Who doesn’t love Nutella? That creamy, chocolate-hazelnut spread is a favorite worldwide, cherished for its rich flavor and versatile uses. Whether slathered on toast, drizzled over pancakes, or eaten straight from the jar, Nutella brings a touch of indulgence to any meal or snack. But did you know that you can make your own Nutella at home using just two simple ingredients? This homemade version is not only quick and easy, but it also allows you to control the quality of the ingredients, creating a rich, decadent spread without any preservatives or unnecessary additives.
In this article, we will guide you step-by-step through the process of making 2 Ingredient Nutella at home, provide tips for perfecting the recipe, and offer creative ways to use this homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread. Best of all, it takes only 10 minutes to whip up this irresistible treat!
What is Nutella?
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes Nutella so special. Nutella is a world-famous spread that originated in Italy in the 1960s. It is made from hazelnuts, sugar, palm oil, and cocoa, giving it a distinctive nutty and chocolatey flavor. However, store-bought Nutella often contains added sugars, palm oil, and other ingredients that some people prefer to avoid. This homemade version is a simple and healthier alternative that focuses on the essential ingredients—hazelnuts and chocolate.
Why Make Homemade Nutella?
There are several reasons why you might want to make your own Nutella:
- Control Over Ingredients: With just two ingredients, you know exactly what’s going into your spread. You can choose high-quality chocolate and hazelnuts to create a more wholesome version.
- No Additives: Store-bought Nutella contains palm oil and other additives. When you make it yourself, you can avoid unnecessary ingredients.
- Customization: Homemade Nutella can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Want it sweeter? Add more chocolate. Prefer a darker, richer flavor? Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
- Dietary Flexibility: This recipe can easily be adapted for different dietary preferences. For example, you can make a dairy-free or sugar-free version depending on the chocolate you use.
Now, let’s get into the recipe!
2 Ingredient Nutella Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of hazelnuts (or 1 cup of hazelnut butter)
- 2/3 cup of chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate, depending on your preference)
Instructions:
Step 1: Roast the Hazelnuts
If your hazelnuts are not pre-roasted, you’ll want to begin by roasting them to bring out their full flavor. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the hazelnuts out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 7 minutes or until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them, as this will impart a bitter flavor to your Nutella.
Step 2: Remove the Skins
Once the hazelnuts are roasted, let them cool slightly. Place the hazelnuts in a kitchen towel and rub them together to remove the skins. Don’t worry if a few stubborn skins remain—it won’t affect the taste.
Step 3: Make Hazelnut Butter
If you’re starting with whole hazelnuts, it’s time to turn them into hazelnut butter. Using a high-speed blender or food processor, process the hazelnuts for about 5-10 minutes. It will start as a crumbly texture, but with patience, it will eventually become a smooth, creamy butter. You may need to stop the processor occasionally to scrape down the sides.
Tip: If you don’t have a high-speed blender or food processor, you can skip this step by using 1 cup of store-bought hazelnut butter.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While the hazelnuts are processing, melt the 2/3 cup of chocolate chips. You can do this by microwaving the chocolate in short bursts (20-30 seconds) and stirring in between, or by using a double boiler on the stovetop. Once melted, let it cool slightly.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Once your hazelnut butter is smooth and the chocolate is melted, it’s time to combine the two. Add the melted chocolate to the hazelnut butter in the food processor, and blend until well incorporated. The result should be a thick, creamy spread that looks just like Nutella.
Step 6: Store Your Homemade Nutella
Transfer your homemade Nutella to a jar or an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for a few days, but for longer shelf life and freshness, it’s best to refrigerate it. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks—although it’s so delicious, it probably won’t last that long!
Tips for Perfecting Homemade Nutella
While this 2 Ingredient Nutella recipe is incredibly simple, here are a few tips to ensure your Nutella turns out perfectly every time:
- Choosing the Chocolate: The type of chocolate you use will greatly influence the flavor of your Nutella. For a sweeter version, use milk chocolate chips. If you prefer a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor, go for dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips. You can also experiment with dairy-free chocolate chips if you want to make a vegan version.
- Smooth vs. Chunky: If you prefer a super smooth Nutella, make sure to blend the hazelnuts until they form a completely smooth butter. For a more rustic texture, you can stop blending while there are still small pieces of hazelnuts in the mixture.
- Sweetness Level: Some homemade Nutella recipes add sugar, but this one relies on the sweetness of the chocolate chips. If you like your Nutella extra sweet, you can add a small amount of powdered sugar when blending the chocolate and hazelnuts.
- Salt: Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavors, especially if you are using unsalted hazelnuts or chocolate.
Nutritional Benefits of Homemade Nutella
When making your own Nutella, you’re able to capture the nutritional benefits of the hazelnuts and chocolate in a more natural way than store-bought versions.
Hazelnuts
Hazelnuts are a fantastic source of nutrients, including:
- Healthy Fats: Hazelnuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health.
- Fiber: They contain a good amount of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Hazelnuts are high in vitamin E, magnesium, and B vitamins, all of which contribute to overall health and well-being.
Chocolate
Depending on the type of chocolate you choose, the nutritional profile of your Nutella will vary. Dark chocolate, in particular, is known for its health benefits, including:
- Antioxidants: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, which help protect your cells from damage.
- Iron and Magnesium: Chocolate is a good source of iron and magnesium, both of which are essential for energy production and muscle function.
Creative Ways to Use Homemade Nutella
Once you have your jar of homemade Nutella ready, the possibilities for using it are endless! Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy your 2 Ingredient Nutella:
- Spread on Toast: This is the classic way to enjoy Nutella. Spread it on a slice of warm toast for a quick and satisfying breakfast or snack.
- Dip for Fruit: Pair your homemade Nutella with fresh fruits like strawberries, bananas, or apple slices for a sweet and nutritious treat.
- Drizzle Over Pancakes or Waffles: Elevate your breakfast by drizzling warm Nutella over pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Nutella-Filled Pastries: Use your homemade Nutella to fill croissants, crepes, or puff pastry for a delicious dessert.
- Ice Cream Topping: Warm up your Nutella slightly and drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- In Baking: Swirl Nutella into brownie or cake batter for a chocolatey, nutty twist. You can also use it as a filling for cookies or cupcakes.
- Smoothies: Add a spoonful of Nutella to your smoothie for a rich, chocolatey flavor. It pairs especially well with banana or peanut butter smoothies.
- Hot Chocolate: Stir a spoonful of Nutella into a cup of hot milk for a quick and creamy Nutella hot chocolate.
Conclusion
Making your own 2 Ingredient Nutella at home is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. With just hazelnuts and chocolate chips, you can create a rich, creamy spread that rivals the store-bought version in taste and texture, while being free from preservatives and unnecessary additives. Whether you spread it on toast, use it in baking, or eat it straight from the jar, this homemade Nutella is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Try making your own batch today and discover just how easy it is to create this delicious, chocolate-hazelnut goodness from scratch!