Craving Nutella? Try this Healthy Homemade Nutella instead! Made with only 5 ingredients, this creamy chocolate hazelnut spread is vegan, naturally sweetened with dates, and so easy to make!
Roast the hazelnuts: Place the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden. Don't skip this step! Roasting deepens the hazelnut flavor and helps the nuts release their natural oils, which makes blending easier.
Blend the hazelnuts: Add the roasted hazelnuts (and salt, if using) to a food processor. Blend for 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. At first, the hazelnuts will look dry and crumbly, but they'll gradually turn into a thick, smooth hazelnut butter as their natural oils release.
Add the remaining ingredients: Add the pitted medjool dates, cocoa powder, non-dairy milk, and maple syrup. Blend for another 3–5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed. The mixture will become thick and form a ball at first. This is normal! Keep processing until everything is combined and the mixture becomes a thick, spreadable consistency.
Adjust if needed: Taste and adjust as needed. If the spread is thicker than you'd like, add non-dairy milk 1 tablespoon at a time and blend again. For a sweeter spread, add a little more maple syrup.
Store: Transfer the Nutella to a clean glass jar. Let it cool, then cover and refrigerate.