Make delicious & guilt-free hazelnut chocolate at home with these easy recipes! Control ingredients, increase hazelnuts & cocoa for antioxidants & heart-healthy fats. Enjoy a customizable, healthier treat.
Craving chocolate, but trying to keep things healthy? We’ve been there! Are you looking for a simple way to whip up your own hazelnut chocolate? We at Vitalo360 think you’ll love this easy, hazelnut-focused recipe. Plus, you can control exactly what goes into it and customize it to your liking.
- What is Commercial Hazelnut Chocolate Made Of?
- Benefits of Hazelnuts
- Recipes for Making Hazelnut Chocolate in a Healthy Way:
What is Commercial Hazelnut Chocolate Made Of?
Hazelnut chocolate is basically hazelnut cream built on, well, hazelnuts. That’s the idea anyway! Have you ever wondered, though, about all those ingredients that make up store-bought hazelnut chocolate? Turns out, sugar is usually the biggest component in commercial hazelnut chocolate, sometimes making up over 55% of the ingredients. The rest is, um, often about 23% vegetable oil, 14% hazelnuts, and 8% cocoa, plus small amounts of other stuff. So, as you can see, the hazelnut and cocoa content can be pretty low. And a 20-gram serving can contain around 100 calories, 10 grams of sugar, and 6 grams of fat. When we look at it that way, the proportion of hazelnuts and cocoa definitely seems smaller compared to, say, other ingredients. (Speaking of which: Benefits of Cocoa for Your Heart and Immunity!) Therefore, it might be better to change some unhealthy stuff to make the recipe healthier. For example:
- Increase the amount of hazelnuts used to increase the nutritional value.
- Increase the proportion of cocoa to increase the proportion of antioxidants.
- Focus on using vegetable oils that are natural, and avoid exposing them to high temperatures when heated.
- Reduce the amount of sugar used.
- Use honey as a sweetener.
Benefits of Hazelnuts
Why are hazelnuts good for you? Why do we always include them in recipes? It’s because they add numerous health benefits, including:
- They’re a source of various nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- They provide B vitamins which are important for many vital processes in the body, like working on nerves, enzymes, and organs.
- They boost heart and artery health because they’re rich in healthy monounsaturated fats.
- They protect against cancer thanks to their content of compounds, antioxidants, like antioxidants and dietary fiber.
- They boost brain function and improve it because they contain magnesium and dietary fiber.
Recipes for Making Hazelnut Chocolate in a Healthy Way:
Recipe 1 Ingredients:
A cup of hazelnuts.
12 ounces of chocolate chips.
Two tablespoons of canola oil.
3 tablespoons of sugar, but you can replace it with artificial sweetener if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Half a teaspoon of vanilla.
3/4 teaspoon of salt, and you can reduce it, especially if you have heart or blood pressure issues.
A tablespoon of unsweetened dark cocoa.
Preparation Method:
Melt the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water or in the microwave or oven. Read about: Benefits of Chocolate Between Reality and Myth!
Preheat the oven to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place in the oven for 15 minutes until they turn reddish in color, then crush them after they cool.
Grind the hazelnuts well, then add the sugar, oil, cocoa, vanilla, and salt to them.
Mix the ingredients well until you get a smooth paste, then add the melted chocolate to it.
Pour the mixture to decorate any hazelnut pieces if desired. And now it’s ready to enjoy.
Recipe 2 Ingredients:
A cup of hazelnuts.
Three-quarters of a cup of sugar-free honey or a cup of date honey.
Three-quarters of a cup of chocolate chips.
A pinch of salt to taste.
A tablespoon of honey.
Preparation Steps:
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spread the hazelnuts on a baking sheet and place in the oven for 15 minutes.
Crush the hazelnuts after they cool and grind them well.
Melt the chocolate and then add it to the ground hazelnuts.
Mix the mixture well and add the honey and sweetener to it.
And with that, your healthy hazelnut chocolate is ready to enjoy, as you like it and in a healthy and economical way.
Store the mixture in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. And remember that this recipe is homemade and without preservatives, so it’s best to use it within a week without spoilage, and not more than that.
“I was skeptical at first, but this recipe is a game-changer! I’ve tried making healthy treats before, and they usually end up in the trash. But this hazelnut chocolate is actually delicious, and I feel good about what I’m eating. My kids even love it! So glad I found this!”
“As someone who is trying to eat healthy, finding good and tasty alternatives is a struggle. This recipe for homemade hazelnut chocolate is amazing! I can enjoy a sweet treat and not feel guilty. It’s easy to make, and I know exactly what’s going into it. Finally, a win-win!”
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is hazelnut chocolate healthy?
Store-bought hazelnut chocolate often contains a lot of sugar and unhealthy fats. However, when you make it at home with the above recipe, you can control the ingredients and make it a healthier option.
Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?
Sure! Feel free to experiment with almonds, walnuts, or any other nut you like. The flavor will be different, but it will still be delicious. I once tried it with cashews; the creaminess was out of this world!
How long does homemade hazelnut chocolate last?
Since there are no preservatives, it’s best to consume it within a week if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is it okay to add other ingredients?
Absolutely! Get creative! You could add dried fruits, seeds, or even a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
So, next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the store-bought stuff and whip up a batch of this homemade hazelnut chocolate. You get to control the ingredients, customize the flavor, and feel good about what you’re eating. Plus, it’s kinda fun to make, don’t you think?
