Homemade Healthy Nutella Recipe- No Refined Sugar, Oil-Free (Date-Sweetened)

This delightful, healthy vegan Date Nutella is made with roasted hazelnuts, dates, and cacao powder in four simple steps! Eat it as a dip for dessert or as a creamy, chocolaty pancake topper, or rice cake spread, or incorporate it in your next dessert that requires some chocolate or nut butter! This dish, which calls for only 4 main ingredients, is super delicious and most importantly healthy!

Are you a healthy chocolate butter lover who is tired of paying expensively for it at the store or it’s very hard to find the one with no toxic ingredients? The answer is right here: a simple blender recipe for homemade date-sweetened Nutella with cacao, that can be prepared fast and effortlessly at home with a few simple ingredients!

Why Is Homemade Nutella Better Than The Store-Bought?

I don’t know about you, but since I started being aware and extremely careful about what I buy in the stores and what (and how many!) ingredients are in literally EVERYTHING, I don’t go to stores that often anymore XD. Instead, I try, as much as possible, to make everything the “healthier homemade version” from my own food that I grow or from trusted people! Next time you go to the store just check the ingredients under any chocolate or Nutella.

However, the biggest problem is that people usually don’t have much free time to make everything on their own, so it’s a much quicker option to buy the premade. Understandable, totally! But, when it comes to our health and well-being, we must find time for it! It’s about the priorities, right?

This Homemade Nutella is exactly what you’re looking for! And it’s much quicker and easier than you think!

The best thing about this date-sweetened Nutella is that is a much healthier version and a substitute for melted chocolate or chocolate butter since it can be easily used in many snack and dessert recipes that require chocolate or some nut butter!

Let’s see why you’ll absolutely be obsessed with this homemade Nutella!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Making healthy chocolate spread at home only requires 5 minutes and a few basic ingredients. It’s ideal as a quick dessert, a topping for breakfast, or a snack.
• A wonderful and healthier chocolate substitute in many desserts! One of the things I love the most about this date-sweetened Nutella is that I can use it as a chocolate substitute in many cakes, snacks, and other dessert recipes! It works perfectly for most sweet recipes, even the ones that require chocolate as a topping!
• No preservatives, added refined sugar, or other toxic ingredients – Considering what (and how many) toxic ingredients are behind the chocolate we buy in supermarkets, this date-sweetened Nutella is definitely a much healthier substitute!
• Healthy – Unlike the store-bought Nutella, this homemade version actually is made from approximately 80% hazelnuts, and other sweeteners are natural! “Hazelnuts are a rich source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, manganese, and copper. Additionally, they have a high content of omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.” (1)

Ingredients You Need

Hazelnuts – The smooth hazelnut butter that forms the foundation of this dish is made by pulsing roasted hazelnuts.

Cacao powder – You can use raw, organic cacao powder, but keep in mind that it may be slightly bitter in taste, but higher in nutritional content, so it is a healthier option. However, cocoa powder will also work well, and give that extra boost in sweetness, if you choose to go with the sweetened option. When I’m using organic cacao powder, I tend to add more honey to balance the sweetness.

Dates – This hazelnut Nutella has to be sweetened; otherwise, it will taste quite plain. You can also add raw honey to enhance the sweetness naturally.

Salt – a pinch of salt will help to enhance the chocolate flavor.

You’ll also need some filtered water to thin the spread to the desired consistency. Also, you can use some plant-based milk instead of water to make this Nutella extra smooth and creamy!

How To Make

To be honest, making this healthy hazelnut date spread just takes a few minutes. Either a food processor or a blender will be required. I use a stick blender since it appears to produce the greatest texture, but the effectiveness of your food processor or blender will vary.

Step 1: Prepare the hazelnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) to get it ready. Arrange the hazelnuts on a baking sheet with a rim, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until they start to become golden brown. The hazelnuts will release more oil when they are roasted, resulting in a smoother spread!

If the skins are still on your hazelnuts, place them on a kitchen towel and roll them with your hands to get rid of them.

Step 2: Make the date paste: In the meantime, place the dates and water in a strong blender or food processor, and purée until very smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. When done, place it aside in a bowl.

Step 3: Blend the hazelnuts: To make a smooth hazelnut butter, add the roasted hazelnuts to a food processor or powerful blender and pulse for 3-10 minutes or until the smooth texture forms. Be patient; it will transform from crumbs to a thick paste to nut butter!

Step 4: Combine everything: Lastly, add the salt, cocoa powder, date paste, and vanilla if using. Blend everything together. Pour in the plant-based milk or just filtered water, adding just enough to get a smooth consistency similar to Nutella. Add little by little to reach your desired consistency.

Ways To Use This Homemade Date Nutella

• Spread on toast by itself or add fruits, such as bananas, and strawberries, on top.
• Use it as a dip for fruit slices, crackers, or rice cakes.
• Use it as a chocolate substitute in many snack and dessert recipes!