There’s something truly satisfying about making your own spreads at home, and this Homemade Nutella With Dates is no exception. Picture the warm, nutty scent of freshly roasted hazelnuts wafting through your kitchen as you blend together wholesome ingredients into a creamy delight. The sweetness of medjool dates elevates this classic treat, lending it a rich, caramel-like flavor that pairs perfectly with the deep notes of cacao.
I discovered this recipe on a quiet Sunday afternoon when I found a few leftover hazelnuts and ripe dates in my pantry. It was the perfect remedy for my craving for something indulgent but also healthy. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a batch that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also impresses family and friends. Whether you’re spreading it on toast or using it as a dip for fruit, this homemade Nutella is bound to become a go-to staple in your kitchen. Ready to give it a try? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why choose Homemade Nutella With Dates?
Irresistibly Delicious: The rich combination of hazelnuts and dates creates a decadent treat that’s completely guilt-free.
Easy to Make: With just six simple ingredients and 25 minutes of your time, you can create a homemade spread that rivals store-bought options.
Nutritious Alternative: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this recipe offers nutrients without the artificial additives often found in commercial spreads.
Versatile Delight: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or desserts, this Nutella is amazingly adaptable—try it on toast, pancakes, or even as a dip!
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Impress your friends and family with this unique twist on a beloved classic; they won’t believe it’s made with dates!
Quick Prep: In a hurry? This speedy recipe makes it easy to whip up a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
Make sure to check out more easy homemade spreads that’ll elevate your culinary creations!
Homemade Nutella With Dates Ingredients
For the Spread
• Raw hazelnuts – the star of the recipe, roasting them enhances their nutty flavor.
• Medjool dates – soaking these naturally sweet fruits softens them for a smoother blend.
• Cacao powder – adds a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of dates.
• Vanilla extract – a splash of this aromatic ingredient elevates the overall taste profile.
• Pinch salt – enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness for a gourmet touch.
• Water (optional) – use to adjust the consistency to your liking, making it spreadable or dippable!
Indulge in the goodness of Homemade Nutella With Dates and enjoy a healthier version of your favorite spread!
How to Make Homemade Nutella With Dates
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Soak the Dates: Begin by soaking your medjool dates in hot water for about 10 minutes. This softens them, making it easier to blend into a smooth consistency. Once softened, drain them well.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw hazelnuts in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast the hazelnuts for 10 minutes or until they are golden and fragrant, enhancing their natural flavor.
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Cool and Skin the Hazelnuts: Once roasted, remove the hazelnuts from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Use a clean kitchen towel to gently rub the hazelnuts, removing most of the skins. This step is crucial for a smooth texture!
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Blend the Hazelnuts: Place the skinned hazelnuts in a high-speed blender. Blend them until they achieve a smooth, creamy consistency, scraping down the sides as necessary. You’re looking for a luscious hazelnut butter!
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Add Other Ingredients: Now, add the softened dates, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blender. Blend everything together until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creamy texture.
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Enjoy or Store: Once blended to perfection, savor your homemade Nutella right away or transfer it into sterilized jars. Seal and store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh!
Optional: Serve your spread with fresh fruit or on warm toast for a delightful treat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Homemade Nutella With Dates?
Indulging in creamy, chocolatey goodness is just the beginning—let’s explore delicious accompaniments to elevate your experience!
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries and blueberries beautifully contrasts the sweetness, offering a refreshing balance in every bite.
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Banana Slices: Creamy bananas create a delightful texture and natural sweetness that pairs flawlessly with the rich nutty flavor.
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Whole Grain Toast: Crunchy, warm toast provides a sturdy canvas for the spread, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack.
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Oatmeal: Stirring in a spoonful of this decadent spread elevates a simple bowl of oatmeal into a luxurious breakfast experience.
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Rice Cakes: Light and crunchy rice cakes are a fantastic base, allowing the homemade Nutella to shine while adding a satisfying crunch.
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Dark Chocolate: For the chocolate lovers, adding some dark chocolate shavings enhances the cocoa flavor while giving an elegant touch.
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Nutty Granola: Sprinkle some nutty granola on top of your toast smeared with Nutella for added crunch and flavor depth.
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Coffee or Latte: Enjoying a warm beverage alongside your Nutella treat enhances the overall experience, making it feel cozy and indulgent.
Consider these pairings to create a delectable feast that your taste buds will thank you for!
Homemade Nutella With Dates Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this delightful spread your own; the possibilities are endless!
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Nutty Boost: Add 1/4 cup of almond butter for an extra nutty flavor that complements the hazelnuts beautifully. This twist adds a creamy texture and rich taste.
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Coconut Lover: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flair. The coconut will enhance sweetness and add a chewy texture to the spread.
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Spiced Delight: Blend in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or even a dash of nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor profile. This variation brings unexpected warmth that brightens the overall taste.
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Nut-Free Version: Swap hazelnuts with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option that maintains that delightful creaminess. You’ll still enjoy the rich flavor with a hint of earthiness!
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Extra Sweetness: If you’re craving a sweeter version, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey. This provides a lovely additional layer of sweetness while keeping it deliciously sticky.
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Chocolatey Indulgence: For chocolate lovers, add 2 tablespoons of chocolate chips before blending. This will create a richer, more decadent experience, resembling a dreamy dessert spread.
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Heat It Up: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder. This adds a surprising kick that enhances the flavor beautifully.
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Coffee Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to your blend for a delightful coffee undertone. This coffee twist creates a unique depth that pairs well with the chocolate and hazelnuts.
Expert Tips for Homemade Nutella With Dates
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Soak Dates Properly: Make sure to soak medjool dates in hot water for the full 10 minutes. This step ensures they blend smoothly without chunks.
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Roast Hazelnuts Carefully: Keep an eye on your hazelnuts while roasting. Remove them from the oven once they are lightly golden to prevent burning.
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Achieve Smooth Texture: If your nut butter seems chunky, blend a bit longer or add water gradually until you reach the creamy consistency you desire.
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Control Sweetness: Taste the mixture as you blend. If you prefer a sweeter spread, feel free to add more dates, but do so gradually to maintain balance.
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Store Properly: Transfer your Homemade Nutella With Dates to airtight jars and keep them refrigerated for freshness. It can last up to two weeks!
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Versatile Uses: Don’t hesitate to experiment! Use this nutella as a dip for fruits or a topping for pancakes, enhancing your culinary adventures.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful Homemade Nutella With Dates are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify meal prep! You can prepare the hazelnuts and soak the dates up to 24 hours in advance; simply roast the hazelnuts and store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and soak the dates overnight to ensure they’re soft and ready to blend. When you’re ready to whip up your spread, just blend the prepped ingredients together with the cacao, vanilla, and salt as directed. To maintain freshness, always store the finished Nutella in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, where it can last up to 3 days. You’ll have a delicious, homemade treat ready to enjoy with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Nutella With Dates
Fridge: Store your homemade Nutella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. This keeps it fresh and spreadable for your indulgent breakfasts or snacks.
Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the spread in small portions. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or silicone molds for up to 3 months.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen homemade Nutella, simply transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight. Stir well before serving for a creamy texture.
Reheating: If the spread has thickened, warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds to achieve a smoother consistency before using.
Homemade Nutella With Dates Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best hazelnuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing hazelnuts, look for ones that are firm and free of dark spots or blemishes. Fresh, raw hazelnuts should have a pleasant, nutty aroma. If possible, opt for organic nuts to avoid pesticides. Remember, quality nuts make a difference in the final flavor!
How should I store my Homemade Nutella With Dates?
For maximum freshness, store your homemade Nutella in an airtight container in the refrigerator where it’ll keep for up to two weeks. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly to prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you might find it a bit thick—no worries! Just give it a little stir or gently warm it up for a smoother spread.
Can I freeze Homemade Nutella With Dates?
Very easily! Freeze your spread in small portions to make it easier to thaw later. Simply transfer it to freezer-safe containers or silicone molds. It will last up to three months. For thawing, just place it in the refrigerator overnight. If it’s a bit clumpy, stir well before enjoying!
What should I do if my Nutella is too thick?
If your Homemade Nutella ends up too thick, don’t fret! Simply add a tablespoon of water at a time while blending until you achieve your desired consistency. Just be careful to add it slowly to avoid making it too runny. This helps maintain that rich, creamy texture we all adore!
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind?
Great question! While this homemade Nutella is naturally sweetened with dates and wholesome, be cautious if you have allergies. It’s nut-based, so anyone with nut allergies should steer clear. Additionally, always check ingredient labels if using alternatives like cacao powder or vanilla extract to ensure they don’t contain allergens.
Can my pets enjoy Homemade Nutella With Dates?
Not a good idea! The spread contains hazelnuts and dates, which are generally not suitable for pets. Although hazelnuts aren’t toxic to dogs or cats like chocolate, it’s best to avoid giving any human-made spreads to pets. Always stick to treats designed for their dietary needs.
Irresistible Homemade Nutella With Dates for Guilt-Free Indulgence
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak the medjool dates in hot water for about 10 minutes, then drain well.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and roast the hazelnuts for 10 minutes.
- Once roasted, cool the hazelnuts and rub off most of their skins.
- Blend the skinned hazelnuts in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
- Add the soaked dates, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and salt to the blender.
- Blend until well combined, adding water as needed for desired texture.
- Enjoy immediately or store in sterilized jars in the refrigerator.
