It’s a sad moment for many to learn that Nutella isn’t vegan. Luckily, this addictive, chocolaty hazelnut spread can be veganized! This recipe for homemade Nutella is from Christie Matheson’s book Cake Simple.
This could be great for V-day breakfast, gifted in a hand-labeled mason jar, or even used as a frosting for a cake or cupcakes. I haven’t tried it but it looks like it could be good- enjoy!
Vegan Nutella
Ingredients

• 1 cup hazelnuts
• 12 oz vegan milk chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons mild vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4ths teaspoon salt

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.
2. Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until they’ve browned, about 12 minutes. When they’ve slightly cooled, peel off the skin by rubbing them with a kitchen towel, it’s ok if some of the skin remains.
3. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate in a medium saucepan over simmering water or in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Allow the chocolate to cool completely.
4. Take your toasted hazelnuts and, using a food processor (like a Cuisinart), grind the hazelnuts into a paste. Once you have your paste, add the oil, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt and continue to blend until smooth (or as smooth as possible).
5. Add the melted chocolate and continue to blend well.
6. Strain the mixture to remove any remaining solids. The outcome will be a fairly thin mixture, but it will thicken as it cools. The Nutella will stay for 2 weeks in a jar.

Will you be making any chocolate treats for Valentine’s Day? If you make this, let me know how it turns out!