🍯 Sweeteners

Best Nutella Substitute for Baking: Complete Baking Guide

Find the best substitutes for Nutella when baking. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect baking results with chocolate-hazelnut flavor.

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Quick Answer

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.

Best Substitutes

Homemade Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread

1:1

DIY version made with roasted hazelnuts, chocolate, and oil. Most similar to Nutella in both taste and baking properties.

Best for:

bakingcookiesbrowniescakesmuffinswhen you want authentic Nutella flavor

Blend 1 cup roasted hazelnuts with 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 2-3 tbsp oil until smooth. Can be made ahead and stored in fridge.

Peanut Butter + Cocoa Powder

1:1 (mix 3/4 cup peanut butter with 1/4 cup cocoa powder)

Combination that mimics Nutella's chocolate-hazelnut flavor using peanut butter as the nut base. Works well in most baking applications.

Best for:

bakingcookiesbrownieswhen you want chocolate-nut flavorquick 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

1:1

Store-bought chocolate spread without hazelnuts. Good substitute when you want chocolate flavor without the nut component.

Best for:

bakingcookiesbrownieswhen you want chocolate flavor without nutsquick 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

1:1 (mix 2/3 melted chocolate with 1/3 hazelnut butter)

Premium combination using melted chocolate and hazelnut butter. Provides the closest match to Nutella's flavor profile.

Best for:

bakingpremium dessertswhen you want authentic flavorganachefrosting

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

1:1 (mix 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 cup oil, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup hazelnut butter)

Homemade blend that replicates Nutella's composition. Perfect for when you want to control ingredients and sweetness.

Best for:

bakingwhen you want to control ingredientsallergen-free versioncustomizable 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.

Cooking 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use peanut butter instead of Nutella for baking?

Yes, but mix it with cocoa powder first. Combine 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter with 1/4 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 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 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.

Summary

Find the best substitutes for Nutella when baking. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect baking results with chocolate-hazelnut flavor.