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Homemade Hazelnut Spread

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Velvety, rich, and irresistibly nutty—this DIY hazelnut spread transforms pantry staples into a luscious chocolate treat. Toasted hazelnuts are blended into creamy perfection, then swirled with cocoa, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla for that classic Nutella-inspired flavor. A splash of neutral oil ensures spreadability, while optional milk or cream adds a silky finish. Perfect on toast, swirled into oatmeal, or spooned straight from the jar.

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Method:

  1. Toast the Hazelnuts:
    • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 10–12 minutes until fragrant.
    • Wrap warm nuts in a clean kitchen towel and rub to remove most of the skins.
  2. Blend into Butter:
    • Add peeled hazelnuts to a food processor.
    • Blend for 5–8 minutes, scraping down sides, until a smooth nut butter forms.
  3. Add Flavor:
    • Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, oil, vanilla, and salt.
    • Blend until silky and spreadable.
    • Adjust sweetness or cocoa to taste.
    • For a creamier texture, add milk or cream and blend again.
  4. Store and Enjoy:
    • Transfer to a clean jar.
    • Store at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Rich, creamy, and perfect for toast, baking, or spoonfuls straight from the jar. 😊

This luscious homemade hazelnut spread is endlessly versatile—perfect for gifting, pairing, and launching in themed collections. Here’s a list of uses and presentation ideas to spark your creativity:

🍫 Everyday Uses

  • Spread on toast, bagels, or croissants for a decadent breakfast.
  • Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt for a nutty-chocolate boost.
  • Dip fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or apple slices.
  • Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or crepes—especially with whipped cream or berries.
  • Spoon into smoothies for richness and flavor.

🍪 Baking & Desserts

  • Fill thumbprint cookies, sandwich biscuits, or macarons.
  • Layer into brownies, cakes, or cupcakes as a hidden center or frosting.
  • Fold into whipped cream or mascarpone for mousse or parfaits.
  • Use as a glaze or drizzle over bundt cakes or loaf cakes.
  • Stuff into puff pastry or croissants for homemade pain au chocolat.

🎁 Gifting & Entertaining

  • Jar and label for edible gifts—add a ribbon and pairing card.
  • Serve in mini ramekins as part of a dessert board or fondue spread.
  • Include in trio flights with peanut butter and tahini-caramel for tasting sets.
  • Pair with crackers, cheeses, and fruit for a sweet-savory grazing board.

🌍 Themed Variations

  • Italian twist: Add espresso powder and a touch of orange zest.
  • Middle Eastern riff: Blend with tahini and date syrup.
  • Holiday edition: Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, or crushed candy cane.
  • Vegan version: Skip dairy and use plant-based milk for creaminess.

📸 Presentation Tips

  • Style with swirls, drips, or spoon scoops for visual texture.
  • Plate alongside hazelnuts, cocoa nibs, or chocolate shards.
  • Use clear jars or mini pots with handwritten tags for rustic charm.
  • Photograph with toast stacks, fruit slices, or dessert boards for carousel-ready posts.

This hazelnut spread is a star on its own, but pairing it with complementary dishes can turn it into a full sensory experience. Here’s a list of dishes and side ideas—organized by use case and occasion—to help you showcase it beautifully:

🍞 Breads & Pastries

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting

  • Brioche slices or croissants – Soft, buttery layers that soak up the spread
  • Crêpes or pancakes – Folded or rolled with hazelnut spread and fruit
  • Mini waffles or waffle sticks – Great for dipping or stacking
  • Cinnamon rolls or babka – Swirl the spread into the dough before baking
  • Toasted sourdough or baguette rounds – Rustic contrast to the creamy spread

🍓 Fruits & Fresh Pairings

Light, fresh, and ideal for snacking or dessert boards

  • Strawberries, bananas, or apple slices – Classic dippers
  • Pear wedges or figs – Elegant and slightly floral
  • Dried apricots or dates – Sweet, chewy contrast
  • Fruit skewers – For parties or brunch platters

🍨 Dessert Bases

Use the spread as a topping, filling, or swirl

  • Vanilla or coffee ice cream – Drizzle or ripple it in
  • Yogurt parfaits – Layer with granola and berries
  • Chocolate cake or brownies – Spread between layers or swirl into batter
  • Mini tart shells or puff pastry cups – Fill and top with nuts or fruit

🧁 Baking & Treats

For gifting, launches, or trio flights

  • Hazelnut thumbprint cookies – Use the spread as the center
  • Chocolate-hazelnut truffles – Blend into ganache or use as filling
  • Stuffed dates or figs – Pipe in the spread and sprinkle with sea salt
  • Mini sandwich cookies – Use as a filling between shortbread or almond cookies

☕️ Drinks & Sips

Pair with or incorporate into beverages

  • Hazelnut mocha or hot chocolate – Stir into warm milk or espresso
  • Milkshakes or smoothies – Blend with banana, milk, and ice
  • Affogato-style espresso – Pour over ice cream with a spoon of spread

Here are some fun variations to experiment with for your Homemade Hazelnut Spread recipe:

Variations

🍫 Flavor Twists

  • Mocha Hazelnut Spread Add 1–2 tsp instant espresso powder for a coffee-kissed version—great for breakfast pairings or tiramisu-inspired flights.
  • Spiced Chocolate Hazelnut Blend in ½ tsp cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and a dash of cayenne for a Mexican chocolate vibe.
  • Orange Zest & Dark Cocoa Add 1 tsp finely grated orange zest and swap cocoa for dark Dutch-process—elegant and citrusy.
  • Salted Caramel Hazelnut Replace powdered sugar with dulce de leche or caramel sauce, and finish with flaky sea salt.

🌰 Nut & Seed Variations

  • Mixed Nut Spread Use a blend of hazelnuts, almonds, and cashews for a more complex flavor and creamier texture.
  • Tahini-Choco Fusion Add 1 tbsp tahini for a sesame twist—pairs beautifully with Middle Eastern desserts or date-based snacks.
  • Pistachio-Cocoa Spread Swap hazelnuts for roasted pistachios and add a touch of rosewater for a Persian-inspired version.

🍓 Fruity & Floral Additions

  • Berry Hazelnut Swirl Fold in 2 tbsp freeze-dried raspberry powder or swirl with berry jam for a tart contrast.
  • Lavender Cocoa Cream Infuse the milk/cream with dried lavender before blending—delicate and dreamy.
  • Banana-Choco Hazelnut Blend in ½ ripe banana for natural sweetness and a creamy texture—best used fresh.

🥥 Texture & Crunch Play

  • Coconut Crunch Stir in toasted coconut flakes after blending for a tropical finish.
  • Crispy Cereal Mix-In Fold in puffed rice or crushed cornflakes for a fun, snackable texture.
  • Hazelnut Choco Chips Pulse in mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs for a double-chocolate crunch.

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