Rich Creamy Chocolate Spread

I still remember the first time I made this rich, creamy homemade chocolate spread – the aroma filled the whole kitchen and instantly reminded me of cozy weekend breakfasts spent with family.

One afternoon, unexpected guests arrived and this spread saved the day – slathered on toast, it instantly turned the impromptu snack into a memorable moment.

Ingredients

• Dark chocolate (at least 50% cocoa): I always reach for good-quality dark chocolate to get that rich flavor and smooth melt.
• Roasted hazelnuts: Removing the skins after roasting makes the spread extra creamy and nutty.
• Powdered sugar: It dissolves perfectly for a silky texture without graininess.
• Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps balance the intense cocoa notes.
• Unsalted butter: I use softened butter for easy blending and subtle richness.
• Vanilla extract: Just a touch to elevate all the flavors naturally.
• Fine sea salt: A pinch helps round out the sweetness beautifully.

Instructions

Get the nuts ready:

Pop your roasted hazelnuts into the food processor and blitz until they become a smooth, buttery paste. You'll see the texture change right before your eyes, and the smell of toasted nuts fills the air.

Melt the chocolate:

Gently melt your chopped dark chocolate over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until glossy and smooth – watch out not to overheat or it can seize up.

Mix it all together:

Into the nutty paste, add melted chocolate, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, butter, vanilla, and salt. Blend all these luscious ingredients until the spread is silky smooth and creamy. Don't forget to scrape the sides to get everything incorporated.

Jar it up:

Spoon your chocolate spread into a clean glass jar and let it cool to room temperature. It will thicken beautifully as it sits.

Store and serve:

Keep the jar chilled in the fridge for up to two weeks. Before spreading on your toast or pancakes, bring it to room temperature to enjoy that perfect creaminess.

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This spread quickly became more than just a breakfast staple – it's a little jar of comfort during busy mornings and a sweet reminder of slow, happy moments in the kitchen.

Keeping It Fresh

Storing the spread in an airtight jar in the fridge keeps it fresh for up to two weeks. To avoid it hardening too much, bring it back to room temperature before serving – just a few minutes on the counter is enough.

When You're Missing Something

If you don't have hazelnuts on hand, almonds or cashews make a lovely substitute giving the spread a slightly different but equally delicious nutty twist. Adjust sweetness as needed to suit your taste buds.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

This spread goes beyond toast: try it on crepes, swirled into yogurt, or even as a decadent dip for fresh fruit for an easy, crowd-pleasing treat.

• Don't forget to give the jar a quick stir if it separates after chilling.
• Try warming it slightly for a drizzle over ice cream or pancakes.
• Keep a spoon handy -- it's impossible to resist tasting right from the jar!

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Thanks for chatting about this little chocolate delight – I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine!

Your Questions Answered

→ How do I achieve a smooth texture in the spread?

Using a food processor to finely blend the roasted hazelnuts before adding other ingredients ensures a creamy, smooth consistency.

→ Can I substitute hazelnuts with other nuts?

Yes, almonds or cashews work well and offer a different but delicious flavor profile to the spread.

→ What is the best way to melt the chocolate?

Gently melt the dark chocolate over a double boiler or in short bursts in a microwave, stirring until smooth.

→ How should the spread be stored?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.

→ Is there a way to make this spread vegan-friendly?

Yes, replace the milk and butter with plant-based alternatives to create a vegan version without compromising flavor.