If you’re anything like me and love a rich, nutty treat that’s both indulgent and surprisingly wholesome, this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe is calling your name. I’ve made this a go-to when I want something that feels like a dessert but is actually packed with good stuff like chia seeds and nutrient-packed hazelnuts. It’s smooth, chocolatey, and utterly satisfying — perfect for a cozy afternoon or as a post-workout pick-me-up.

What makes this shake truly special is how all the flavors meld together: the toasted hazelnuts bring that irresistible depth, while the medjool dates add just the right hint of sweetness without overpowering the chocolate. I love sharing this recipe with friends because it’s easy and uses accessible ingredients, yet it feels like a little celebration in a glass. Trust me, once you try this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully, balancing richness and nutrition. When shopping, I recommend grabbing fresh, good-quality hazelnuts and ripe medjool dates for the best flavor and texture.

Toasted hazelnuts: Toasting these nuts enhances their natural flavor and adds a subtle crunch—don’t skip this step!
Non-dairy milk: Almond, oat, or cashew milk all work well; I usually use oat milk for its creamy texture.
Cacao powder (or cocoa powder): Use raw cacao for a more intense, slightly bitter chocolate note, or regular cocoa powder if you prefer milder chocolate.
Chia seeds: They thicken the shake and bring a boost of fiber and omega-3s—a little nutritional magic.
Medjool dates: These naturally sweet and soft dates are perfect for adding sweetness; make sure they’re soft and fresh.
Vanilla extract: Just a teaspoon adds warmth and rounds out all the bold flavors.
Pinch of salt: A tiny bit heightens the chocolate and balances the sweetness beautifully.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe depending on my mood or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to tweak it a bit and make it your own—you might discover a new favorite twist!

Vegan Version: The recipe is naturally vegan, but you can add a dollop of coconut whipped cream on top for an extra treat—I swear it feels so luxurious.
Nut-free adaptation: If you’re avoiding nuts, try substituting hazelnuts with roasted pumpkin seeds; it changes the flavor but keeps that satisfying crunch.
Extra protein boost: Add a spoonful of your favorite plant-based protein powder for a post-gym shake—I’ve done this, and it makes it even more nourishing.
Seasonal spins: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of peppermint extract turns this into a holiday-worthy shake. It’s a party in a glass!

How to Make Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe

Step 1: Toast Those Hazelnuts

Start by warming a dry skillet over medium heat. Toss in your hazelnuts and let them toast until you smell that nutty aroma and the skins begin to crack—about 5-7 minutes. Keep shaking the pan gently so they toast evenly without burning. Once done, transfer them to a clean towel, rub to remove most skins, and let them cool. Toasting really elevates the flavor and adds a delicious depth to your shake.

Step 2: Blend Up the Shake

Into your blender, add the toasted hazelnuts, non-dairy milk, cacao powder, chia seeds, pitted medjool dates, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high for about 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy. If your blender struggles a bit, pause and stir to help everything come together. The chia seeds will give it a nice thickness, so don’t worry if it looks a little dense at first.

Step 3: Adjust and Serve

Give your shake a quick taste. Need a little more sweetness? Add another date or splash of vanilla. Too thick? Add a little more milk to loosen it up. When it’s just right, pour it into your favorite glass, and get ready to enjoy a seriously decadent treat!

How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe

The image shows six white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients. A medium-sized bowl in the center contains light brown hazelnuts covered with dark brown cocoa powder bits. Below it, a larger bowl holds shiny, dark brown dates with a smooth texture. To the left of the hazelnuts is a bowl filled with an off-white liquid, likely almond milk. At the top right, a small bowl contains bright yellow olive oil with a clear texture. Below it, a tiny bowl is filled with small black chia seeds. At the bottom right, another small bowl holds fine, dark brown cocoa powder next to a similarly sized bowl filled with coarse white sea salt. The ingredients are neatly placed and clearly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For me, the toppings make all the difference. I top mine with a swirl of coconut whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts, and a few shavings of dark chocolate. It not only looks gorgeous but adds delightful textures that make each sip feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This shake pairs beautifully with simple treats like a peanut butter toast or fresh fruit salad. I also enjoy it alongside a batch of homemade granola bars when I need a quick breakfast or snack combo that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special cozy nights, I’ve served this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe in vintage milk bottles with striped paper straws. Adding a drizzle of melted dark chocolate inside the glass before pouring the shake makes it look like a fancy cafe treat. It’s fun and always impresses guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (though it rarely happens in my house), store the shake in an airtight jar in the fridge. It stays fresh for about 24-36 hours. Give it a good shake or stir before drinking, as the chia seeds can settle or thicken the mixture.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this shake in ice cube trays, then blending those cubes with a splash of milk for an iced shake twist. It works well and gives you a quick frozen treat without watering down the flavor. Just don’t freeze the whole shake in a big container—it seems to separate on thawing.

Reheating

Since this shake is best enjoyed cold, I usually don’t reheat it. But if you want a warm chocolate hazelnut drink, try sipping it gently warmed on the stove, stirring constantly to keep the chia seeds from clumping. It’s definitely a different vibe but still delicious!

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of non-dairy milk in this shake?

Absolutely! While I often use non-dairy milk for its creamy texture and to keep the shake vegan-friendly, regular cow’s milk will also work and provide a rich, smooth base. Just pick your favorite and adjust sweetness as needed.
Do I have to soak the chia seeds before blending?

No soaking needed! The blender does a great job breaking them down and incorporating them fully, giving your shake a nice thickness without any pre-soaking hassles. If you prefer a smoother texture, blending a bit longer helps.
What can I substitute for medjool dates?

If you can’t find medjool dates, other soft dried fruits like raisins or dried figs can work in a pinch, but keep in mind the sweetness and flavor will vary slightly. You may need to adjust the amount to taste.
Is this chocolate hazelnut shake recipe suitable for kids?

Yes! It’s a naturally sweet and nutritious shake kids often love, especially with the creamy chocolate flavor. Just be mindful of the caffeine content in cacao powder if you’re serving it to very young children.
How can I make this shake thicker or thinner?

To thicken, add a bit more chia seeds or reduce the milk slightly; for a thinner shake, simply add more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. The beauty of this Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe is how easy it is to customize!

Final Thoughts

This Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Shake Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines indulgence with wholesome ingredients. Whenever I whip one up, it feels like a little moment of joy amid a busy day, and I hope you’ll feel the same way. Give it a try, play around with the variations, and don’t forget to savor every rich, nutty sip—it’s definitely one to share!