Now that I know how easy it is to peel hazelnuts (and had a bunch leftover), I just had to make some homemade nutella.  The nutella you buy contains dairy, which is a no-go for us, but this is really easy-peasy and delicious.  This is a combo recipe from a bunch of different ones on the web, made dairy free and for our family’s taste.  Enjoy!

The Recipe: Homemade Dairy Free Nutella

Ingredients

  • 1 cup raw hazelnuts
  • 2 cups 12 ounces gluten free dairy free bittersweet chocolate chips (or a mixture of half bittersweet chocolate and half semi-sweet chocolate)
  • 2 Tablespoons mild flavored oil, you may need more depending on the oil in the nuts
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon gluten free vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Toast in the oven until the nuts have darkened and the skins have blistered, about 12-14 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Wrap the nuts in a kitchen towel and rub to remove as much of the skin as possible. Don't worry about any of the stubborn skin that clings to the hazelnut. Let nuts cool completely.
  • Melt the chocolate in a double boiler until almost melted. Turn off heat and stir until smooth. Set aside and let cool slightly.
  • In a high-speed blender (I use a Vitamix) or a food processor, grind the hazelnuts until they form a paste. Add the oil, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Continue to process the mixture until the mixture is as smooth as possible then add the melted chocolate and continue to blend until very smooth and well combined.
  • The homemade nutella may be thin but it will thicken as it cools. If the mixture is already pretty thick add a bit of extra oil to keep the mixture more spreadable after it cools.
  • Transfer the spread into a jar or other resealable container and cool to room temperature. Cover and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If you store it in the refrigerator you will need to bring to room temperature in order for it to be at a spreadable consistency.