Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Bars
These decadent chocolate hazelnut crunch bars are rich, fudgy, and loaded with roasted hazelnuts for the perfect bite. With a silky dark chocolate top layer and a chewy, nutty base, they’re a no-bake treat that satisfies every chocoholic craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate hazelnut crunch bars combine indulgent ingredients with simplicity. They’re entirely no-bake, making them perfect for warm weather or quick preparation. The texture contrast between the smooth chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts, and light crisped rice is irresistible. Naturally gluten-free and adaptable for vegan diets, these bars are both delicious and versatile, ideal for everything from dessert trays to snack boxes.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- semi-sweet chocolate chips
- coconut oil
- maple syrup
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- rolled oats (blended into flour)
- vanilla extract
- sea salt
- roasted hazelnuts, chopped
- crisped rice cereal (optional for extra crunch)
directions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt until fully combined.
- Stir in oat flour, chopped hazelnuts, and crisped rice cereal if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until firm enough to slice.
- Once set, remove from the pan and slice into squares.
- Store in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 16 bars.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2–3 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Replace hazelnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Extra Crunch: Double the amount of crisped rice cereal for more texture.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Use agave syrup or honey in place of maple syrup.
- Layered Bars: Pour half the mixture into the pan, add a layer of nut butter, then add the remaining mixture.
- Chocolate Swirl: Add a swirl of white or milk chocolate on top for visual appeal.
storage/reheating
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. These bars do not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes, ensure your chocolate chips and maple syrup are vegan-certified.
What if I don’t have oat flour?
Blend rolled oats in a food processor until fine to make homemade oat flour.
Can I use a different nut?
Yes, almonds, walnuts, or pecans work well as substitutes for hazelnuts.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.
How do I make them sweeter?
Add a few extra tablespoons of maple syrup or a touch of coconut sugar to the mixture.
Can I add protein powder?
Yes, replace a portion of the oat flour with your preferred protein powder.
What kind of chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips give the best balance of sweetness and depth, but milk chocolate can be used for a milder flavor.
How long do they last in the fridge?
They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 7 days in a sealed container.
Can I skip the crisped rice cereal?
Yes, it’s optional, but it adds a satisfying crunch.
What size pan should I use?
An 8×8-inch square pan works best for evenly sized bars.
Conclusion
Chocolate hazelnut crunch bars are a no-bake dream: rich, crunchy, and easy to make with minimal ingredients. Whether you’re craving a quick dessert or preparing a crowd-pleasing treat, these bars deliver big flavor with simple preparation. Keep a batch chilled for instant indulgence any time.
PrintChocolate Hazelnut Crunch Bars
These decadent chocolate hazelnut crunch bars are rich, fudgy, and loaded with roasted hazelnuts for the perfect bite. With a silky dark chocolate top layer and a chewy, nutty base, they’re a no-bake treat that satisfies every chocoholic craving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (blended into flour)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 1/4 cups roasted hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup crisped rice cereal (optional for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in maple syrup, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt until fully combined.
- Stir in oat flour, chopped hazelnuts, and crisped rice cereal if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or until firm enough to slice.
- Once set, remove from the pan and slice into squares.
- Store in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Substitute hazelnuts with almonds or walnuts if desired.
- Can be made ahead and stored for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chocolate hazelnut bars, vegan dessert, no-bake chocolate bars, crunchy fudge bars