Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Bars

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup melted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Creations

When I first tried making Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Bars, I was blown away by how simple yet decadent they turned out. Between the smooth chocolate and the crunchy hazelnuts, it was like a little piece of heaven. I love how this recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself at home, these bars are sure to impress. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes!

Created by

Piper Andrews

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:49:13.989Z

Creating Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Bars has become one of my favorite baking adventures. I vividly remember the first time I took a bite; the blend of rich chocolate and the nutty flavor of hazelnuts swept me off my feet. The recipe is incredibly forgiving, which is a huge plus if you're a novice baker.

One tip I discovered along the way is to let the bars cool completely before cutting them. It prevents them from crumbling and gives you that clean, perfect slice. The texture is a lovely balance between chewy and crunchy!

Why You'll Love These Bars
Rich chocolate flavor with a nutty crunch
Decadent yet easy to make at home
Perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of these Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Bars is undoubtedly the chocolate hazelnut spread, which brings a rich, creamy flavor and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the nutty crunch of hazelnuts. When selecting a spread, look for one with high-quality cocoa content and minimal additives for the best taste. The type of hazelnuts you use also makes a difference; toasting them slightly before adding them can enhance their flavor, giving your bars an added depth.

Rolled oats play a crucial structural role in these bars, contributing to their chewy texture while helping to hold everything together. If you need a gluten-free option, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats. Similarly, for those watching sugar intake, consider substituting the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar, while keeping in mind it may slightly alter the final consistency.

Baking Tips for Perfection

When baking your bars, precise timing is key; they should be firm to the touch and slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan after 25 minutes. If they seem undercooked, feel free to add a few extra minutes, but watch closely to prevent overbaking, which can lead to a dry texture. To achieve an even bake, make sure your oven is fully preheated, and if you have a baking thermometer, check to ensure it's accurate.

Cooling the bars fully in the dish is crucial. This resting time allows them to firm up and makes cutting easier without crumbling. If you’re in a hurry, after 15 minutes out of the oven, you can transfer the dish to the fridge for about 30 minutes to speed up the cooling process, but this remains purely optional.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Bars:

Ingredients

1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix these ingredients together, and you're all set to create your delicious bars!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Bars:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the chocolate hazelnut spread, rolled oats, chopped hazelnuts, flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until well combined.

Spread into Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until firm to the touch.

Cool and Cut

Allow to cool completely in the baking dish before lifting out and cutting into bars.

Enjoy your deliciously homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Bars!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the bars once cooled for added decoration and flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These bars store exceptionally well, making them perfect for preparing in advance. Once completely cooled, you can wrap them in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Cut the bars, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

If you decide to freeze your bars, avoiding refrigeration is important initially after baking; the moisture can lead to undesirable texture changes. I suggest labeling your container with the date so you can keep track of freshness, ensuring that each bite is as indulgent as the first.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

While these Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Bars are delightful on their own, you can elevate the experience with a variety of toppings. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top adds a luxurious finish, or for a freshness boost, consider sprinkling sea salt or chopped nuts right before serving. For a creamier addition, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate flavors.

To mix things up, you can also experiment with flavor variations. For instance, adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the mixture can intensify the chocolate flavor, or consider using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nuttier base. Dried fruits such as cranberries or cherries can add a tart contrast that complements the sweetness perfectly, providing a delightful twist on the original recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different nut spread?

Yes! Feel free to use almond butter or peanut butter as a substitute.

→ How do I store these bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Try adding chocolate chips or dried fruit for extra flavors.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

To make these bars gluten-free, use gluten-free oats and a suitable flour substitute.