This delicious vegan Nutella (hazelnut cocoa spread) was created because back in the day, I really enjoyed Nutella, but now, after ditching most processed sugar, I can say for sure, that it is too sweet for me. So I am making my own version which can also be “healthy” depending on what you choose to use as a sweetener and it tastes very similar to the original one.

If you use Medjool dates, I would consider a small portion healthier than normal Nutella, because the glycemic index is lower than sugar -that means that your blood sugar will not spike-. But be careful as it contains a lot of sugar, in fact, 80% of dates is sugar! For more on the benefits on dates, have a look at this post from healthline.

Are you thinking on ideas about where to use this delicious vegan Nutella? How about trying a piece of sourdough bread with this bread and the nutty turmeric latte! it looks like the perfect combination for your rainy afternoon! or for finishing that book you are reading!

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Vegan Nutella (Hazelnut cocoa spread)

Healthy plant-based version of Nutella

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Vegan

Keyword Cocoa, Hazelnuts, Healthy Nutella, Nutella, Spread

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 30

Calories 150kcal

Equipment

• High speed blender

Ingredients

• 200 g Hazelnuts
• 10 Medium-sized dates (maybe more depending on how sweet you want this)
• 1 scoop Raw cocoa powder (I suggest adding a half and then continue until you like it)
• 1/2 cup Water

Instructions

• Put the dates in a bowl and add boiling water, just enough to cover them
• Pre-heat the oven at 150 degrees Farenheit (66 Celsius)
• Put the hazelnuts in a tray for about 15 minutes, check them periodically so they don't burn
  
• Take the hazelnuts out and leave them to rest for about 1 minute
• Blend the hazelnuts until they turn into hazelnut butter
  
• Add the water and the dates and continue blending for about one minute, add more dates if needed. Make sure it is not too hot! some blenders can't work with hot liquids
• Add the cocoa powder, little by little until you are satisfied with the result
• Final result
  

Notes

• You can substitute the dates with maple syrup or other sweeteners. I would not recommend using stevia or other non-sugar sweeteners, the taste will be very poor
• The texture will not bee too smooth! but I think that’s alright, eating whole foods has a lot of benefits. If you want it to be smooth, you probably want to blanch the hazelnuts after roasting them and substitute the dates with 1/2 a cup of maple syrup 
• You will end with around 600g of Nutella, enough for two “jam” jars like the one in the picture
• Keep it in the fridge, I am not sure how long it lasts, I always finish the jars within 1.5 weeks! If someone manages to make it last longer, please tell us your experience!

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