Growing up with Nutella as a beloved breakfast spread, I’ve always been fascinated by creating healthier, fruit-infused alternatives. After countless experiments, I’ve perfected this Strawberry Nutella recipe that combines the rich, toasted notes of hazelnuts with the bright, natural sweetness of strawberries. This spread isn’t just a breakfast staple – it’s a versatile ingredient that will transform your kitchen creations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The magic of this spread lies in its simplicity. By roasting the hazelnuts, we unlock their essential oils and enhance their natural flavor profile, creating a deep, complex base that perfectly complements the sweet-tart notes of strawberries. Unlike store-bought alternatives, this homemade version contains no artificial preservatives or excessive sugars.
Ingredients
- 200g hazelnuts (about 1½ cups)
- 70g frozen strawberries (about ⅔ cup)
- 60g vanilla sugar (about ⅓ cup)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Kitchen Equipment
- Food processor or high-powered blender
- Air fryer or oven
- Spatula
- Storage jar
Instructions
Step 1: Roasting the Hazelnuts
- Preheat your air fryer to 185°C (365°F) or oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread hazelnuts in a single layer in your air fryer basket or on a baking sheet.
- For air fryer: Roast for 6 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- For oven: Roast for 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- The hazelnuts should be fragrant and golden brown when done.
Step 2: Making Hazelnut Butter
- Transfer warm hazelnuts to your food processor.
- Pulse in intervals, scraping down the sides between blending sessions.
- Continue processing until you achieve a smooth, liquid consistency (about 5 minutes with warm nuts).
- The mixture will progress from coarse meal to thick paste to smooth butter.
Step 3: Creating the Final Spread
- Add the vanilla sugar to the hazelnut butter.
- Add frozen strawberries.
- Process until completely smooth and velvety.
- Optional: Add lemon juice to enhance flavor and preserve color.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your homemade Strawberry Nutella in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best spreading consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile spread goes far beyond simple toast. Here are some creative ways to enjoy it:
- Spread on warm croissants or fresh bread
- Swirled into morning oatmeal or yogurt
- Drizzled over waffles or pancakes
- Used as a fruit dip for apple slices or strawberries
- Incorporated into smoothies or milkshakes
- As a filling for crepes or pastries
- Stirred into hot chocolate for a fruity twist
Nutrition Information
Per 2 tablespoon serving (30g):
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Servings: Makes approximately 1½ cups (12 servings)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6-15 minutes (depending on roasting method)
Total Time: 20-30 minutes
Pro Tips
- Use warm, freshly roasted hazelnuts for the quickest and smoothest butter.
- Take breaks while processing to prevent your food processor from overheating.
- Adjust sugar content to taste, depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- For a smoother spread, strain through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
Recipe Variations
- Replace hazelnuts with almonds, cashews, or pecans
- Use different berries like raspberries or mixed berries
- Add a pinch of sea salt to enhance flavors
- Include a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth
- Incorporate a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a more traditional Nutella taste
This homemade Strawberry Nutella spread brings together the best of both worlds – the indulgent richness of classic Nutella and the fresh vibrancy of strawberries. Whether you’re spreading it on toast for breakfast or incorporating it into your favorite desserts, this versatile creation will become a staple in your kitchen arsenal.
