Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe
I’m so excited to share this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe with you — it’s one of those treats that feels like a full-on indulgence but still sneaks in some wholesome ingredients. Whenever I need a little pick-me-up that’s cozy, a bit luxurious, but without the guilt, this shake totally hits the spot. It’s creamy, rich with chocolate and nutty warmth, and surprisingly simple to whip up.
This shake works perfectly as a breakfast booster, afternoon delight, or even a light dessert when you want something indulgent but not too heavy. Trust me, once you try this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe, it’ll become your go-to whenever a chocolate craving strikes, especially when you want something a little more nourishing than your usual milkshake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe comes from pairing toasted hazelnuts with cacao powder for that deep chocolate hit, blended with natural sweeteners and chia seeds that add a nice texture and nutrition edge. Here’s a quick note on the ingredients to help you shop smart and get the best flavor.
- Toasted hazelnuts: Freshly toasted have an unbeatable aroma and crunch. If you buy them raw, pop them into a dry pan for a few minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Non-dairy milk: I prefer almond or oat milk here for creaminess, but any plant-based milk works well.
- Cacao powder: Use raw cacao if you can—it’s richer and less processed than cocoa powder, but either will work for that chocolatey depth.
- Chia seeds: These little powerhouses help thicken the shake and add fiber and omega-3s.
- Medjool dates: The natural sweetness here is key, plus they add a silky texture to the shake.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch to round out the flavors.
- Pinch of salt: This might seem small, but it really balances the sweetness and chocolate beautifully.
Variations
I love playing around with this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe depending on what I have at home or my mood. You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or dietary needs, and honestly, customizing it makes it feel even more special.
- Nut-free variation: Swap hazelnuts for roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if you’re avoiding nuts. I tried this for a friend once, and it turned out just as creamy and flavorful.
- Add a superfood boost: Toss in a teaspoon of maca powder or spirulina for a nutrient punch. Just start with less to adjust to the flavor.
- Extra chocolatey: Double up the cacao powder or add a handful of dark chocolate chips to the blender. This is my cheat day favorite!
- Make it boozy: Add a splash of hazelnut liqueur for an adult twist—perfect for dessert parties.
How to Make Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Hazelnuts
Start by toasting your hazelnuts if they aren’t already toasted. I like to spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until you see the skins start to crack and the nuts smell fragrant. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Giving them a quick rub in a kitchen towel afterward helps loosen off the skins and adds a smoother flavor to your shake.
Step 2: Blend It All Together
Into your blender, add the toasted hazelnuts, non-dairy milk, cacao powder, chia seeds, pitted Medjool dates, vanilla extract, and that pinch of salt. Blend on high for about 1-2 minutes until everything is smooth and creamy. You want to make sure the dates are fully broken down for the best texture—if your blender struggles a bit, soak the dates in warm milk for 10 minutes beforehand.
Step 3: Check and Adjust
Give your shake a taste—this is where you can add more sweetness if you want it richer, or a bit more milk if it’s too thick. The chia seeds will also thicken the shake slightly if you let it sit for a few minutes before drinking. I usually make mine just thick enough to sip easily but still feel like a little dessert.
How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe
Garnishes
I often go all out with this shake, topping it with a generous dollop of coconut whipped cream for that light sweetness and creamy texture contrast. A few chopped hazelnuts add crunch and a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or chocolate shavings really makes it feel special. These little touches are simple but elevate the whole experience.
Side Dishes
To keep things balanced, I like pairing the shake with a handful of fresh berries or a crisp fruit salad. If it’s breakfast time, some granola or toasted oats on the side complement the shake’s creamy texture beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun treat when friends come over, serve this shake in mason jars with striped paper straws and a sprinkling of cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream. Another idea I love is layering your shake with crushed biscotti or nuts in a clear glass for a dessert-within-a-drink effect. It’s festive and makes for great conversation starters!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the shake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because of the chia seeds, it might thicken overnight, so just give it a good shake or stir before drinking. It still tastes amazing, but just keep that thickness in mind.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this shake in individual portions a few times when I prepped for busy mornings. Freeze in small jars or freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture sometimes separates a little, so a quick blend after thawing brings it back to life perfectly.
Reheating
Since this is best enjoyed cold, I don’t recommend heating the Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe. However, if you prefer a warm version, just gently warm the ingredients in a small saucepan before blending, skipping the chia seeds for silky hot chocolate vibes instead of a shake.
FAQs
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Can I use regular milk instead of non-dairy milk for this shake?
Absolutely! While I usually use non-dairy options for their creamy texture and slight nuttiness, regular dairy milk works just fine. The flavor might be a tad richer and you’ll still get that amazing chocolate and hazelnut combo.
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Are there substitutes for Medjool dates in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any soft dried fruit like raisins or dried figs, but Medjool dates are my favorite because of their natural caramel-like sweetness and smooth texture. If using a firmer dried fruit, soak them in warm water to soften before blending.
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How can I make this shake thicker or thinner?
To thicken, simply add a bit more chia seeds or reduce the amount of milk. To thin it out, add a little more milk slowly until you reach your preferred consistency. Letting the shake sit for a few minutes usually thickens it as chia seeds absorb liquid.
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Can I make this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan when you use plant-based milk and coconut whipped cream for toppings. It’s a great option if you’re avoiding animal products but still want that rich, dessert-like treat.
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What blender works best for this recipe?
I’ve used both high-speed blenders and regular blenders with success. High-speed blenders make the texture silkier and break down the nuts and chia seeds more thoroughly, but a sturdy regular blender can work if you blend a bit longer and soak the dates beforehand.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe is close to my heart because it combines indulgence with a touch of wholesome goodness, making every sip feel like a little celebration. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, experimenting with your own twists, and sharing it with people you love. Give it a try next time you want a chocolate fix that’s a bit more special and nourishing — you won’t regret it!
Print
Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake is a rich and creamy plant-based smoothie perfect for a nutritious breakfast or indulgent snack. Featuring toasted hazelnuts, cacao powder, and naturally sweet medjool dates, this shake balances healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants for a deliciously guilt-free treat. Topped with coconut whipped cream, chopped hazelnuts, and dark chocolate, it’s a luxurious dairy-free delight that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
Shake 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
Optional Toppings
- Coconut whipped cream
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Dark chocolate
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Ensure the hazelnuts are toasted for enhanced flavor and the medjool dates are pitted. Measure out all ingredients to streamline the process.
- Blend the Shake: In a blender, combine the toasted hazelnuts, non-dairy milk, cacao powder, chia seeds, medjool dates, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Rest for Chia Seeds: Allow the blended shake to sit for 5 minutes to let the chia seeds absorb liquid and thicken the shake slightly for better texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the shake into a glass and top with coconut whipped cream, chopped hazelnuts, and shavings or chunks of dark chocolate as desired for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- To toast hazelnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until fragrant.
- Use any non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk based on preference.
- If you prefer a sweeter shake, add more medjool dates or a dash of maple syrup.
- For a thinner shake, add additional non-dairy milk until desired consistency is reached.
- Chia seeds add fiber and omega-3 fatty acids; soaking enhances texture but can be optional if in a hurry.
- Store leftover shake in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; stir well before serving.
Keywords: chocolate hazelnut shake, plant-based shake, vegan chocolate smoothie, dairy-free shake, healthy breakfast shake, medjool date smoothie
