Cacao and Hazelnut Spread

There’s something magical about the first spoonful of a silky, chocolatey spread that melts on your tongue. This homemade cacao and hazelnut spread brings together the warmth of roasted nuts and the deep, rich notes of cacao in a way that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Each swirl carries a comforting nuttiness, a hint of natural sweetness, and that luxurious texture that makes you want to sneak a taste straight from the jar.

Behind the Recipe

I still remember the first time I made this spread in my tiny kitchen. The aroma of hazelnuts roasting in the oven filled the air with a toasty fragrance that felt like a hug. Inspired by childhood memories of spreading chocolate-hazelnut goodness on warm toast, I wanted to recreate that joy but with a healthier, homemade twist. This recipe is a little nod to nostalgia, with a touch of modern simplicity.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Chocolate-hazelnut spreads became popular in Italy after World War II, when cacao was scarce and hazelnuts were abundant in the Piedmont region. Artisans cleverly blended the two, giving birth to the iconic combination we still adore today. While commercial versions are everywhere now, making your own lets you control the ingredients and celebrate that same heritage in a pure, homemade way.

Why You’ll Love Cacao and Hazelnut Spread

Trust me, you’re going to love this. It’s creamy, versatile, and full of natural goodness.

Versatile: Spread it on toast, drizzle it over pancakes, or stir it into oatmeal for a decadent breakfast twist.

Budget-Friendly: A handful of pantry staples turn into jars of deliciousness at a fraction of store-bought prices.

Quick and Easy: With just a blender and a few minutes, you’ll have a spread ready to enjoy.

Customizable: Adjust sweetness, cacao intensity, and texture to your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether for kids or adults, it’s universally loved.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and keep it ready for the week.

Great for Leftovers: It stays delicious for days, and you can use it in countless recipes.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Before you get started, let me share a few insider tricks to help you nail this recipe every time.

1. Roast hazelnuts until their skins loosen and turn golden, as this intensifies flavor.
2. Blend while the nuts are still warm for a smoother butter.
3. Add sweetener gradually, tasting as you go.
4. A touch of salt makes the chocolate notes pop.
5. For extra creaminess, add a splash of neutral oil like sunflower or grapeseed.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need much, but the right tools make this process effortless.

High-Speed Blender or Food Processor: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy spread.

Baking Sheet: To roast the hazelnuts evenly.

Spatula: Helps scrape down the sides during blending.

Glass Jar with Lid: Perfect for storing your spread and keeping it fresh.

Ingredients in Cacao and Hazelnut Spread

This recipe is built on simple ingredients that harmonize beautifully.

1. Hazelnuts: 2 cups, roasted and peeled. They’re the nutty base that gives body and depth.
2. Raw Cacao Powder: 1/3 cup, unsweetened. Brings rich, earthy chocolate flavor.
3. Maple Syrup or Honey: 1/4 cup. Adds natural sweetness with a hint of caramel.
4. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Rounds out the flavors with warmth.
5. Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Enhances the nutty and chocolate notes.
6. Neutral Oil: 2 tablespoons. Helps achieve silky smooth texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you need a swap, and this spread is forgiving.

Hazelnuts: Almonds or cashews.
Maple Syrup: Agave syrup or coconut sugar.
Neutral Oil: Olive oil or coconut oil.
Cacao Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder.

Ingredient Spotlight

Hazelnuts: Their naturally sweet, buttery profile pairs perfectly with chocolate, making them the star of this spread.

Cacao Powder: Packed with antioxidants, it provides depth of flavor without overwhelming sweetness.

Instructions for Making Cacao and Hazelnut Spread

Making this spread feels like a little ritual in the kitchen. Here’s how it all comes together:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Warm your oven to 350°F (175°C) for roasting hazelnuts.
2. Combine Ingredients: Roast hazelnuts for 10–12 minutes until fragrant, then rub off skins with a kitchen towel.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place warm hazelnuts in a blender or food processor.
4. Assemble the Dish: Blend nuts into a paste, then add cacao, sweetener, vanilla, salt, and oil.
5. Cook to Perfection: Continue blending until smooth and creamy, scraping sides as needed.
6. Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust sweetness or cacao to your liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer into jars, spread on toast, or swirl into yogurt.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic lies in contrasts. The roasted hazelnuts provide a nutty crunch at first, but once blended, they turn into velvet. The cacao offers bold depth, balanced by maple syrup’s mellow sweetness, creating a flavor that’s both rich and light.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A few reminders to make your spread extra special:

• Blend in short bursts to avoid overheating the nuts.
• If your spread feels too thick, add a drizzle of oil.
• For a darker chocolate hit, add an extra spoonful of cacao.

What to Avoid

It’s easy to get carried away, but here’s what to steer clear of:

• Don’t skip roasting, as raw hazelnuts won’t deliver the same depth.
• Avoid over-blending to the point of overheating your machine.
• Don’t add too much sweetener at once, balance is key.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This spread is perfect for prepping ahead. Store it in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for two weeks. For longer storage, freeze in small containers and thaw overnight before use.

How to Serve Cacao and Hazelnut Spread

There are countless ways to enjoy this spread. Slather it on warm toast, swirl into overnight oats, or drizzle over fresh fruit. For dessert, pair it with crepes, waffles, or even use it as a cake filling.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers? Lucky you. Stir it into smoothies, fold into brownie batter, or use as a dip for pretzels and strawberries.

Additional Tips

A pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder can elevate the flavor. Always use fresh nuts for the best results. And remember, the smoother you want it, the longer you’ll need to blend.

Make It a Showstopper

For an eye-catching presentation, serve your spread in a glass jar tied with rustic twine. Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts on top and drizzle with extra cacao for a gourmet touch.

Variations to Try

1. Add a swirl of peanut butter for a nutty twist.
2. Blend in shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
3. Mix in a touch of orange zest for a citrusy brightness.
4. Try a spicy kick with cinnamon and chili powder.
5. Use dates instead of syrup for a naturally sweet variation.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use store-bought roasted hazelnuts?

Yes, but roasting them yourself brings out fresher, richer flavor.

2. How long does this spread last?

Up to one week at room temperature or two weeks refrigerated.

3. Can I make it sugar-free?

Absolutely, use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

4. Is this spread vegan?

Yes, if you use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.

5. Can I skip the oil?

Yes, but your spread may be less creamy.

6. How do I make it extra smooth?

Blend longer and add a touch more oil.

7. Can kids eat this?

Definitely, it’s a wholesome treat for all ages.

8. Can I use almonds instead of hazelnuts?

Yes, the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

9. Is cacao healthier than cocoa?

Raw cacao retains more nutrients and antioxidants.

10. Can I freeze this spread?

Yes, portion it into small containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Homemade cacao and hazelnut spread is one of those little joys that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Every spoonful is creamy, nutty, and chocolatey in the best way. Whether you spread it on toast, swirl it into recipes, or sneak a taste by the spoonful, it’s a recipe worth keeping close. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

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