Out of Nutella, one case
Nutella substitute for baking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread
Same amount as the Nutella
For baking, the best Nutella substitutes are homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread, peanut butter + cocoa powder, or chocolate spread. Use 1:1 ratio and follow these baking-specific techniques for optimal results.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- baking
One casethe full Nutella card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Nutella | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homemade chocolate-hazelnut spreadbaking | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Peanut butter + cocoa powderbaking | Same amountMix ¾ cup peanut butter with ¼ cup cocoa powderTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Chocolate spreadbaking | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Melted chocolate + hazelnut butterbaking | Same amountMix 2/3 melted chocolate with 1/3 hazelnut butterWorks | Works |
| 5 | Cocoa powder + oil + sugar + hazelnut butterbaking | Same amountMix ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup oil, ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup hazelnut butterWorks | Works |
Homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread
similar taste and texture
DIY version made with roasted hazelnuts, chocolate, and oil. Most similar to Nutella in both taste and baking properties.
- Best for
- baking, cookies, brownies, cakes, muffins, when you want authentic Nutella flavor
Blend 1 cup roasted hazelnuts with ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 2-3 tbsp oil until smooth. Can be made ahead and stored in fridge.
Peanut butter + cocoa powder
different taste, similar texture
Combination that mimics Nutella's chocolate-hazelnut flavor using peanut butter as the nut base. Works well in most baking applications.
- Best for
- baking, cookies, brownies, when you want chocolate-nut flavor, quick substitute
Mix smooth peanut butter with cocoa powder and a pinch of salt. Add 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar if you want it sweeter. This combination provides similar fat content and texture.
Chocolate spread
different taste, similar texture
Store-bought chocolate spread without hazelnuts. Good substitute when you want chocolate flavor without the nut component.
- Best for
- baking, cookies, brownies, when you want chocolate flavor without nuts, quick baking
Choose a high-quality chocolate spread for best results. May need to adjust sweetness depending on the brand. Works well in most baking applications.
Melted chocolate + hazelnut butter
similar taste and texture
Premium combination using melted chocolate and hazelnut butter. Provides the closest match to Nutella's flavor profile.
- Best for
- baking, premium desserts, when you want authentic flavor, ganache, frosting
Melt chocolate slowly, then mix with hazelnut butter. Let cool slightly before using in recipes. This provides the most authentic Nutella experience.
Cocoa powder + oil + sugar + hazelnut butter
similar taste and texture
Homemade blend that replicates Nutella's composition. Good for when you want to control ingredients and sweetness.
- Best for
- baking, when you want to control ingredients, allergen-free version, customizable sweetness
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Adjust sugar to taste. This gives you complete control over the flavor and texture. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How it behaves in this recipe
When baking, Nutella serves specific functions that require careful consideration. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar fat content, sweetness, and spreadable texture to Nutella in baking applications.
Tips for substituting Nutella
5 tips- For baking, Nutella substitutes work best when at room temperature - this ensures even mixing
- When using homemade substitutes, make sure they're smooth and spreadable before adding to recipes
- The key to successful Nutella baking is proper temperature control - don't overheat the substitutes
- Common baking mistakes to avoid: using cold substitutes, not mixing thoroughly, incorrect ratios
- For best baking results, use room temperature ingredients and follow the recipe carefully
Notes on Nutella
- Use melted chocolate chips mixed with hazelnut butter for quick baking when you need liquid consistency
- Try different nut butters (almond, cashew) with cocoa powder for varied flavor profiles
- Experiment with different chocolate percentages (dark, semi-sweet, milk) for different intensity levels
Questions
5 questionsCan I use peanut butter instead of Nutella for baking?
Yes, but mix it with cocoa powder first. Combine ¾ cup smooth peanut butter with ¼ cup cocoa powder and a pinch of salt for a chocolate-nut flavor similar to Nutella.
What's the best ratio for Nutella substitute in baking?
Use 1:1 ratio for most baking applications. For homemade versions, mix 1 cup roasted hazelnuts with ¼ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and 2-3 tbsp oil.
Why doesn't my Nutella baking turn out right with substitutes?
Common issues include incorrect ratios, wrong temperature, or insufficient fat content. To fix this, measure carefully, use room temperature substitutes, and ensure proper fat balance.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of Nutella for baking?
Chocolate chips alone won't work as a direct substitute. You need a spreadable consistency. Try melting chocolate chips with hazelnut butter or use the peanut butter + cocoa powder combination.
What's the best Nutella substitute for brownies?
For brownies, use homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread or the peanut butter + cocoa powder combination. These provide the best texture and flavor for fudgy brownies with chocolate-hazelnut taste.