Whipped Hazelnut Chocolate Dream
Thereβs something utterly magical about the scent of toasted hazelnuts filling the kitchen. At Deeβs Nutz and Berries, our Whipped Hazelnut Chocolate Dream is a staple treatβspooned over toast, swirled into warm oatmeal, or simply devoured straight from the jar. This recipe transforms humble hazelnuts into a smooth, decadent spread that rivals any store-bought version (yes, even that one). And best of all? You can make it at home with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Hazelnuts are more than just deliciousβtheyβre also a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with heart-healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium, theyβve been a prized food source since ancient times. In fact, archaeological evidence shows hazelnuts were consumed in Scotland over 9,000 years ago! Today, theyβre a key crop in many sustainable orchard systems thanks to their compact size and resilience in cold climates like ours here in southern Wisconsin.
We grow hazelnuts here on the farm in Brodhead, and while they wonβt be available for harvest until around 2030, the dream has already taken root. This spread is perfect for homemade gift jars, after-school snacks, or your next holiday brunch board. If youβve ever wondered what gives hazelnuts their signature flavor, this guide from the University of California dives into their nutritional and culinary value.
Want to see what else weβre growing? Check out our Hazelnut U-Pick plansβand keep your spoons ready.
Whipped Hazelnut Chocolate Dream
π° Ingredients for Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
- 2 cups raw hazelnuts
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped bar)
- 2 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 3 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ΒΌ tsp salt
- 2β4 Tbsp neutral oil (like sunflower or hazelnut oil), as needed for consistency
π« How to Make Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
- Preheat oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and roast for 10β12 minutes, until fragrant and skins are cracking.
- Remove from oven and rub hazelnuts in a clean towel to remove most of the skins (donβt worry if a few remain).
- In a food processor, blend the warm hazelnuts until they turn into a pasteβthis may take 5β8 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Melt chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water (double boiler) or in short bursts in the microwave.
- Add melted chocolate, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt to the hazelnut butter. Blend until smooth.
- Add oil, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired spreadable consistency is reached.
- Store in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 2 weeksβor refrigerate for longer shelf life.
π From the Orchard Tip
- Gift it up: This spread makes a fantastic holiday gift in a cute glass jar with a rustic ribbon.
- Flavor boost: Add a pinch of espresso powder or cinnamon for a more complex spread.
- Swirl it: Use it in baked goods like muffins, thumbprint cookies, or even layered into brownies.
- Kid-friendly tip: Skip the dark chocolate and use milk chocolate for a sweeter version.
- Freeze it: Freeze in small containers for up to 3 monthsβdefrost and stir before using.
More to Savor from the Orchard
- Education & Research
- Harvest & Farm Life
- Preserving & Storage
- Recipes
- Sustainable Farm Living
- Wellness & Herbal Remedies
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