Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Dip: Savoury-Sweet Nut Spread
Choose whey protein isolate for a chocolate hazelnut protein dip that remains smooth rather than gritty. Use 70% dark chocolate to ensure the cocoa notes cut through the richness of the nuts. Melt the chocolate and cocoa butter on low heat to avoid scorching the fats, which would ruin the texture. Sift your dry ingredients together first to remove lumps from the cocoa powder and yeast before you add the liquids.
This recipe produces a rich spread and accompanying breadsticks. You will bake the dough at 180°C (356°F) for 12–15 minutes until the sticks are crisp. Refrigerate the dip for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. The result is a high-protein snack with a deep hazelnut-cocoa flavour and a precise balance of sweetness from the maltitol. The total time is 35 minutes.
Chocolate Hazelnut Protein Dip: Savoury-Sweet Nut Spread
Recipe cardIngredients
Watch how it's made
Instructions
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Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Line a baking tray with line paper or a silicone mat to prevent the dough from sticking during the bake.
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Melt the chocolate
Gently melt the dark chocolate and cocoa butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the mixture is silky. Remove it from the heat to cool slightly so it does not seize when mixed.
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Blend the paste
Combine the roasted hazelnuts, rapeseed oil, maltitol, sweetened whey powder and whey protein isolate in a bowl. Blend these into a coarse paste to establish the base texture of the dip.
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Finish the dip
Stir the melted chocolate mixture, vanilla extract and sunflower lecithin into the hazelnut paste. Mix until smooth. Refrigerate the mixture for 10 minutes so the flavours can meld together.
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Prepare the dough
Whisk the sunflower oil and water into your sifted dry ingredients. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5 minutes. You want the dough to feel smooth and elastic.
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Prove the dough
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with cling film. Leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes to rise slightly. This allows the yeast to activate and soften the crumb.
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Shape and bake
Roll the dough into 0.5cm wide sticks and place them on the tray. Bake for 12–15 minutes until they are crisp and lightly golden. Cool them to room temperature to set the crunch.
Watch the breadsticks closely during the final minutes of baking. If they darken too quickly, they will taste burnt rather than toasted. Keep them short on the timer as they will purse slightly as they cool, but they must remain crisp to contrast the creamy dip.
What to serve with it
Pair this dip with sliced fresh banana, apples, or mixed berries for a fresh contrast. You can also spread it on whole-grain toast or Welsh muffins with a drizzle of honey. For breakfast, stir the dip into toasted oatmeal or granola and top with chia or flax seeds for added nutrition.
Storing and reheating
Store the dip in an airtight glass jar at room temperature for 5 days. Keep breadsticks in a sealed bag for 3 days to maintain crispness. For longer storage, freeze both separately in airtight bags for 2 months. Thaw the dip at room temperature and stir it to restore smoothness.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 312
- Protein
- 12.4 g
- Carbs
- 18.1 g
- Fat
- 21.5 g
- Fiber
- 3.2 g
- Sugar
- 6.8 g
Estimated, and offered as a guide rather than a medical figure.
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Questions people ask
What is a high protein chocolate snack?
This chocolate hazelnut protein dip is a high protein snack. It combines whey protein isolate and roasted hazelnuts to provide a nutrient-dense treat that satisfies sweet cravings while supporting muscle recovery and satiety.
Is there a low carb hazelnut spread?
Yes, this recipe serves as a low carb alternative. It uses maltitol sweetener instead of sugar to reduce the carbohydrate count while maintaining the rich, creamy texture of a traditional hazelnut spread.
How to make a chocolate protein snack?
Blend roasted hazelnuts with protein powder and oils, then mix in melted dark chocolate and cocoa butter. Let the mixture refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld before serving with homemade breadsticks.
What is the best chocolate and hazelnut spread?
A homemade spread is often superior because you control the ingredients. Using 70% dark chocolate and real hazelnuts ensures a rich flavour without the excessive refined sugars found in commercial versions.