If you love the classic, indulgent flavor of Nutella but want a plant-based, wholesome twist, this Deliciously Smooth Vegan Nutella Recipe is your dream come true. It’s rich, creamy, and bursting with the perfect balance of roasted hazelnuts, natural sweetness from medjool dates, and deep cocoa notes—making it a perfect guilt-free spread or dip. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to whip up in just ten minutes with simple pantry staples, offering a fresh take that will satisfy your cravings without compromise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from the nutty depth of hazelnuts to the luscious natural sweetness of dates. These simple yet essential components create a creamy, rich spread that’s irresistible in both taste and texture.
- Dry roasted hazelnuts (2 cups): The heart of the recipe, offering that signature nutty flavor and creamy texture when blended into butter.
- Medjool dates, soaked and pitted (18 pieces): These add natural sweetness and help achieve that smooth, luscious consistency without any refined sugar.
- Cocoa powder (5 tablespoons): Gives the spread its rich chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color.
- Raw cashew milk or other plant-based milk (1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups): Used to adjust the spread’s creaminess and pourability according to your preference.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle warm aroma and depth of flavor.
- Tiny pinch of salt (optional): Balances and enhances the overall flavors for a more complex profile.
How to Make Deliciously Smooth Vegan Nutella Recipe
Step 1: Transform Hazelnuts Into Butter
Start by popping 2 cups of dry roasted hazelnuts into your food processor. Pulse and then blend continuously until the nuts break down into a butter so smooth it seems almost liquid. This can take several minutes, but patience here rewards you with that velvety base essential for perfectly smooth vegan Nutella.
Step 2: Add Dates, Cocoa, and Milk
Once your hazelnut butter is ready, toss in those wonderfully sweet soaked medjool dates and 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder. Pour in 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups of raw cashew milk (or your plant milk of choice). Blend everything together, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Keep blending until the mixture turns glossy and silky. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk—the perfect consistency is completely up to you!
Step 3: Flavor Boost and Final Blend
Give your spread a taste test—this is the moment to customize. Add a teaspoon of vanilla if you want an extra layer of warmth, or a tiny pinch of salt to make all the flavors pop. Blend again until those additions are fully incorporated. Your Deliciously Smooth Vegan Nutella Recipe is now ready to enjoy or store.
How to Serve Deliciously Smooth Vegan Nutella Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet beautiful touch, sprinkle some crushed hazelnuts or cacao nibs on top of your spread. A drizzle of coconut cream or a few fresh berries add a lovely contrast and pop of color, making your dish feel even more special.
Side Dishes
This vegan Nutella shines as a spread on toasted sourdough, bagels, or warm pancakes. Pairing it with fresh fruit like banana slices or strawberries creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors that make breakfast or a snack feel like a treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling your nutella into dairy-free yogurt or oatmeal for a luscious chocolate-hazelnut twist. It’s also fantastic as a dip for pretzels, apple slices, or even as a decadent filling for vegan crepes. The possibilities with your Deliciously Smooth Vegan Nutella Recipe are truly endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your vegan Nutella in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to two weeks, allowing you to enjoy it at your leisure without rushing.
Freezing
If you want to save some for future indulgence, this spread freezes beautifully. Portion it into small containers or ice cube trays to thaw small amounts as needed. Just thaw in the fridge overnight for perfect consistency.
Reheating
For the best texture upon serving after storage or freezing, bring the jar to room temperature or warm it gently in a warm water bath. Avoid microwaving directly, as this can affect texture and flavor. Stir well to bring back that luscious smoothness.
FAQs
Can I use raw hazelnuts instead of dry roasted?
You can, but dry roasted hazelnuts offer a richer, deeper flavor and blend more easily into a creamy butter. If using raw, consider roasting them lightly at home for the best taste.
What can I substitute for medjool dates?
Other soft dried fruits like dried figs or raisins can work, but medjool dates are preferred for their sweetness and smooth blending. Be sure to soak any substitute to soften before processing.
Is it possible to make this nutella nut-free?
Since hazelnuts are the main ingredient, a nut-free version isn’t really practical with this recipe. However, you might explore sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter blends as alternatives, but flavor and texture will differ significantly.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
You can reduce the number of dates for a less sweet spread or add a little maple syrup if you want it sweeter. Taste as you blend to find your perfect balance.
Can I use a different plant-based milk?
Absolutely! Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well. The key is to use unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness and thickness of your nutella.
Final Thoughts
This Deliciously Smooth Vegan Nutella Recipe is a delightful, wholesome way to satisfy your chocolate-nut spread cravings without any guilt or complicated ingredients. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked on how quickly and easily you can create such rich flavor at home. Go ahead and whip up a batch—you’re in for a truly comforting and joyful treat that feels like a little bit of magic in every spoonful.
Print
Deliciously Smooth Vegan Nutella Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Spread
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This deliciously smooth Vegan Nutella is a creamy, dairy-free spread made from roasted hazelnuts, sweet medjool dates, and rich cocoa powder. Perfectly balanced with plant-based milk and optional vanilla and salt, it’s an indulgent treat ideal for toast, fruits, or straight off the spoon. Ready in just 10 minutes, this wholesome nutty spread satisfies your chocolate cravings while being completely vegan and naturally sweetened.
Ingredients
Nut Butter Base
- 2 cups dry roasted hazelnuts
Sweetener & Flavor
- 18 soaked and pitted medjool dates
- 5 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- A tiny pinch salt (optional)
Liquid & Consistency
- 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups raw cashew milk or any other plant-based milk
Instructions
- Prepare Hazelnut Butter: Place the dry roasted hazelnuts in a food processor and pulse continuously for several minutes until they transform into a very smooth, almost liquid-like butter. The mixture should become aromatic and silky.
- Add Dates, Cocoa, and Milk: Add 18 soaked and pitted medjool dates, 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and between 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups of raw cashew milk into the processor. Blend thoroughly until the mixture becomes very smooth, adjusting the milk quantity to reach your preferred consistency.
- Enhance Flavor: Taste your nutella and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tiny pinch of salt if desired. Blend again until all ingredients are fully combined and the flavor is balanced.
- Store and Serve: Transfer the creamy Vegan Nutella into a clean mason jar or airtight container. Enjoy it immediately on toast, with fruits, or directly from the jar. Store in the refrigerator for later indulgence, where it will keep fresh and delicious.
Notes
- Soaking the medjool dates softens them, making blending easier and ensuring a smoother texture.
- If you prefer a sweeter spread, add more dates or a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
- Try using different plant-based milks such as almond, oat, or coconut milk to vary the flavor profile.
- Store the vegan nutella refrigerated for up to 2 weeks for best freshness.
- For an extra nutty crunch, stir in some chopped roasted hazelnuts after blending.
