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 all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread; 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts; 1/4 cup chocolate chips; 1 tablespoon melted butter

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Bars because they combine two of my favorite flavors: rich chocolate and creamy hazelnut. The first time I baked them, I was blown away by how easy the recipe was and how satisfying the end result turned out. Every bite offers a delightful creamy texture that melts in your mouth. They’re perfect for sharing at gatherings or simply indulging during a cozy night in. Trust me, these bars will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire!

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:52:18.975Z

When I first experimented with Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Bars, I wasn’t sure how they would turn out. However, the combination of smooth hazelnut spread with chocolate layers creates a magical dessert experience. The balance of flavors has made it a fan favorite among my friends and family. I make these bars whenever I need something sweet and satisfying!

One of my favorite tips for this recipe is to bake them just until the edges are firm, while keeping the center slightly soft. This ensures a gooey center for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience. Trust me; this little detail makes all the difference!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with a creamy hazelnut experience
Perfectly chewy texture that satisfies the sweetest cravings
Quick and easy to make with minimal ingredients

      

Perfecting the Base Layer

The base layer of these Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Bars is the foundation for the entire recipe. By using softened butter, you ensure a smooth blending with the brown sugar and flour, creating a crumbly yet cohesive mixture. When pressing it into the baking dish, use your fingers or a flat measuring cup to evenly distribute the mixture without air pockets, which can affect the final texture. Aim for a thickness of about half an inch for a well-balanced bar.

For a richer flavor, you might consider substituting a portion of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. This swap not only enhances the flavor but also adds a nutty layer that complements the hazelnuts in the filling. Just be aware that whole wheat flour will yield a denser texture, so if you prefer a lighter base, keep the original proportion as stated.

Customizing Your Filling

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the chocolate hazelnut spread. Choosing a high-quality spread is crucial, as it significantly affects the flavor and texture of the bars. Look for a spread with minimal added sugars and high cocoa content for a richer chocolate experience. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of sea salt to the filling for a delightful savory contrast.

Chopped hazelnuts in the filling provide not only texture but also additional flavor. If hazelnuts are not your preference, feel free to experiment with other nuts like toasted almonds or pecans. Just remember to chop them uniformly to maintain a consistent bite throughout the bars. If nut allergies are a concern, you can opt for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious bars:

Base Layer

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling

1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts

Topping

1/4 cup chocolate chips
1 tablespoon melted butter

Make sure you have everything ready before you start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for quick and easy preparation:

Prepare the Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until the dough forms a crumbly texture. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined baking dish.

Add the Filling

Spread the chocolate hazelnut spread evenly over the crumbled base layer. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts on top of the spread for added crunch and flavor.

Prepare the Topping

Melt the chocolate chips with the butter in a microwave or double boiler. Once melted, pour the chocolate mixture over the hazelnut spread, spreading it out gently.

Bake Bars

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled dish for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden-brown but the center is slightly soft.

Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for at least 10 minutes before cutting them into squares. Let them cool completely before serving for the best texture.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Spread Bars!

Pro Tips

For an extra nutty flavor, try toasting the hazelnuts before chopping them. This adds depth to the taste of your bars!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the dish before cutting them into squares. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or in the fridge for even longer shelf life. For those who like their desserts chilled, storing them in the refrigerator will enhance the creamy texture of the hazelnut filling.

For a fun serving idea, consider pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling a bit of extra hazelnut spread on top just before serving. They also make for a delightful addition to dessert platters for gatherings, offering a rich contrast to lighter desserts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making these bars is achieving the perfect bake. If the edges are getting too brown while the center remains soft, consider lowering the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and baking for a few extra minutes. Keep a close eye on the bars; they should be set around the edges but still slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Another potential concern is a crumbly base that falls apart when cut. To alleviate this, ensure that the butter is sufficiently softened and mixed thoroughly into the dry ingredients. Press the base firmly into the dish; this step is crucial when you want a solid base that holds together after baking. If your bars still crumble, a quick solution is to serve them in parfait-style layers, presenting the crumbles with ice cream or yogurt for a delicious treat!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different nut spread?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with almond or peanut butter for a different flavor.

→ How should I store the bars?

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the bars?

Yes! You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

→ Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes! Substitute butter with coconut oil and choose a dairy-free chocolate hazelnut spread.