Healthy Homemade Nutella

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine warm water and dates in a small bowl; let stand until the dates are plump and softened, about 15 minutes.  

Spread hazelnuts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and just beginning to brown, 12 to 15 minutes. 

Transfer the hazelnuts to a high-speed blender or food processor; process until somewhat smooth, about 3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Add the dates and soaking water; process until smooth and well combined, about 1 minute, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. Add melted chocolate, cocoa, maple syrup, oil, vanilla and salt; process until smooth and creamy, 3 to 5 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed and adding additional water, 2 to 3 teaspoons at a time, if the mixture is too thick.