I’ve always been a huge Nutella lover. Honestly, it’s one of those things I could eat straight from the jar without even thinking twice. But at the same time, I started realizing that it’s something I didn’t want to have every single day, especially when I began paying more attention to what I eat and how I feel.
So I decided to create a healthier version myself — something that still gives you that same creamy, chocolatey, slightly nutty feeling, but without all the unnecessary ingredients. And after trying a few different variations, I finally found one that comes incredibly close to the original.
This is honestly the closest “healthy Nutella” I’ve ever had. It’s smooth, rich, perfectly sweet, and still feels like a real treat. But the best part is that you can enjoy it so much more often, without that heavy feeling afterward.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups hazelnuts
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
Step 1:
Start with the hazelnuts, because they are the base of everything and the reason this spread gets that real Nutella-like flavor. If your hazelnuts are not roasted yet, roast them first in the oven for a few minutes until they become slightly golden and fragrant. This step makes such a big difference, because roasting brings out their natural oils and gives them a much deeper, warmer, nuttier flavor. It is exactly what makes the final result taste richer and more intense instead of flat.
Step 2:
Once the hazelnuts are ready, let them cool slightly and then place them into a food processor or a strong blender. Now blend them patiently. At first, they will look like crumbs, and it may seem like nothing is happening, but this is completely normal. After a little while, the nuts begin releasing their natural oils, and that is when the texture slowly changes into a smoother, creamier nut butter. This part takes a bit of patience, but it is so important, because this is what creates the silky base of the spread.
Step 3:
When the hazelnuts have turned into a creamy consistency, add the cocoa powder, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Each of these ingredients has its own purpose, which is why the recipe works so well. The cocoa powder gives the spread that deep chocolate flavor, the maple syrup adds sweetness in a softer and more natural way, the coconut oil makes everything smoother and more spreadable, the vanilla rounds out the flavor and makes it taste warmer, and the sea salt balances the sweetness and chocolate perfectly.
Step 4:
Now blend everything together again until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy. This is the moment where everything comes together and starts to look like a real chocolate spread. If it still looks a little thick, keep blending for a bit longer. The longer you blend, the creamier it usually becomes. This step is really about creating that soft, rich texture that makes it feel indulgent and satisfying.
Step 5:
Once the spread is smooth, taste it and adjust it a little if needed. This is one of my favorite parts, because you can make it fit your own taste. If you want it sweeter, you can add a little more maple syrup. If you want it more chocolatey, you can add a touch more cocoa powder. If you love that warm dessert flavor, a tiny bit more vanilla works beautifully. This makes the recipe feel more personal and lets you create your own perfect version.
Step 6:
Transfer the finished healthy Nutella into a clean jar. At this stage, it should already look rich, creamy, and glossy. You can use it right away, especially if you love it extra soft and fresh. But if you let it sit for a little while, the texture settles even more, and it becomes thicker and more spreadable. That makes it perfect for toast, fruit, pancakes, or simply whenever you want something sweet.
Step 7:
Store it in the fridge and take it out a little before eating if you want a softer texture. What I personally love most is that it still feels like such a treat, but you know exactly what is inside. It has that creamy, nutty, chocolatey feeling you want from Nutella, just in a version that feels more balanced and homemade. And honestly, that is what makes it so satisfying.
I would personally always store this healthy Nutella in the fridge, especially because it is homemade and does not contain the same kind of preservatives as a store-bought spread. Once it has been in the fridge for a little while, it usually becomes thicker and even more spreadable. If you prefer it a little softer, you can simply take it out a few minutes before eating.