelnuts. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and deep nutty flavor.
You will need:
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2 cups roasted hazelnuts
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3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
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3–4 tablespoons maple syrup or dates
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2–4 tablespoons plant-based milk (almond, oat, or hazelnut milk)
Prep tip
If your hazelnuts still have skins, rub them in a clean kitchen towel after roasting to remove most of the skins. This helps create a smoother spread.
Seasonings, Sauces, or Flavor Base
These ingredients create the classic chocolate flavor.
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Unsweetened cocoa powder for deep chocolate taste
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Vanilla extract for warmth and sweetness
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Maple syrup or dates for natural sweetness
Together, they form the smooth chocolate base that makes this Healthy Vegan Nutella so delicious.
Pantry Staples
A few optional ingredients can enhance the flavor.
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Pinch of sea salt to balance sweetness
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Extra cocoa powder for stronger chocolate flavor
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Coconut oil for an extra creamy texture
These simple additions can help customize the spread to your taste.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep
Before blending, prepare the hazelnuts.
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet.
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Roast for 8–10 minutes until fragrant.
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Let them cool slightly, then rub off loose skins with a towel.
Roasting is important because it deepens the hazelnut flavor.
Cooking Method
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Blend the hazelnuts
Add roasted hazelnuts to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend for 2–4 minutes until they turn into smooth hazelnut butter.
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Add chocolate ingredients
Add cocoa powder, maple syrup (or dates), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
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Blend again
Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
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Adjust texture
Add plant-based milk one tablespoon at a time until the spread reaches your desired consistency.

Doneness or Texture Check
The finished spread should be:
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Smooth
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Creamy
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Easy to spread on toast
If it feels too thick, blend in another tablespoon of plant-based milk.
Resting or Final Touches
Transfer the Healthy Vegan Nutella to a clean glass jar.
Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the texture settles and flavors combine.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on top.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not blending long enough
Hazelnuts take time to turn into smooth butter. Be patient and keep blending.
Using raw hazelnuts without roasting
Roasting enhances flavor and improves texture.
Adding too much liquid at once
Add plant-based milk gradually to control the thickness.
Recommended Tools
These tools make the recipe easier.
A powerful blender creates the smoothest Healthy Vegan Nutella.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Homemade chocolate spread stores well.
Room temperature storage
Keep in a sealed jar for 2–3 days.
Refrigerator storage
Store up to 2 weeks.
If it thickens in the refrigerator, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using.
Flavor Variations
You can easily customize Healthy Vegan Nutella with different flavors.
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of:
This creates a warm chocolate spice flavor.
Healthy / Special Diet Option
This recipe is already vegan, but you can adjust sweetness.
Low sugar version
Use fewer sweeteners or rely on naturally sweet dates.
Keto option
Use a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit.
Global Flavor Twist
Try creative international flavors.
Italian-inspired
Add a small splash of espresso for mocha flavor.
Mediterranean twist
Blend in chopped pistachios.
French-style
Add orange zest for a chocolate-orange spread.
Serving Suggestions
This Healthy Vegan Nutella works in many delicious ways.
Spread it on:
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Toast
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Pancakes
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Waffles
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Crepes
You can also use it as:
It’s also amazing drizzled over yogurt or ice cream.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Healthy Vegan Nutella stores well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it a great make-ahead spread for quick breakfasts or snacks.
How do I fix common mistakes?
Spread too thick
Blend in more plant-based milk.
Spread too bitter
Add an extra teaspoon of maple syrup.
Texture too grainy
Blend longer until smooth.
Conclusion
This Healthy Vegan Nutella is a delicious homemade alternative to traditional chocolate hazelnut spreads. It’s rich, creamy, naturally sweetened, and made with simple plant-based ingredients.
Once you try this recipe, it’s easy to keep a jar in your kitchen for quick breakfasts, snacks, or desserts. It’s healthier, customizable, and incredibly satisfying.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love making homemade almond butter, vegan chocolate spread, or a healthy banana cocoa smoothie for another simple and nutritious treat.