Homemade Nut Free Chocolate Spread
This super creamy, highly addictive, Homemade Nut Free Chocolate spread is a healthier chocolate spread version, with an intense chocolate flavor; it has only 5 ingredients and is made in under 15 minutes!
The addition of 70% Chocolate gives it a darker, more intense chocolate flavor, and it’s perfect for anyone with any nut allergies and all chocolate lovers out there.
I can tell you, this has become my go-to chocolate spread! it’s so easy and quick to make, requires only 5 basic ingredients, and its gluten free!
Use it over bread, fresh fruit, ice cream, and even as a cake or cupcake filling! either way, it will become a great addition to your sweet snack repertoire.
Ingredients you’ll need to make this Nut Free Chocolate Spread
This recipe calls for only 5 simple ingredients for perfect natural flavors. They don’t include any palm oil, xanthan gum, soy lecithin, and many other ingredients that are found in commercial and store-bought hazelnut cocoa spread.
- 70% dark chocolate. I would recommend using a good-quality chocolate bar and chopping it into similar-sized pieces. This will become melted chocolate when heated, then harden with a spreadable texture because of the rest of the ingredients
- Coconut oil. This will help give the spread its creamy texture and spreadability. Do not use fractioned coconut oil! it’s meant to stay in a liquid form, so your spread will become more of a sauce instead
- Pure maple syrup. It will help Sweeten the spread without the need for refined sugar
- Salt. Counteracts the bitterness of the chocolate and enhances the flavors
- Vanilla extract. It helps enhance any other flavors in the recipe
Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full recipe.
Add-ins and Substitutions for this Nut-Free Chocolate Spread
Add-Ins
- Cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Espresso Powder: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Nutmeg: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg for a subtle, nutty spice.
- Orange Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in 1/4 cup of finely chopped dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots for sweetness and texture.
- Almond Extract: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions
- Dark Chocolate: Substitute with white chocolate or milk chocolate for a completely different flavor profile. Opt for carob chips if you’re looking for a caffeine-free alternative.
- Maple Syrup: Replace with honey, agave nectar, or date syrup for a different natural sweetener.
- Vanilla Extract: Use almond extract for a nutty flavor, mint extract for a refreshing, minty flavor, or hazelnut extract (if you don’t have a nut allergy) for a nutty twist
How to make this hazelnut-free spread
This recipe is very simple, with just a few steps to follow. It’s a delicious alternative for perfect nut-free chocolate spreads. Here’s how you can make it:
Gather all your ingredients: 70% dark chocolate (chopped into small, similar-sized pieces), coconut oil (make sure it’s not fractionated), pure maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract. Having everything ready and measured out will make the process smoother.
Place a medium-sized saucepan on your stove over medium heat. Add the chopped dark chocolate, coconut oil, pure maple syrup, salt, and vanilla extract to the saucepan. Stir the mixture continuously as it heats up, ensuring the chocolate melts evenly and combines well with the other ingredients. The coconut oil will help create a creamy texture that is essential for a spreadable consistency. Keep an eye on the mixture to prevent it from burning.
Continue stirring until the coconut oil is completely melted and the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. The mixture should be smooth and glossy. This step is crucial to ensure that all flavors meld together perfectly, and there are no lumps of chocolate left.
Once everything is well combined, carefully pour the mixture into a clean, dry jar. It’s helpful to use a funnel or a spoon to avoid spills. Make sure the jar has an airtight lid to keep the spread fresh.
Cover the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature until it cools down a bit. Then, place the jar in the refrigerator and let it set overnight. This will allow the spread to firm up and develop its full flavor.
If you prefer a softer, more spreadable consistency, you can shorten the setting time. Let the jar sit in the fridge for a few hours instead of overnight. Afterward, bring it to room temperature before using. This will make the spread easier to spread on bread, toast, or any of your favorite treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use butter or ghee (if you’re not vegan). These will provide the necessary fat content to achieve a creamy, spreadable consistency. Avoid using oils like olive oil or avocado oil, as they won’t solidify properly.
How do I store the spread?
Store your spread in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 2 weeks. If it becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before using.
My spread is too thick/hard. What should I do?
If your spread is too thick or hard, let it sit at room temperature until it softens to your liking. You can also warm it slightly by placing the jar in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
Is there a way to make this recipe nut-free?
The recipe is already nut-free, but if you’re concerned about cross-contamination with nuts, be sure to check the labels on all your ingredients to ensure they’re processed in a nut-free factory and its safe from food allergies.
Can I use this spread in baking?
Yes, you can! This spread works great as a filling for cakes, and pastries, or as a topping for cookies and cupcakes. Just keep in mind that it might melt and become more liquid when heated.
Find All the recipes and look for specific desserts that fit any of your needs!
You can also follow the links below for more chocolate recipes:
Chocolate Banana Marbled Bread (GF, Dairy Free, refined Sugar Free
Follow me on Instagram and tag #sweetfixbaker to see your amazing creations!
If you make this recipe, please be sure to give it a star rating and leave a comment!
Nut Free Chocolate Spread
Ingredients
- 1 cup 70% dark chocolate chopped in small pieces
- 1/2 Cup coconut oil
- 1/3 Cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place a medium-sized saucepan on your stove over medium heat. Add the chopped dark chocolate, coconut oil, pure maple syrup, salt, and vanilla extract to the saucepan.1 cup 70% dark chocolate, 1/2 Cup coconut oil, 1/3 Cup pure maple syrup, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Stir the mixture continuously as it heats up, ensuring the chocolate melts evenly and combines well with the other ingredients. Continue stirring until the coconut oil is completely melted and the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
- Once everything is well combined, carefully pour the mixture into a clean, dry jar. It's helpful to use a funnel or a spoon to avoid spills. Make sure the jar has an airtight lid to keep the spread fresh.Cover the jar tightly and let it sit at room temperature until it cools down a bit. Then, place the jar in the refrigerator and let it set overnight. This will allow the spread to firm up and develop its full flavor.
- If you prefer a softer, more spreadable consistency, you can shorten the setting time. Let the jar sit in the fridge for a few hours instead of overnight. Afterward, bring it to room temperature before using. This will make the spread easier to spread on bread, toast, or any of your favorite treats.
Notes
Add-ins and Substitutions for this Nut-Free Chocolate Spread
Add-Ins
- Cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Espresso Powder: Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Nutmeg: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg for a subtle, nutty spice.
- Orange Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Dried Fruit: Mix in 1/4 cup of finely chopped dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots for sweetness and texture.
- Almond Extract: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a different flavor profile.
Substitutions
- Dark Chocolate: Substitute with white chocolate or milk chocolate for a completely different flavor profile. Opt for carob chips if you’re looking for a caffeine-free alternative.
- Maple Syrup: Replace with honey, agave nectar, or date syrup for a different natural sweetener.
- Vanilla Extract: Use almond extract for a nutty flavor, mint extract for a refreshing, minty flavor, or hazelnut extract (if you don’t have a nut allergy) for a nutty twist.
