Nutella is a beloved spread that has won hearts around the world, thanks to its creamy, chocolatey, and nutty flavor.

If you are a fan of this sweet treat, you'll be delighted to know that making your own Nutella at home is not only easy but also allows you to customize it to your liking.

With just five simple ingredients, you can prepare a fresh batch of homemade Nutella that rivals the store-bought version. Here's how to make it:

Toasting the Hazelnuts

The first step in making homemade Nutella is to toast the hazelnuts. While it's difficult to find hazelnuts without their skins, it's not a problem. Hazelnut skins are not harmful, but they can make the spread slightly less smooth. To remove the skins, simply toast the hazelnuts in the oven. Toasting brings out the natural oils in the nuts, enhancing the flavor of the spread. After toasting, let the hazelnuts cool for a few minutes. Then, place them in a clean towel and rub vigorously to remove the skins. This technique helps achieve a smoother, more enjoyable texture in your homemade Nutella.

Easy Nutella Recipe | Bold Baking Basics

Video by Bigger Bolder Baking with Gemma Stafford

Food Processor Tips

To create the perfect Nutella consistency, use a high-quality food processor. A food processor like the Cuisinart model is ideal because it can grind the nuts finely enough to create a smooth yet slightly granular texture, similar to a traditional Nutella. If you're using a blender, you might need to process the hazelnuts longer to achieve the desired consistency. The goal is to have a spreadable, nutty texture with tiny specks of hazelnut for that authentic mouthfeel.

Controlling the Sweetness

One of the best things about making Nutella at home is that you get full control over the sweetness. The store-bought version is often quite sweet, but you can adjust it to your taste when making your own. You can reduce or omit the powdered sugar entirely for a less sugary version. Alternatively, using bittersweet chocolate can provide a richer, more balanced flavor. Experimenting with the sweetness allows you to create a spread that is perfectly suited to your preferences.

How to Use Homemade Nutella

This homemade Nutella is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Spread it on toast or pancakes, pair it with pretzels, or enjoy it straight from the spoon. You can also incorporate it into recipes like Nutella banana bread, Nutella-stuffed pancakes, or Nutella blondies. The possibilities are endless, and you can easily find new ways to enjoy this delicious spread.

Storage Tips

Once you've made your homemade Nutella, you can store it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to two weeks on the counter, or if you'd like it to last a bit longer, refrigerate it for up to one month. Having a jar of homemade Nutella on hand makes it easy to satisfy your cravings whenever they strike.

Ingredients:

6 oz. hazelnuts (about 1 cup)

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and toast the hazelnuts on a baking sheet for 10 to 15 minutes, until they are golden brown and the skins begin to flake off. Let them cool for 10 minutes.

Place the toasted hazelnuts in a clean dish towel and rub them to remove the skins. Transfer the hazelnuts to a food processor and pulse until finely ground.

Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to the food processor and pulse until combined. Transfer the hazelnut mixture to a bowl or jar. Fold in the melted chocolate until smooth.

Enjoy your homemade Nutella in various ways, or simply savor it with a spoon!