Name: Creamy Chocolate Hazelnut Shake
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup hazelnuts; 1 1/4 cups water; 2 tablespoons cacao powder (or cocoa powder); 2 to 3 Medjool dates, pitted; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 cup ice cubes

Why You’ll Love Creamy Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe

It tastes indulgent—almost like drinking a chocolate-hazelnut milkshake—yet is vegan and paleo friendly.
It uses minimal, simple ingredients that you may already have on hand (hazelnuts or butter, dates, cacao, vanilla, ice, water).
It’s versatile: you can enjoy it as a sweet treat, a lighter dessert, or even a quick breakfast-style smoothie alternative.
Free of dairy and gluten, making it accessible if you’re managing dietary restrictions.
You can easily tweak the texture (more or less ice) and sweetness (adjust dates) to suit your taste and mood.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¾ cup water (6 oz)
¼ cup whole hazelnuts (about 35 g; with or without skin)
1 heaping tablespoon raw cacao powder (≈7 g)
4 Medjool dates, pitted (≈73 g)
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract (≈1 g)
6 large ice cubes

Directions

Combine the water, hazelnuts, cacao powder, dates, and vanilla in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
Add the ice cubes and blend again until you reach a slushy, milkshake-like texture.
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. You can enjoy it all yourself or divide it into two smaller servings.

Servings and timing

Servings: 1 serving (or 2 smaller portions)
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

Swap the dates for a frozen banana plus 1 tbsp maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Use 2 tbsp hazelnut butter instead of whole hazelnuts for a smoother consistency.
Replace water with almond milk, oat milk, or another plant-based milk for extra creaminess.
Add a handful of spinach or scoop of protein powder to boost nutrients.
Use frozen hazelnuts or reduce water slightly for a thicker shake; increase water for a thinner drink.

Storage/Reheating

Best served immediately after blending for ideal taste and texture.
If storing, refrigerate in an airtight container and consume within 24 hours.
Shake or re-blend with ice before serving again.
Do not reheat; this drink is meant to be served cold.

FAQs

What kind of hazelnuts should I use?

Raw or roasted hazelnuts work. You can use them with or without skins—it’s a matter of personal preference.

Can I use hazelnut butter instead of whole nuts?

Yes, 2–3 tablespoons of hazelnut butter will give you a creamier shake with less effort.

Are the dates necessary? Can I use another sweetener?

Dates add natural sweetness and body, but you can use a frozen banana and 1 tbsp of maple syrup instead.

Can I use cocoa powder instead of cacao powder?

Yes, cocoa powder works well. Choose a high-quality, unsweetened version for the best taste.

Is this shake really paleo and vegan?

Yes, it contains no dairy, refined sugar, or grains, making it both paleo and vegan friendly.

Can I make this in advance for breakfast?

Yes, though it’s best fresh. Store in the fridge and re-blend or stir with ice before serving.

What if my blender doesn’t fully break down the hazelnuts?

Try soaking the hazelnuts in warm water before blending or switch to hazelnut butter for a smoother texture.

Can I reduce the calories or sugar in this shake?

Yes, use fewer dates or split the shake into two servings to lighten it up.

What if I don’t have a high-speed blender?

Soak the nuts in warm water to soften them or use hazelnut butter for better results in a regular blender.

Can I add protein powder to this shake?

Absolutely. Choose your favorite vegan protein powder to turn it into a post-workout shake or meal replacement.

Conclusion

This creamy chocolate hazelnut shake is the perfect way to enjoy dessert flavors without the guilt. Whether you need a quick breakfast, post-workout boost, or a sweet treat, this easy recipe delivers with rich flavor and clean ingredients. Customize it to your preferences and enjoy every creamy sip.