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HOME MADE NUTELLA RECIPE

Nutella, famed for its delightful blend of hazelnuts and chocolate, has secured its place as a beloved household staple worldwide. While the store-bought version provides convenience, crafting homemade Nutella opens doors to flavor customization and ingredient control. This recipe presents a delightful alternative, harmonizing hazelnuts, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and coconut oil into a sumptuous spread.

In today’s world, Nutella holds a special place, especially among kids. When my daughter arrived, my quest for preservative-free, wholesome foods led me to experiment with healthier recipes, steering clear of sugars, artificial colors, and refined flours. That’s when I discovered a method to create homemade Nutella—tasty, healthy, and completely free of added preservatives. Join me as I introduce this nutritious and delicious Nutella recipe, perfect for savoring without any compromise on taste or health benefits.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

History and Origin

Nutella’s roots trace back to Italy in the 1940s, born out of necessity during a cocoa shortage. Its creator, Pietro Ferrero, blended hazelnuts with cocoa to form a spreadable paste, birthing the initial version of Nutella.

Ingredients-Description and benefits

A. Hazelnuts: The Core Ingredient

Roasted hazelnuts, the foundation of homemade Nutella, offer a spectrum of benefits. These nuts are rich in essential nutrients like vitamin E, healthy fats, and antioxidants, known for their role in supporting heart health and reducing inflammation. Their abundance of dietary fiber aids in digestion while contributing to a feeling of fullness, supporting weight management. Hazelnuts also contain minerals like magnesium, which helps maintain bone strength, and copper, vital for the body’s iron absorption and overall health. Consuming hazelnuts as part of your diet can contribute to improved skin health, boosted brain function, and reduced risk factors for chronic diseases like diabetes. Their impressive nutrient profile makes them a nutritious addition, infusing the homemade Nutella not just with a delightful nutty essence but also with a dose of healthful benefits

B. Cocoa Powder: The Chocolate Essence

Cocoa powder brings a delightful chocolate flavor to the spread, taking its taste to heavenly heights. Renowned for its incredible health benefits, it’s packed with antioxidants, especially flavonoids, known for improving heart health, reducing inflammation, and even lowering blood pressure. This powerhouse ingredient contains essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium, contributing significantly to overall well-being.

C. Maple Syrup: Natural Sweetness

Maple syrup, derived from maple tree sap, is a natural sweetener enjoyed on pancakes, waffles, and desserts. It’s rich in antioxidants, manganese, and zinc. These antioxidants may help combat diseases, while manganese supports bone health and metabolism, and zinc aids in immune function. Despite its sweetness, maple syrup has a lower impact on blood sugar compared to refined sugars. Plus, it contains plant compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It’s a tasty and healthier alternative to refined sugars, adding both sweetness and a dose of natural goodness to recipes like homemade Nutella.

D. Coconut Oil: The Healthy Addition

Certainly! Coconut oil offers numerous health benefits due to its healthy fats and antioxidant properties, potentially supporting heart health, metabolism, and immune function. In Nutella, it serves as a key ingredient, imparting a smooth texture and subtly enhancing the spread’s flavor with a hint of coconut. Its stability at high temperatures also ensures the Nutella retains its nutritional value during preparation. Overall, coconut oil is a versatile addition, not only elevating the taste and consistency of Nutella but also potentially contributing to overall well-being when included in recipes.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Hazelnut
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoon coconut oil

Method of preparation with pictures

1.Roast the hazelnuts to release their oils, making it easier to remove their skins, ensuring a smoother blend.

Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they become fragrant. Remove them from the oven and transfer the hot hazelnuts to a clean kitchen towel. Wrap the towel around the hazelnuts and let them sit for a few minutes. Rub the hazelnuts vigorously within the towel; this should loosen the skins, allowing you to remove them easily.


I used skinless hazelnuts, roasting them before blending to allow the release of their natural oils

2.Combine the roasted hazelnuts in a food processor until they reach a creamy consistency, forming the base of the Nutella.

I ground the hazelnuts into a fine powder, aiming for a crispy, nutty consistency. For a smoother texture, continue blending until the oils begin to release.

3.Incorporate cocoa powder and maple syrup gradually, blending until the mixture becomes velvety and chocolaty.

4.Add coconut oil slowly while blending to achieve the desired texture and ensure the Nutella’s smoothness.

If you like a creamy consistency add melted oil

5. Blend well and your home made Nutella is ready.

6. Enjoy with your favorite bread, waffles….

Watch recipe Video

Storage

Room Temperature:

  • Suitable for short-term storage (up to 2 weeks).
  • Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.

Refrigerator:

  • Extends shelf life (up to a month or slightly longer).
  • Keep in an airtight container to prevent moisture and odors.
  • Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for better spreadability.

Addition and substitution

Substitutions:

  • Hazelnuts: If hazelnuts aren’t available or if there are allergies, almonds or a combination of almonds and cashews can be used as a replacement.
  • Cocoa Powder: Carob powder can be used as an alternative for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind it might not have the exact taste as cocoa.
  • Maple Syrup: Honey or agave syrup can be used as a substitute for maple syrup, adjusting the sweetness according to taste preference.
  • Coconut Oil: Unsalted butter or any neutral-flavored oil like sunflower oil or vegetable oil can replace coconut oil, but it might slightly alter the taste.

Additions:

  • Vanilla Extract: Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Almond Extract: If using almonds instead of hazelnuts, a touch of almond extract can intensify the nutty taste.

FAQS

  1. Can I substitute almonds for hazelnuts in this recipe?           While almonds can be used, hazelnuts contribute a distinct flavor that defines Nutella’s taste.
  2. Is homemade Nutella healthier than store-bought?            Home made Nutella allows control over ingredients, reducing processed sugars and artificial additives.
  3. How long can homemade Nutella be stored?                 Properly stored, it can last up to two weeks in a sealed container at room temperature.
  4. Can I adjust the sweetness of homemade Nutella?              Yes, varying the amount of maple syrup allows customization of sweetness to personal preference.                     

 Conclusion

“Incorporating wholesome ingredients like hazelnuts, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and coconut oil, this homemade Nutella recipe not only offers a rich, indulgent taste but also the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your spread. With its blend of natural flavors and customizable sweetness, this homemade version provides a deliciously guilt-free option for enjoying the beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread. Whether savored on toast, drizzled over fruit, or used as a versatile ingredient in various recipes, this homemade Nutella is a delightful addition to any kitchen, promising both flavor and a touch of homemade goodness in every spoonful.”

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