• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Raising on Plants
  • Recipes
  • Raising Vegan
    • Toddler Recipes
  • About
  • Contact Us
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Raising Vegan
    • Toddler Recipes
  • About
  • Contact Us
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Raising Vegan
      • Toddler Recipes
    • About
    • Contact Us
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Sauces and Spreads » Spreads

    Chocolate Orange Spread

    Publish Date Mar 14, 2021 · Updated: May 13, 2022 by Yasmin

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    GFSFVG

    Our recipe for Orange Chocolate Spread is made with just 6 ingredients, its quick to make and incredibly moreish. It's a Macadamia Nut Butter with Cacao, Orange Extract & Zest, Vanilla, and a splash of Maple Syrup.

    Side view of the chocolate orange spread in a glass jar, with a spoon stood in the middle, after being stirred.
    Vegan Chocolate Orange Spread.
    Contents:
    • What You'll Need
    • How to Make it
    • Storage
    • Recipe Tip
    • Serving Suggestions and Variations
    • FAQ's
    • Other Spreads
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    What You'll Need

    Ingredients

    Overhead view of the chocolate orange spread ingredients.
    Chocolate Orange Spread ingredients.
    • Macadamia Nuts - We use Macadamias for their healthy fat content and it's benefits for heart and brain health. It's also worth noting that the soluble fiber in Macadamia Nuts can act as a pre-biotic, meaning that it helps feed your beneficial gut bacteria - great news for everyones tummies.
    • Orange Zest - You'll need the zest of 1 whole Orange, being sure not to grate the pith (white bit under the skin). We used the Jaffa variety as we feel this has the most flavour. As with all fresh ingredients, the better quality your fruit is, the more flavourful your end result will be.
    • Orange Extract - The Cacao is a strong flavour and with the zest alone (which we've tried), the Orange flavour doesn't quite come through enough. It needs the concentrated flavour of the extract, so don't omit this. You should be able to find this in the baking aisle of any large Supermarket.
    • Cacao Powder - We use Cacao Powder in this recipe instead of the more common Cocoa Powder. This is because it's high in antioxidants, has a great flavour, and is still inexpensive. I buy mine by the kilo from an online Health Food Store. You can also get them in almost all health food shops, and some Supermarkets now stock it but it's a more expensive way to buy it compared to health food stores or places online. 
    • Vanilla Paste - If you aren't able to find Vanilla Paste, you can use Vanilla Extract instead (not Essence). Sub 1 teaspoon of Vanilla Paste for 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract. Again, you'll find all Vanilla in the baking aisle of a large Supermarket.
    • Maple Syrup - When using Maple Syrup, the darker the syrup is, the more antioxidants it will contain. It will also have more flavour and minerals (such as Manganese, Zinc and Calcium). Look for Amber, Dark or Grade B Maple Syrup, Amber is the most common type found in stores. Make sure you buy Pure Maple Syrup and not a product that contains a percentage of Maple Syrup - Always read the ingredients list.

    Equipment

    • High Speed Blender such as a Vitamix or Magimix

    How to Make it

    Unlike some other nuts, you don't need to roast Macadamias in the oven prior to blending, as they are already quite an oily nut. You will however need to stop and scrape the nuts down towards the blades several times when making this, as pictured below in photos 4 & 6. The whole blending process only takes about 5 or 6 minutes from start to finish.

    Macadamia nuts in the blender jug at the start of being blended in to nut butter.
    Steps 1 & 2.
    • Step 1: Macadamias in the blender.
    • Step 2: After about 20 seconds on low speed.
    Macadamia nuts in the blender jug being blended in to nut butter.
    Steps 3 & 4.
    • Step 3: After about 30 seconds on low speed the nut butter starts to rise up the sides.
    • Step 4: Scrape down the sides of the jug.
    Macadamia nuts in the blender jug being scraped down towards the blades with a spatula.
    Steps 5 & 6.
    • Step 5: Blend for further 15 seconds or so and it will rise up the sides again.
    • Step 6: Scrape down the sides again.
    Macadamia nuts in the blender jug towards the end of being blended in to nut butter.
    Steps 7 & 8.
    • Step 7: Blend again and it should start to fall down under its own weight.
    • Step 8: When it gets to this consistency gradually increase the speed to about half way.
    Overhead view of inside the blender. On the left the creamy smooth blended macademia nuts. On the right, the blended nuts, topped with the remaining ingredients prior to blending again.
    Steps 9 & 10.
    • Step 9 - When it gets to a point where its appearance is fairly smooth, add the other ingredients
    • Step 10 - Add Cacao Powder, Orange Zest, Orange Extract, Maple Syrup and the Vanilla Paste
    Overhead view of the macadamia nut butter being blended together with the remaining chocolate spread ingredients.
    Steps 11 & 12.
    • Steps 11 & 12 - Blend until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

    Storage

    This is best stored at room temperature, in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. There is no need to refrigerate, but you can do if you like.

    Recipe Tip

    When making the nut butter you will find that you frequently have to scrape down the blended nuts from the sides of the jug and back towards the centre. You can see how we do this in the photos for stages 4 & 6

    Serving Suggestions and Variations

    For a quick and easy toddler snack, halve and de-stone some Medjool dates, and then fill them with the Chocolate Orange spread. We also like to top these with a sprinkle of Hemp Seeds, for an Omega 3 boost.

    Two side by side photos. On the left, chocolate orange spread spooned in to halved medjool dates, topped with hemp seeds. On the right, a picture of my toddler with a plate of them on his lap, smiling.
    Our son tucking in to some Chocolate Orange Stuffed Dates topped with Hemp Seeds.

    Another way you can enjoy this Chocolate Orange Spread is to have it simply spread on Toast, or a Warm Bagel. I do also like to eat it straight out the jar with a spoon (...but don't tell the kids that).

    If you're a fan of this Chocolate Orange Spread, try out our Homemade Vegan Nutella. It's another one of our recipes that takes about 5 minutes to make and only has 2 ingredients.

    FAQ's

    Do I have to keep Chocolate Orange Spread in the fridge ?

    This Chocolate Spreads is best stored at room temperature, in an airtight container. There is no need to refrigerate.

    How long does Chocolate Orange spread Keep for.

    If stored in an airtight container, at room temperature, this will keep for 3-4 weeks. It's worth noting that If it has been sat for a few days you may need to give it a stir, because the oils can separate slightly, as with any nut butter.

    Can I freeze the Chocolate Orange Spread?

    This can be stored in a freezer, in an airtight container, for up to 3 months.

    Other Spreads

    Here are a few of our other delicious spreads you might like to try.

    • Vegan Raspberry Chia Jam
    • Vegan Nutella Recipe (2 Ingredients)

    Recipe

    Overhead photo of a the finished chocolate orange spread in a Vitamix jug.

    Chocolate Orange Spread

    Our super easy Vegan Chocolate Orange Spread. Quick to make, and just as quick to disappear. This is a delicious twist on an old favourite. 
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Nut Butter
    Cuisine: Chocolate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 10 -12 servings
    Calories: 229kcal
    Author: Yasmin

    Equipment

    • High Speed Blender (Such as Vitamix, Ninja or Magimix)

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 300 g Raw Macadamia Nuts
    • 2 tablespoon Cacao Powder
    • ¾ teaspoon Orange Essence
    • The Zest of 1 Large Jaffa Orange.
    • 2 tablespoon Maple Syrup
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Paste

    Instructions

    • Put the Macadamia Nuts into the Blender and start on a low speed.
      300 g Raw Macadamia Nuts
    • Each time that the nuts push up the sides of the blender and away from the blade, stop the machine so you can scrape the contents down towards the blade.
    • Using a spatula, scrape down the nut blend towards the blades and then continue to blend on a low speed.
    • Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the nut butter is a becoming a fairly smooth consistency.
    • Increase the speed slightly to help make the Nut Butter as smooth as possible.
    • Once the Nut Butter is at a consistency where it seems to no longer be changing, stop the blender and add the rest of the ingredients to the Nut Butter.
      2 tablespoon Cacao Powder, ¾ teaspoon Orange Essence, The Zest of 1 Large Jaffa Orange., 2 tablespoon Maple Syrup, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Paste
    • Blend again until all of the ingredients are evenly mixed.

    Notes

    When making the nut butter you will find that you frequently have to scrape down the blended nuts from the sides of the jug and back towards the centre.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin B1: 1mg | Vitamin B2: 1mg | Vitamin B3: 1mg | Vitamin B5: 1mg | Vitamin B6: 1mg | Vitamin C: 1mg | Vitamin E: 1mg | Vitamin K: 1µg | Calcium: 30mg | Copper: 1mg | Folate: 3µg | Iron: 1mg | Manganese: 1mg | Magnesium: 41mg | Phosphorus: 58mg | Selenium: 1µg | Zinc: 1mg
    « Greek Tofu Pitas with Vegan Tzatziki
    Vegan Tzatziki »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. John

      March 17, 2021 at 10:04 pm

      5 stars
      Omg I love this! Such a great site. I’ve just made this and your vegan nutella and I’m in heaven right now 🥰 Thank you!!!

      Reply
      • Yasmin

        March 23, 2021 at 6:34 pm

        We're so glad that you've enjoyed this recipe John. If you liked this then you should really try making our VVegan Nutella as well! Its incredibly easy and has only two ingredients.

        Reply
    2. sue

      March 06, 2022 at 7:32 pm

      5 stars
      I'm definitely going to be making this again. Really easy to make and absolutely scrummy.

      Reply
    3. Crissy

      April 27, 2022 at 12:50 pm

      5 stars
      I first made this a couple of weeks ago. Now my son insists we have it in the cupboard all the time. Thumbs up from my 8 year old and me.

      Reply
      • Yasmin

        May 23, 2022 at 10:09 pm

        Awww great to hear Crissy, reviews like this make my day!

        Reply
    4. Sammy

      April 30, 2022 at 9:56 am

      5 stars
      First time I've made a nut butter with macademias and I'll be making it again. It's delicious with the orange but have you tried making this without the orange before? I really want to try that next time and see how it turns out.

      Reply
      • Yasmin

        May 23, 2022 at 10:08 pm

        We haven't actually, but I imagine it would be delicious! Let us know what you think of it if you make it.

        Reply
    5. Ali

      April 30, 2022 at 4:02 pm

      5 stars
      So tasty and really silky in texture. I’m definitely going to be trying more recipes with macademia nuts from now on.

      Reply
      • Yasmin

        May 23, 2022 at 10:07 pm

        Not the usual nut you'd think of for this but they really work well with the chocolate and orange flavours.

        Reply
    6. Fiona

      May 04, 2022 at 12:26 am

      5 stars
      Just as good as everyone says it is! Thx for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Yasmin

        May 23, 2022 at 10:06 pm

        Thanks for your review Fiona, I'm so pleased you liked it.

        Reply
    7. Hally

      May 20, 2022 at 8:54 pm

      5 stars
      Has anyone tried making this with any other nuts at all yet? We made it with Macadamias and it's really nice, but we had to buy them especially for the recipe and they are quite expensive. We've normally got almonds, cashews and hazelnuts in the house anyway and I was wondering which of these would work best for this recipe?

      Reply
      • Yasmin

        May 23, 2022 at 10:06 pm

        Hi Hally,

        I would recommend using Cashews or Almonds if you have those at home already. They're both wonderfully creamy, and neither will add too much variation to the taste - especially the cashews. I think the Hazelnuts would be a fun experiment to try, and if you do give it a go, let us know - I'm intrigued to know how it would taste.

        Yasmin

        Reply

    Let us know what you think Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome to my blog Raising on Plants!
    I'm Mum to Ezra, 3, Indie, 1, and with baby number 3 on the way.
    And yup, you guessed it, I'm raising my children on plants.
    I've always been excited about cooking, and after switching to a predominantly plant based diet 5 years ago I gained an unwavering passion for healthy eating too.
    Here you will find delicious recipes and tips on how to live a nourishing plant based lifestyle with children. 

    Learn more about me

    Yasmin and her son walking down the street, handing hand.
    • Baking
    • Mains
    • Desserts
    • Sides
    • Snacks
    • Toddler Recipes

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    • About Me
    • Subscribe
    • Search by Ingredient
    • Contact Us
    • Cookie Policy

    Copyright © 2020 Raising on Plants

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT