Homemade Chocolate Spread – How To Make It

There's nothing quite like the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate spread.

Whether it's slathered on toast, used as a dip for fruit, or simply eaten straight from the jar, it's a beloved treat for many. But have you ever considered making your own home-made chocolate spread? It's easier than you might think, and it allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more delicious product.

Why Make Your Own Chocolate Spread?

• Control Over Ingredients: You can choose high-quality, organic ingredients, avoiding artificial additives and preservatives often found in store-bought spreads.

• Customise the Flavour: Experiment with different cocoa powders, nuts, and sweeteners to create unique flavour profiles.

• Save Money: Making your own chocolate spread can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk.

• Satisfying Kitchen Experience: The process of making home-made chocolate spread is fun and rewarding.

  Of course the other great thing about making your own home-made chocolate spread is that satisfying feeling one gets from producing a family favourite for others to enjoy. It may be a small one, but it is nonetheless an achievement. The sweet smell of success you might say. Below is a fairly simple but delicious recipe to be found at, www.underalemontree.com

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and skinned

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

• 1/4 cup milk (your choice of dairy or plant-based)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

Equipment:

• Food processor or high-powered blender

• Medium saucepan

• Rubber spatula

• Airtight jar

Instructions:

1. Toast the Hazelnuts: Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let them cool completely before removing the skins.

2. Process the Hazelnuts: Add the toasted hazelnuts to a food processor or high-powered blender and process until a fine hazelnut butter forms. This may take a few minutes.

3. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cocoa powder, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and combined.

4. Mix with Hazelnut Butter: Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually add the hazelnut butter, mixing until fully incorporated.

5. Transfer and Store: Transfer the chocolate spread to an airtight jar and let it cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.

Tips for the Perfect Home-made Chocolate Spread:

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter spread, add more maple syrup. For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of maple syrup or use a natural sweetener like honey or date syrup.

• Experiment with Flavours: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or chili powder for a unique flavour twist. You can also incorporate other nuts like almonds or pecans.

• Customize the Texture: For a smoother texture, process the hazelnut butter for a longer period. For a chunkier texture, process for a shorter time or add some coarsely chopped hazelnuts.

• Store Properly: Store your home-made chocolate spread in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.

  The great thing about recipes is that you can tweak and adjust to your own tastes once you have the ‘overall’ idea. Your home-made chocolate spread might just be the icing on the cake!

  Talking of cake, it’s one thing you can adorn with your delicious home-made chocolate spread. Others are many and equally suited to being smothered with your home made chocolate spread. Think of biscuits, cereals, crumpets and the humble slice of bread to name but a few. There are loads of possibilities to indulge your sweet tooth.

Vegan Home-Made Chocolate Spread

Just because something is delicious, and associated with chocolate, doesn’t mean it can’t be healthy. For instance, here is a fantastic vegan home-made chocolate spread recipe courtesy of; The Happy Foodie-Penguin.

Ingredients

Method

Heat the hazelnuts in a dry frying pan over a medium–high heat for 5 minutes until they are very lightly browned. While they are still hot, tip the toasted hazelnuts into a food processor and process until you have a creamy paste. This will take 4–5 minutes, so be patient!

Making your own home-made chocolate spread is a rewarding and delicious experience.

By following these simple steps, you can create a high-quality, customisable spread that's perfect for any occasion. So, why not give it a try and indulge in the joy of home-made goodness? Remember what you put it on or in or even when you just dig it from the jar with a spoon, home-made chocolate spread is amazing.