Chocolate Hazelnut Bars (Easy Holiday Recipe)

Indulge in the luxurious fusion of rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts with our delectable Chocolate Hazelnut Bars. Elevate your dessert experience with this irresistible treat, where a luscious chocolate hazelnut layer compliments a rich chocolate buttercream frosting, promising a delightful symphony of flavors in every bite.

Today, we’re diving into the world of irresistible sweetness with a recipe that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and the nutty goodness of hazelnuts. Brace yourselves for a heavenly treat – our Chocolate Hazelnut Bars. 

These delectable bars are not only a celebration of indulgence but also a simple delight to make. Let’s get started on this scrumptious journey!

If you have a sweet tooth you may also want to try my Easy Chocolate Marshmallow Squares With Rice Krispies or my Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars. Happy baking!!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT BARS

1. Effortless Elegance:
   • Achieve a gourmet-level treat with minimal effort. These bars exude an air of sophistication without the need for complex techniques.
2. Perfect Harmony of Flavors:
   • The combination of chocolate hazelnut spread and crunchy hazelnuts creates a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, pleasing even the most discerning taste buds.
3. Versatile Delight:
   • Whether served at brunch, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a dinner party dessert, these bars are a versatile and crowd-pleasing indulgence.
4. Homemade Happiness:
   • Experience the joy of creating a homemade treat that rivals your favorite bakery delicacies. Share the love by gifting these bars or savor them as a well-deserved personal treat.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE HAZELNUT CHOCOLATE BARS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this perfect sweet treat (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar – can replace some sugar with cane sugar
• Large egg
• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Milk chocolate buttercream frosting – made with butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and milk.
• Ferrero rocher – the star of the show
• Organic hazelnut pieces
• Optional – cocoa butter, dark chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate chips, whey powder for added protein, peanut butter, hazelnut butter, almond butter, coconut butter, hazelnut flour, etc.

HOW TO MAKE

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 9×9″ baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. Can also use cooking spray if you don’t have parchment paper on hand.
2. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, or using hand held electric mixer, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla and milk and mix again.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown, then remove and let cool.
5. Make the chocolate buttercream frosting by combining the butter, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and milk in your stand mixer. Mix for 2 minutes or until the frosting is fluffy.
6. Spread the frosting over the cooled bars. Top with the Ferrero Rocher pieces, and crushed hazelnut pieces. Cut into small pieces and enjoy!

STORAGE

Preserving the luscious texture and flavors of your Chocolate Hazelnut Bars is crucial for maximum enjoyment. Follow these simple storage tips to ensure your bars stay fresh and delightful:

1. Cool Completely:

• Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature in the pan after baking. This helps them set properly before storage.

2. Refrigerate for Freshness:

• Once cooled, transfer the bars to an airtight container or cover the baking pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for optimal freshness. This is especially important because of the chocolate hazelnut spread in the filling.

3. Layer with Parchment Paper:

• If you’re stacking the bars in the container, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain the pristine appearance of each bar.

4. Avoid Odor Absorption:

• Ensure that the container used for storage is clean and odor-free. Chocolate and hazelnuts can absorb surrounding odors, affecting the flavor of your bars.

5. Consume Within a Week:

• For the best taste and texture, aim to consume your Chocolate Hazelnut Bars within a week. While they may stay edible for a bit longer, the flavors are most vibrant within the first few days.

6. Freezing (Optional):

• If you’d like to extend the shelf life, these bars are freezer-friendly. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.

FAQS

CAN I FREEZE THESE BARS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

CAN I ADD EXTRA TOPPINGS TO THE BOP OF THE BARS?

Certainly! Get creative with additional toppings like a drizzle of caramel, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.

CAN I MAKE THESE COOKIE BARS AHEAD OF TIME FOR AN EVENT?

Absolutely! These bars can be made in advance. Refrigerate them until the event, and if needed, you can freeze them for longer storage.

Other Sweet Recipes To Try When You Get A Chocolate Craving!

• Easy Christmas Chocolate Bark
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bites Recipe
• Frozen Chocolate Banana Bark Recipe
• Chocolate Peppermint Truffles Recipe
• Chewy Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
• Baked Chocolate Cake Glazed Donuts

IF YOU TRIED THESE HAZELNUT FLAVOR BARS PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE COMMENT SECTION AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails