Homemade Hazelnut Cream Recipe – Silky, Nutty, and Irresistibly Spreadable

Servings: 4 Total Time: 25 mins Difficulty: Beginner
From Breakfast Cravings to Nutty Bliss
Hazelnut Cream Recipe pinit

It all started on a quiet Sunday morning when I realized I had run out of store-bought chocolate hazelnut spread. Determined to satisfy my craving, I opened the pantry to find a bag of roasted hazelnuts and a spark of inspiration. 

I decided to make my own hazelnut cream—from scratch. What began as a necessity quickly became a weekend ritual. And honestly, after tasting the homemade version, I never looked back.

Hazelnut cream is more than just a spread. It’s a creamy, rich, slightly sweet paste that balances the deep roasted flavor of hazelnuts with a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether slathered on toast, drizzled over pancakes, or spooned into oatmeal, it elevates even the simplest dishes into gourmet experiences.

Why do people fall head over heels for this recipe? Because it’s all-natural, customizable, and unbelievably delicious. Free from preservatives, excess sugar, or palm oil, this homemade hazelnut cream gives you complete control over ingredients and flavor. 

It’s perfect for health-conscious eaters, dessert lovers, and anyone wanting to add a bit of indulgence to their daily routine.

Ingredients for Homemade Hazelnut Cream Recipe

  • 2 cups raw hazelnuts (skin-on or skinless)
  • 2–3 tablespoons powdered sugar or maple syrup (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2–4 tablespoons neutral oil (like sunflower or hazelnut oil)
  • Optional:
    • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for a chocolate-hazelnut version)
    • 1–2 tablespoons melted dark chocolate (for extra richness)

Ingredient Variation Suggestions

  • Chocolate Twist: Add cocoa powder and a touch of melted chocolate for a Nutella-style flavor.
  • Sugar-Free: Replace sweetener with stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol for a keto-friendly version.
  • Vegan-Friendly: Use maple syrup instead of honey and dairy-free chocolate.
  • Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for a warm twist.
  • Extra Creamy: Add 1 tablespoon coconut cream for a silkier texture.

Instructions for Homemade Hazelnut Cream Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Hazelnuts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 12–15 minutes, or until the skins begin to crack and the nuts are fragrant.

Step 2: Remove the Skins

If using skin-on hazelnuts, wrap the warm nuts in a clean kitchen towel and rub them together. Most of the skins will flake off. It’s okay if some bits remain—it adds rustic texture and flavor.

Step 3: Blend the Nuts

Transfer the roasted hazelnuts to a high-speed blender or food processor. Start blending on low speed and gradually increase. Initially, the nuts will form a coarse meal, then a thick paste, and finally a smooth, pourable cream. This may take 5–10 minutes, depending on your blender.

Step 4: Add Flavorings

Once the hazelnuts are smooth, add sweetener, vanilla, salt, and any optional ingredients like cocoa powder or melted chocolate. Blend again until fully combined and silky.

Step 5: Adjust Texture

If the cream is too thick, drizzle in oil one tablespoon at a time while blending until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Store It

Pour the hazelnut cream into a clean, airtight jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Let it come to room temperature before using for easy spreading.

Cook Time

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Roasting Time: 12–15 minutes
  • Blending Time: 5–10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Pro Tips for the Perfect Hazelnut Cream

  • Roast Evenly: Stir the hazelnuts halfway through baking to ensure even roasting.
  • Blend Patiently: Don’t rush the blending process; the creaminess comes with time.
  • Use Fresh Nuts: Always start with fresh, high-quality hazelnuts for the best flavor.
  • Control the Sweetness: Start with less sweetener—you can always add more, but not remove.
  • Warm Before Use: A short microwave burst or warm water bath softens cold hazelnut cream for easy spreading.

Final Thoughts on Homemade Hazelnut Cream Recipe

Homemade hazelnut cream is the kind of recipe that feels like a luxury but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s healthier than store-bought versions, bursting with real nutty flavor, and incredibly versatile. You can spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, spoon it over pancakes, or even use it as a filling for pastries or cakes.

Once you try this luscious, golden cream straight from your own kitchen, you’ll never want to go back to processed jars. It’s comfort, quality, and creativity—all in one delicious spoonful.

Homemade Hazelnut Cream Recipe – Silky, Nutty, and Irresistibly Spreadable

A velvety smooth blend of roasted hazelnuts, lightly sweetened and optionally enriched with cocoa or vanilla. This homemade hazelnut cream is spreadable, spoonable, and utterly irresistible—ideal for breakfasts, desserts, or snacking right from the jar.

Hazelnut Cream Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 5 Calories: 90 Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 12–15 minutes, or until the skins begin to crack and the nuts are fragrant.
  2. If using skin-on hazelnuts, wrap the warm nuts in a clean kitchen towel and rub them together. Most of the skins will flake off. It’s okay if some bits remain—it adds rustic texture and flavor.
  3. Transfer the roasted hazelnuts to a high-speed blender or food processor. Start blending on low speed and gradually increase. Initially, the nuts will form a coarse meal, then a thick paste, and finally a smooth, pourable cream. This may take 5–10 minutes, depending on your blender.
  4. Once the hazelnuts are smooth, add sweetener, vanilla, salt, and any optional ingredients like cocoa powder or melted chocolate. Blend again until fully combined and silky.
  5. If the cream is too thick, drizzle in oil one tablespoon at a time while blending until the desired consistency is reached.
  6. Pour the hazelnut cream into a clean, airtight jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Let it come to room temperature before using for easy spreading.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 90kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g13%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Sodium 10mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 3g1%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 2g
Protein 2g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Can I use pre-roasted hazelnuts?

Yes, but make sure they’re unsalted and not overly oily. Roast briefly to enhance flavor.

How long does it last?

 Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it can last up to 3 weeks.

Can I make it without a high-speed blender?

 A food processor works well too. Just expect a longer blending time and slightly grainier texture.

Is it okay to use hazelnut meal instead of whole nuts?

 Yes, though you’ll miss out on the rich, roasted flavor you get from whole nuts.

Can I freeze hazelnut cream?

 Yes. Freeze in small containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before use.

Olivia Carter Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Olivia Carter is a passionate home chef with over 10 years of experience in crafting heartwarming, family-friendly meals. From hearty stews to homemade bread, she specializes in easy-to-follow, comforting recipes that bring people together. Olivia believes that good food should be simple, delicious, and made with love. When she’s not in the kitchen, she enjoys gardening and sourcing farm-fresh ingredients for her dishes.