| |

Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe

If you’re craving a rich, creamy treat that feels like a little indulgence but still keeps things wholesome, you’re in for a real delight with this Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe. I absolutely love how this shake strikes that perfect balance of nutty, chocolatey goodness and natural sweetness—no junk, just pure yum. Whether it’s a quick breakfast boost, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a simple dessert, this shake will become your new go-to in no time.

🧡

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthy Indulgence: Combines superfoods like hazelnuts and chia seeds for a nutrient-packed shake.
  • Quick & Easy: Blends up in under 5 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or an anytime treat.
  • Customizable Flavors: Adjust sweetness and toppings to fit your unique cravings.
  • Dairy-Free & Plant-Based: Uses non-dairy milk, making it allergy-friendly and vegan-friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe plays a special role, giving you that classic creamy, nutty, and chocolaty flavor without any guilt. When I shop for the ingredients, I like to pick fresh toasted hazelnuts and use high-quality cacao powder to keep the flavor intense.

Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe - Ingredients
  • Toasted Hazelnuts: Toasting brings out the natural oils and deepens the nuttiness, making your shake taste fantastic.
  • Non-Dairy Milk: I usually go for almond or oat milk, but any plant-based milk works perfectly here.
  • Cacao Powder: Choose pure cacao for a richer, less sweet chocolate flavor compared to regular cocoa powder.
  • Chia Seeds: They thicken the shake and add fiber and omega-3s, making it more filling.
  • Medjool Dates: They add natural sweetness and a luscious texture; perfect if you want to avoid refined sugar.
  • Vanilla Extract: It enhances all the flavors and gives a lovely aroma.
  • Pinch of Salt: Just a little to balance the sweetness and intensify the chocolate notes.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. It’s super forgiving, so feel free to experiment—you’ll find some variations that become your favorites too.

  • Nut-Free Version: I swap hazelnuts for hemp seeds or sunflower seeds when friends with nut allergies come over — and honestly, it’s delicious!
  • Extra Creamy Frosty Style: Adding a bit of frozen banana or a handful of ice makes it feel like a frosty milkshake perfect for summer.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Skip the dates and use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit; it’s just as tasty without the sugar spike.
  • Extra Chocolate Boost: Stir in a tablespoon of chocolate protein powder if you want a post-workout treat that’s filling and flavorful.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Nuts for Maximum Creaminess

First things first—if your blender isn’t super powerful, soaking the toasted hazelnuts in water for about 30 minutes makes a big difference. This softens them, so they blend up silky smooth without chunky bits. I learned this trick after my early attempts with a standard blender left the shake a bit gritty—nobody wants that!

Step 2: Blend All the Goodness

Next, toss hazelnuts, non-dairy milk, cacao powder, chia seeds, pitted dates, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt into your blender. Blend on high for about 30 seconds, until the texture is creamy and smooth. Don’t rush this step—blend long enough to get that luscious consistency we’re after. If you want it colder and frosty, add a few ice cubes and blend again briefly.

Step 3: Top & Enjoy!

This shake is already wonderful on its own, but I love taking it to the next level by topping with coconut whipped cream, chopped hazelnuts, and perhaps a few shavings of dark chocolate. It’s like dessert in a glass, but without the guilt—your taste buds will thank you!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe

  • Soak Those Nuts: Soaking toasted hazelnuts softens them into creamy perfection, especially if your blender isn’t super high-powered.
  • Sweetness Balance: Adjust dates or sweetener quantities according to your preference—ripe medjool dates work wonderfully for natural sweetness.
  • Use Fresh Cacao Powder: Fresh cacao keeps this shake tasting vibrant and rich, far better than stale pre-ground powders.
  • Avoid Over-Thickening: Chia seeds thicken shake if blended too long; stir them in last if you prefer a thinner consistency.

How to Serve Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe

Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I almost always go for a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top—it adds that creamy lightness that contrasts the shake’s rich chocolate and nut flavor. Chopped toasted hazelnuts add a nice crunch, plus a few curls or shavings of dark chocolate finish things off beautifully. Trust me, these simple garnishes take it from good to spectacular.

Side Dishes

This shake pairs wonderfully with light breakfasts like gluten-free toast with almond butter or a fresh fruit salad. If you’re serving it as dessert, something like vegan biscotti or crispy oat cookies complement the flavors without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this shake in vintage milk bottles with pretty striped straws. You can layer some homemade granola on top for an added surprise crunch, or drizzle a little hazelnut or chocolate syrup along the glass edges for a decadent look. It makes such a fun treat for guests or family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover shake in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake or stir before drinking—it might separate a bit but blends back perfectly. Beyond that, freshness and creaminess start to fade.

Freezing

Freezing the shake in ice cube trays works great if you want to prep ingredients ahead. When you’re ready, blend the frozen cubes with a splash of your favorite milk for an instant frosty shake. I’ve found freezing the whole shake as-is isn’t ideal as texture changes on thawing.

Reheating

This shake is best enjoyed cold or lightly chilled to preserve that creamy, refreshing texture. I don’t recommend reheating; instead, just blend again if it’s been sitting too long, or add ice cubes to freshen it up.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe nut-free?

    Absolutely! You can swap out the hazelnuts for hemp seeds or sunflower seeds, which still lend a lovely texture and flavor while keeping the shake creamy and delicious.

  2. Do I have to soak the hazelnuts before blending?

    If you have a high-speed blender, soaking isn’t necessary. But if yours struggles a bit with nuts, soaking for about 30 minutes softens them, ensuring an ultra-smooth shake without any gritty bits.

  3. What’s the best way to sweeten this shake?

    Medjool dates give natural sweetness plus a silky texture, but if you prefer, you can use maple syrup, honey, or a low-carb sweetener like stevia. Just adjust to taste.

  4. Can I make this Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe ahead of time?

    You sure can! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick shake or stir before drinking to recombine any separation.

  5. How do chia seeds affect the shake texture?

    Chia seeds absorb liquid and thicken the shake a bit. If you prefer a thinner texture, blend them in at the end or reduce the amount slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe has become one of my favorite quick treats to whip up, especially when I want something that feels indulgent but still wholesome. It’s simple, forgiving, and full of flavor, making it perfect whether you’re new to plant-based shakes or a seasoned smoothie lover. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing while you’re at it!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 140 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: International
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

A rich and creamy Chocolate Hazelnut Shake made with toasted hazelnuts, cacao powder, and natural sweeteners for a healthy, dairy-free treat that can double as a frosty dessert.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup (30g) toasted hazelnuts*
  • 1 cup (240g) non-dairy milk
  • 2 tbsp cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 pitted (40g) medjool dates**
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt


Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: If you don’t have a powerful blender, soak the hazelnuts beforehand to soften them for easier blending and a smoother texture.
  2. Blend Initial Mix: Combine all ingredients in a blender, including the soaked nuts if applicable, and blend on high speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, approximately 30 seconds.
  3. Add Ice (Optional): If you prefer a chilled, frosty shake, add ice cubes to the blender and pulse briefly to combine without diluting flavor.
  4. Serve and Garnish: Pour the shake into a glass and optionally top with coconut whipped cream, extra chopped hazelnuts, and shavings or small chunks of dark chocolate for added texture and flavor. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute the toasted hazelnuts with other nuts such as cashews or walnuts, or use hemp seeds as a nut-free alternative.
  • For sweetening, medjool dates are used, but you can replace them with 1 tbsp of your choice of sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or coconut nectar.
  • For a low-carb or sugar-free option, substitute dates with stevia or another sugar-free sweetener.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 shake (approx. 300 ml)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star