Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe with you today because it’s one of those special treats that feels both indulgent and nourishing. Whenever I’m craving something rich and chocolaty but still want to feel good afterward, this shake hits the perfect spot. The toasted hazelnuts give it that wonderful nutty depth, while the cacao powder adds a robust chocolate flavor without any artificial sweetness.

What I love most about this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe is how easy it is to whip up, making it a perfect anytime snack or a quick breakfast on busy mornings. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout boost or a healthier dessert alternative, this shake won’t disappoint. Plus, the chia seeds add a nice texture and a boost of nutrients that you might not expect in such a decadent drink!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients create a harmonious blend of creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty flavors. Each plays a key role, so take a moment to get quality items—especially the hazelnuts and cacao powder—to make your shake truly spectacular.

• Toasted hazelnuts: Toasting deepens their flavor and adds a lovely crunch; you can toast them yourself for freshness.
• Non-dairy milk: Choose your favorite — almond, oat, or cashew milk work beautifully to keep it dairy-free and creamy.
• Cacao powder: Raw cacao powder is my top pick for its rich chocolate intensity and health benefits.
• Chia seeds: These boost the fiber and create a subtle thickening effect, plus they’re packed with omega-3s.
• Medjool dates: Naturally sweet and soft, they’re perfect to sweeten the shake without refined sugar.
• Vanilla extract: Just a small amount brightens the whole drink and rounds out the chocolate notes.
• Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.

Variations

I love to tweak this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe depending on my mood and what I have on hand. Feel free to personalize it — that’s part of the fun and makes it uniquely yours.

• Use peanut butter instead of hazelnuts: I once tried swapping hazelnuts for peanut butter when in a pinch, and the shake had a wonderfully different yet delicious flavor profile.
• Add a spoonful of protein powder: If you want to make it more filling or post-workout-friendly, protein powder boosts the nutrients without messing with the taste.
• Try coconut milk: For a tropical twist and extra creaminess, coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness and pairs nicely with the cacao.
• Include a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder: It adds warmth and a little kick; it’s one of my favorite ways to jazz up the classic shake.

How to Make Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe

Step 1: Toast Your Hazelnuts to Bring Out Their Aroma

Start by toasting your hazelnuts on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan often so they don’t burn. When you start to smell that fragrant, nutty aroma and see the hazelnuts turn golden, they’re ready! Let them cool for a few minutes before adding to your blender. Toasting is my little trick to elevate this shake from good to absolutely decadent.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Your Blender

Add the toasted hazelnuts, non-dairy milk, cacao powder, chia seeds, medjool dates, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to your blender. Using whole dates might seem tricky, but their natural softness blends smoothly and sweetens perfectly. If dates are too firm, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes beforehand—this always helps me.

Step 3: Blend Until Silky Smooth

Blend on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on your blender’s power. You want a silky, thick shake without hazelnut chunks hanging around. If it’s too thick, add a splash more non-dairy milk and blend again. Don’t rush this part because a smooth texture makes all the difference.

How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite way to garnish is with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts. The whipped cream adds creaminess and a little luxury, while the chopped nuts bring back that toasty crunch. A few shavings of dark chocolate on top also add a touch of elegance and extra chocolate goodness.

Side Dishes

This shake pairs wonderfully with light breakfasts like banana oat muffins or simple almond butter toast. It also works as a luscious dessert paired with fresh berries or a small bowl of mixed nuts to keep the nutty theme going.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve poured the Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe into vintage glass jars and topped them with crushed hazelnuts and edible gold flakes. It’s a fun way to elevate your homemade shake and impress guests without much extra effort. You can also serve it with a cute reusable straw or drizzle some melted dark chocolate inside the glass before pouring the shake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to make more than you can drink, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. I find the shake thickens as it chills, so just give it a quick stir or blend before enjoying again to bring back that smooth texture.

Freezing

Freezing this shake works surprisingly well if you want a frosty treat later on. Pour it into ice cube trays or freezer-safe jars. When ready to enjoy, thaw slightly and blend briefly to refresh the creaminess. I usually freeze portions for single servings — it’s a great way to avoid waste.

Reheating

Since this is a cold shake, reheating isn’t typical, but if you prefer a warm version, gently heat it on the stove in a small pot over low heat. Stir constantly and avoid boiling to keep the flavors intact. You could also add a splash of hot water or non-dairy milk to loosen the texture as it warms.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe is one of those little kitchen treasures I turn to when I want a treat that feels luxurious yet wholesome. I hope you’ll make it your go-to shake whenever you crave something sweet, satisfying, and nourishing all at once. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll love how the simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. So grab your blender, toast those hazelnuts, and enjoy every sip!

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