This homemade nutella with dates is rich, decadent, and full of that irresistible chocolate flavor we all know and love! It's made with just 5 simple ingredients and is vegan and refined sugar free!

Instead of using refined sugar, this healthy vegan nutella is sweetened naturally with dates. Plus, it's packed with wholesome ingredients and healthy fats. I honestly love the taste of this homemade version even more than regular store-bought nutella. It has the perfect creamy texture and roasted nutty flavor. Plus with no added sugar, t's a great alternative to keep in your pantry. Once you try this vegan nutella recipe, you'll never want to go back to that regular jar of nutella!

If you love this recipe, you need to check out my Vegan Carrot Cake Bars, Vegan Cheesecake Cookie Dough Bars and No Bake Blueberry Cheesecake.

Ingredients

Raw hazelnuts
Medjool dates (soaked)
Raw cacao powder
Vanilla extract
Pinch salt
Water

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Soak the dates in hot water for 10 minutes to soften, then drain.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Roast hazelnuts for 10 minutes.
Remove the hazelnuts from the oven and let them cool slightly. Use a kitchen towel to rub the hazelnuts, removing the hazelnut skins.
Place the hazelnuts in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Add the dates, cacao powder, vanilla, and salt to the blender. Blend until everything is combined. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired texture.
Enjoy your homemade Nutella right away or transfer it to jars. Seal and store in the fridge!

Substitutions

Raw Hazelnuts – I use raw hazelnuts for this recipe and roast them in the oven until golden. You can also buy pre roasted hazelnuts and skip this step.
Medjool Dates (Soaked) – Regular dates would also work for this recipe but the result will be less sweet and less creamy than if using medjool dates.
Cacao Powder – Raw cocoa powder can also be used for this recipe.
Water - you can substitute water with a dairy free milk like almond milk or coconut milk. However, your Nutella will only last for as long as your milk is fresh.

Equipment

High Speed Blender
Clean Kitchen Towel
Sealable Jars
Baking Sheet
Parchment Paper

How To Store Homemade Nutella With Dates

Store your homemade nutella in an airtight glass container or mason jar and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 weeks!

3 Top Tips For Success

Use soft, gooey medjool dates - fresh medjool dates will work best for this recipe. If your dates are not already soft, soak in hot water for 10 minutes before blending.
Add water by the tbsp as needed until you reach a creamy nutella texture. If your mixture is too firm/thick, add a little more water until you reach your desired consistency .
Use a high speed blender - I use my Vitamix to blend my ingredients together for this recipe as I find it breaks down the ingredients most efficiently. Be sure to use a good quality blender in order to result in the creamiest nutella texture.

FAQs

What do I pair with this nutella recipe?

This healthy nutella recipe is perfect for pairing with fresh fruits like apples and strawberries for a delicious treat. I also love spreading it on toast or adding it to my overnight oats recipes.

How long will this homemade vegan nutella last?

Since there is no dairy in this recipe, it will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. To prolong shelf life, store in an airtight container or glass jar in the fridge.

Is Nutella healthy?

Store-bought Nutella is high in sugar and palm oil. This vegan homemade nutella is made with natural sweeteners and unprocessed ingredients like hazelnuts and fresh dates, making it a healthier alternative.

📖 Recipe