Homemade Chocolate Almond Butter: The Ultimate Hazelnut-Free Spread Recipe

Even if you’re not a fan of traditional hazelnut-based chocolate spreads, prepare to fall in love with this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make homemade chocolate almond butter. Imagine a rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying spread that captures all the indulgence of chocolate with the wholesome goodness of almonds. This recipe offers a fantastic alternative for those who prefer almonds or are simply looking for a new, exciting way to enjoy a sweet treat.

My Journey from Nutella Skeptic to Almond Butter Enthusiast

For years, I played the role of the “cool mom” who kept a jar of Nutella in the pantry for her kids. They absolutely adored it, and I loved seeing their smiles. However, I was never truly a part of the Nutella craze myself. It’s one of those things you either passionately love or simply don’t connect with, and I fell firmly into the latter camp. My palate generally prefers simple flavors; for instance, I can count on one hand the number of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches I’ve eaten in my entire life. So, the widespread excitement over this chocolaty, hazelnut-infused spread never quite resonated with me.

I honestly never gave much thought to *why* I didn’t like it. It was just a taste preference, and I moved on with life, happily letting my kids enjoy their beloved spread while I stuck to my own favorites. Little did I know, a delicious revelation was just around the corner.

The Unexpected Discovery and My “Aha!” Moment

My culinary turning point came unexpectedly while browsing Silvia’s Cucina Facebook page. A photo for “Homemade Nutella” caught my eye. As is my habit, I shared it with my friends on my own page, thinking little more of it. It was just another inspiring recipe, a pretty picture. However, later that week at the grocery store, as I was restocking my baking essentials, I spotted a bag of slivered almonds. Suddenly, Silvia’s recipe flashed back into my mind. “Hmm,” I thought, “maybe I should try that, but with almonds.” I tossed the 5-ounce bag into my cart, a small experiment brewing.

That experiment transformed my understanding of chocolate spreads. I can now definitively tell you why I never liked traditional Nutella: it’s the hazelnuts! While many adore the distinct flavor of hazelnuts, I’ve realized it simply isn’t for me. With this homemade almond version, I was instantly captivated. In fact, I was so enamored that I made three batches in quick succession, exhausting my entire almond supply! Each batch was an opportunity to fine-tune the recipe – experimenting with different cocoas, and of course, testing the impact of instant coffee granules. My dedication was purely for you, dear reader, to ensure the perfect recipe. (And perhaps also because I couldn’t stop licking the spoons!).

Beyond the incredible taste, this homemade almond spread offers a significant advantage: cost-effectiveness. With store-bought chocolate-hazelnut spreads often priced at $5.00 or more per jar, this homemade version is a delightful way to enjoy a gourmet treat without breaking the bank. It takes very little time to prepare, making it a sustainable and delicious choice for my family from now on!

The Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Almond Butter (or Hazelnut-Free “Nutella”)

This delightful recipe is adapted from Silvia’s Cucina, with a simple yet impactful swap from hazelnuts to almonds, creating a unique and utterly craveable spread.

Yield: 1 pint (2 cups)

Chocolate Almond Butter or Homemade Nutella

Ingredients

1/3 heaping cup of slivered almonds
3 tablespoons oil (I used vegetable, but a neutral oil like canola or grapeseed works well)
1/2 cup cocoa powder (I used Hershey’s, experimenting with both regular and special dark for varied richness)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon brown sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
1 teaspoon instant coffee granules (optional, but highly recommended for an added depth of flavor, enhancing the chocolate)
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

Instructions

Prepare the Almond Paste: In a food processor or a powerful grinder (a handy chopper works too!), process the slivered almonds. Continue grinding until they form a fine paste. This step takes patience; the almonds will first become a coarse meal, then eventually release their oils and transform into a smooth, buttery consistency. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even processing.
Combine Dry Ingredients and Oil: Once your almonds have reached a paste-like consistency, add the oil, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and instant coffee granules (if using) to the food processor. Blend for about 20-30 seconds, or until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined into a thick, uniform mixture.
Begin Heating and Mixing: Transfer the almond-cocoa paste to a small saucepan. Over low heat, begin combining the paste with approximately one-third of the sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and ensure the ingredients start to incorporate smoothly.
Achieve Creamy Perfection: Continue to stir until the mixture is smooth. Then, add another one-third of the sweetened condensed milk, stir again until smooth, and finally, add the remaining milk. Keep stirring continuously over low heat until the entire mixture is silky smooth, all the sugar crystals from the brown sugar and condensed milk have completely dissolved, and the spread is uniformly thick and glossy. This gentle heating helps to melt the sugar and create that irresistible texture.
Store for Later Enjoyment: Carefully transfer your freshly made chocolate almond butter to clean jars or other airtight storage containers.
Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the spread to cool completely to room temperature before covering and storing it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three weeks. If the spread thickens too much in the refrigerator, simply microwave a small portion for a few seconds to soften it and restore its delightful spreadable consistency. After my extensive “spoon-licking” taste tests (and yes, I licked it clean!), I couldn’t wait to try this on more than just a slice of bread!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

This post was originally Published August 27, 2012. Updated for clarity and SEO.

Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor

You’ll be amazed that such a decadent spread requires only six straightforward ingredients, a food processor, and a small saucepan. No fancy equipment or hard-to-find items needed – just pure, simple goodness.

The magic begins in your food processor. Start by grinding your slivered almonds until they transform into a creamy, smooth paste. This can take several minutes, as the almonds need to release their natural oils. Be patient, scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally, and watch as they go from crumbly to a thick, spreadable consistency. Once achieved, add the cocoa powder, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. The oil helps achieve that perfect smooth texture, while the brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the chocolate beautifully. Don’t skip the optional instant coffee granules – they don’t make the spread taste like coffee, but rather intensify and deepen the chocolate flavor, creating a richer, more complex profile.

Next, gently heat this rich almond-chocolate paste on the stovetop over low heat, gradually incorporating the sweetened condensed milk. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes wonderfully smooth and glossy. The sweetened condensed milk is key here, providing both sweetness and a luxuriously creamy texture that makes this spread truly irresistible. Once it reaches that perfect consistency, pour your freshly made chocolate almond butter into clean jars.

Versatile Serving Suggestions and Thoughtful Gifting

This homemade chocolate almond butter is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it by the spoonful (no judgment here!), spread generously on a slice of fresh bread or warm toast for a comforting breakfast or snack. Elevate your baked goods by spreading it on crescent rolls before baking, or incorporate it into a variety of dessert recipes where you’d typically use other chocolate spreads. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a fantastic addition to almost anything!

Beyond personal enjoyment, this decadent spread also makes a wonderful homemade gift. Pour it into charming jars, tie a simple ribbon around the lid, and you have a thoughtful, delicious present for friends, family, or neighbors. It’s a gift that truly comes from the heart and is sure to be appreciated by any chocolate lover.

Whether you spread it, dip it, or eat it straight, this chocolate almond butter is bound to become a new favorite in your household. I’m already excited to explore all the classic chocolate spread recipes with this fantastic, hazelnut-free alternative!

More Homemade Delights in Jars

If you love the idea of making delicious pantry staples and treats from scratch, here are more homemade recipes that are perfect for storing in jars:

Homemade Chocolate Syrup

Why buy a bottle when you can whip up this rich, versatile chocolate syrup in minutes? Perfect for milk, sundaes, or coffee.

Homemade Caramel Sauce

Indulge in a silky, buttery caramel sauce that’s fantastic over ice cream, stirred into milkshakes, or swirled into your morning coffee.

Easy Hot Fudge Sauce

Forget store-bought! This simple hot fudge recipe is rich, thick, and utterly superior for all your ice cream sundaes.

Homemade Dulce de Leche Caramel

Discover the magic of making rich, creamy dulce de leche with minimal effort using your slow cooker. A sweet, dreamy caramel perfect for desserts.