Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/4 cup almond butter; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Inspiration

I love making these Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars because they combine rich flavors and wholesome ingredients into a delightful snack. The moment I took a bite, I was captivated by the perfect balance of creamy chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts. They’re simple to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether I’m enjoying them with my morning coffee or packing them in my kids' lunchboxes, they always satisfy my cravings and nourish my body at the same time.

Created by

Bryony Wells

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:49:38.158Z

I initially experimented with making energy bars to keep my energy levels up throughout the day. I found that adding hazelnuts not only gave a delightful crunch but also boosted the nutritional value. The combination of oats and nuts provides sustained energy without the crash that sugary snacks often bring.

After several trials, I realized that slightly toasting the oats enhances their flavor, adding depth to these bars. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step! When I take them out of the oven, I can’t resist having one warm—it’s like a little piece of heaven.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy hazelnuts
A healthy snack that satisfies sweet cravings
Easy to make and perfect for meal prepping

The Importance of Toasting Oats and Hazelnuts

Toasting the rolled oats and hazelnuts is a crucial step that elevates the flavor of these bars. The roasting process enhances their natural nuttiness, creating a deeper, more complex taste. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet to ensure uniform toasting, and keep a close eye on them in the oven, stirring halfway through to guarantee they don't burn. You want them golden and aromatic, which typically takes about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Don't skip this step! Untoasted oats can taste flat and bland, while under-toasted hazelnuts may retain a slightly raw texture. These nuances are what make the final bar so exceptional, as the contrast between the rich chocolate, creamy almond butter, and crunchy, toasty elements creates a satisfying mouthfeel.

Mixing for Perfect Texture

When mixing the ingredients together, be sure to incorporate the almond butter and sweetener thoroughly. This ensures even distribution of flavors and helps create a cohesive mixture that holds together well when baked. I recommend using a sturdy spatula or a wooden spoon for effective mixing, as the nut butter can be quite thick. Mixing should last at least a couple of minutes, until you achieve a uniform consistency where all the dry and wet ingredients are well integrated.

If the mixture appears too dry and crumbly, consider adding an additional splash of honey or maple syrup. Conversely, if it's too sticky, a handful of extra oats can help balance it out. Achieving the right texture is key, as this will dictate how well the bars hold together after baking and cooling.

Storing and Serving Your Oat Bars

Once cooled and cut, these Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to 2 weeks due to the nut butter's preservation qualities. If you prefer to enjoy them cold, refrigerating enhances the chocolate chips' firm texture and makes them incredibly refreshing on a hot day.

These bars are incredibly versatile as snacks or quick breakfasts. I often serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh fruit for a balanced meal. You can also experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the mix for a flavor twist. Additionally, they make for a great base to add protein powder if you're looking to boost your protein intake.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars.

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Once you have gathered all these ingredients, you're ready to start making your bars!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create your Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

Toast the Oats and Hazelnuts

Spread the rolled oats and chopped hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the toasted oats, hazelnuts, dark chocolate chips, almond butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to press it evenly into the bottom.

Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.

Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or bars.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try mixing in some dried fruits or seeds. You can also substitute the dark chocolate with white chocolate for a different taste.

Ingredient Roles

Each ingredient in the Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars plays a pivotal role in achieving the desired texture and flavor. The rolled oats provide bulk and a chewy texture, while the hazelnuts add a delightful crunch. Dark chocolate chips contribute a rich sweetness that balances well with the nutty flavors, and the almond butter acts as a binding agent, ensuring the bars hold together without crumbling. Honey or maple syrup offers natural sweetness while keeping the bars moist.

The salt in the recipe is not merely for flavor; it enhances the overall chocolate experience, helping to cut through sweetness and elevate the taste profile. If you wish to make this recipe nut-free, you can substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter and hazelnuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.

Customization Options

These bars can easily be customized to suit your palate. For a tropical twist, consider adding shredded coconut or dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to the mixture. Adjust the overall sweetness depending on the add-ins; for instance, if you use sweetened dried fruit, you may want to reduce the honey or maple syrup to maintain balance.

If you're looking for a protein boost, blend in some protein powder or chia seeds. You could also experiment with different nut butters, like peanut or cashew, to vary the flavor profile. Each variation brings a new experience while still retaining the core essence of this delicious oat bar.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Like any recipe, there can be occasional hiccups when making chocolate hazelnut oat bars. If your bars turn out too crumbly, it could be due to insufficient binding agents. Ensure you mix well, and consider adding a bit more almond butter or sweetener. If they seem too soft after baking, they might need a few extra minutes in the oven; just watch for those golden edges to gauge doneness.

Another common issue is sticking if you haven’t used enough parchment paper or did not line the baking dish properly. Make sure to leave enough overhang of parchment on the sides, which allows for easy lifting out and cutting of the bars without damaging them. If they’re still sticking, a gentle run of a spatula around the edges can help free them from the pan.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the almond butter?

Yes, you can use peanut butter or any nut butter you prefer.

→ How should I store the bars?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the bars?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.

→ Are these bars gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these bars are gluten-free.