Easy Homemade Vegan Nutella: Healthy Chickpea Chocolate Spread (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)

Inspired by: @ukugabbs5

Craving a rich, chocolatey spread that's also healthy, dairy-free, and vegan? This ingenious homemade vegan Nutella recipe is your answer! Originally shared by abillion user ukugabbs5, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a luxuriously smooth and satisfying treat. It's perfect for anyone searching for a "healthy Nutella" alternative or a delicious chocolate spread without dairy.

Many in the abillion community, like Izzy, have been eager to find an "exact recipe" for vegan Nutella that's both nutritious and easy to make. This recipe truly delivers, using a surprising secret ingredient: chickpeas! Don't let that surprise you – when blended with rich cacao, sweet dates, and a touch of tahini, chickpeas create an incredibly creamy base that's packed with fiber and plant-based protein. It's truly a "healthy Nutella" that's "so good!" as some users have exclaimed, making it a game-changer for your breakfast toast, desserts, or simply enjoyed by the spoonful.

This recipe is quick, straightforward, and uses minimal equipment, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a fun weekend project. Get ready to spread the joy with this protein-packed, fiber-rich chocolate spread!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (canned or freshly cooked)
• 8-10 Medjool dates, pitted
• 2-3 tablespoons cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
• 1/4 cup vegan dark chocolate, melted
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2-4 tablespoons hot water (adjust for desired consistency)

Equipment

• Air fryer (optional, for baking chickpeas)
• Food processor or high-speed blender

Instructions

1. If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly. For optimal creaminess and a slightly nutty flavor, you can bake the chickpeas in an air fryer for about 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until slightly golden and dry. This step helps remove excess moisture and enhances the texture of your spread.
2. While the chickpeas are baking (or if skipping the baking step), gently melt your vegan dark chocolate. You can do this in a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or using a double boiler.
3. Combine the baked (or rinsed) chickpeas, pitted dates, cacao powder, melted vegan dark chocolate, and tahini in your food processor or high-speed blender.
4. Begin processing. The mixture will likely be thick and clumpy at first.
5. Gradually add hot water, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to blend. Scrape down the sides of the processor bowl as needed. Continue blending until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, resembling the consistency of traditional Nutella.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness or chocolate intensity if desired by adding more dates or cacao powder. For extra creaminess, you can add another splash of tahini.
7. Transfer your homemade vegan Nutella to an airtight jar or container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Nutella & Variations

• Tahini Alternatives: Don't have tahini or prefer a different flavor? Try using an equal amount of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile, allowing you to customize your spread.
• Adjusting Sweetness: The sweetness comes primarily from the dates. If you like it sweeter, add more dates or a touch of maple syrup during blending.
• Consistency Control: For a thicker, more fudge-like spread, use less hot water. For a runnier, drizzle-friendly consistency (perfect for pancakes or smoothies), add a bit more water until it reaches your desired texture.
• Flavor Boosts: A dash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the chocolate notes beautifully and add an extra layer of warmth.
• Serving Suggestions: This versatile spread is fantastic on toast, pancakes, waffles, fresh fruit, mixed into smoothies, or simply by the spoonful! It's a delightful addition to any vegan kitchen, especially for those seeking healthier dessert options or a protein-boosted breakfast.

Related Articles

• Easy No-Bake Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake: Learn another delightful chocolate treat.
• Sexy Nutty Smoothie: Craving more chocolate? Try this delicious smoothie.
• Roasted Chickpea Popcorn Recipe: Explore more amazing chickpea recipes.
• Easy Homemade Vegan Falafel Bowl with Charred Eggplant & Tahini: Discover another chickpea and tahini combination.
• 3-ingredient Energy Date Balls: For a quick energy boost, check out these simple date snacks.

Make it!

Ready to try this game-changing vegan spread? Whip up a batch of this Easy Homemade Vegan Nutella today and redefine your snack and breakfast game! Don't forget to share your creations on abillion and let us know what you think.