Hazelnut Chocolate Date Spread Recipe
Introduction
This Hazelnut Chocolate Date Spread is a rich and naturally sweetened treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Combining roasted hazelnuts with dates and cocoa, it creates a creamy, chocolatey delight that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Hazelnuts
- 1 cup Dates
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 1/4 tablespoon Salt
- 1/2 cup Almond Milk
Instructions
- Step 1: Roast the hazelnuts at 350°F (180°C) for 20 minutes. Once cooled, transfer them onto a kitchen towel and rub to remove their skins.
- Step 2: Place the skinned hazelnuts in a food processor and blend for 8 to 15 minutes until they turn into a smooth hazelnut butter.
- Step 3: Remove the hazelnut butter and rinse the food processor. Add the dates and water, then puree until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Return the hazelnut butter to the food processor and pulse a few times to combine. Add cocoa powder, vanilla extract, oil, and salt, then blend together.
- Step 5: With the food processor running, slowly pour in the almond milk and blend until the spread is smooth and well combined.
Tips & Variations
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the hazelnuts lightly longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Swap almond milk for coconut or oat milk for different creamy textures and tastes.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate depth.
Storage
Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. Stir well if separation occurs. It’s perfect spread on toast, stirred into yogurt, or as a dip for fruits.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Yes, almonds or cashews can be used as alternatives, but the flavor profile will change. Hazelnuts provide a classic chocolate-hazelnut taste, while other nuts offer their own unique twist.
Is this spread vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely. All ingredients are plant-based and naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for most dietary preferences and allergies.
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Hazelnut Chocolate Date Spread Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 1.5 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Hazelnut Chocolate Date Spread is a luscious, naturally sweetened spread made from roasted hazelnuts, dates, cocoa powder, and a hint of vanilla. Perfect as a nutritious alternative to traditional chocolate spreads, it combines creamy hazelnut butter with rich cocoa and the natural sweetness of dates, creating an irresistible treat that’s great on toast, pancakes, or even as a dip.
Ingredients
Nut Base
- 1 cup Hazelnuts
Sweetener and Liquid
- 1 cup Dates
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1/2 cup Almond Milk
- 1 tablespoon Oil
Flavorings
- 2 tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1/2 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tablespoon Salt
Instructions
- Roast the Hazelnuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the hazelnuts on a baking tray and roast them for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once roasted, transfer the hazelnuts onto a clean kitchen towel and rub them with your hands to remove the skins.
- Make Hazelnut Butter: Place the skinned hazelnuts into a food processor and puree for 8 to 15 minutes. Scrape the sides as needed until the nuts break down completely and form a smooth, creamy butter.
- Prepare Date Paste: Remove the hazelnut butter from the food processor, rinse it out, then add the dates and water. Puree until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, forming a thick date paste.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the hazelnut butter back into the food processor with the date paste and pulse a few times to combine them evenly.
- Add Flavorings and Blend: Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, oil, and salt to the mixture. Blend while slowly pouring in the almond milk until the spread is smooth, creamy, and well incorporated.
Notes
- Ensure the hazelnuts are fully roasted to maximize flavor and ease of skin removal.
- Use soft, fresh dates for the best sweetness and texture.
- Adjust the amount of almond milk to reach your desired spread consistency.
- Store the spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- This spread is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by using plant-based oil and non-dairy milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Spread
- Method: Roasting and Blending
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: hazelnut spread, chocolate date spread, healthy chocolate spread, natural chocolate spread, homemade nut butter
