Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars
Highlighted under: Hearty Food Recipes
Indulge in these delightful Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars, a perfect treat for any chocolate lover.
These Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars are a luxurious treat that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and the nutty essence of hazelnuts. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Why You'll Love These Bars
- Decadent chocolate and nutty hazelnut harmony
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Perfect for a dessert table or a cozy night in
A Delightful Combination
Chocolate and hazelnut are a match made in dessert heaven. The rich, creamy flavor of chocolate hazelnut spread paired with the crunchy, nutty goodness of chopped hazelnuts creates an irresistible combination that will please any palate. These Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars encapsulate that harmony in every bite, making them a favorite for gatherings or a simple indulgent treat at home.
The texture of these bars is equally appealing. The soft, buttery base provides a perfect contrast to the gooey topping, delivering a delightful mouthfeel. Whether served warm or at room temperature, each bite is a luxurious experience that will leave you craving more.
Perfect for Any Occasion
These Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars are versatile enough to suit any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or simply wanting to treat yourself on a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress. They make a stunning centerpiece for dessert tables, and the combination of flavors and textures will have your guests reaching for seconds.
Additionally, they are easy to transport, making them an ideal choice for potlucks or office treats. Just cut them into squares, pack them up, and you’re ready to share the deliciousness with friends and family. Their appeal transcends age and taste preferences, making them a universally loved dessert.
Baking Tips for Success
To ensure your Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars turn out perfectly, start by using room temperature butter. This allows for better creaming with the sugar, resulting in a lighter, fluffier base. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added; mixing just until combined will keep the texture tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Don’t skip the cooling step! Letting the bars cool completely in the pan allows the chocolate hazelnut topping to set, making them easier to cut into neat squares. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving to enhance the flavors even further.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Topping
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Gather all the ingredients and prepare to create a delicious treat!
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Make the Base
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
Bake the Base
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Prepare the Topping
Remove the base from the oven and immediately spread the chocolate hazelnut spread over the hot base. Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips.
Final Baking
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the topping is melted and bubbly.
Cool and Serve
Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
Let the bars cool completely before serving for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience by serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of temperatures and textures will create a memorable dessert that guests will rave about.
For a festive touch, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before serving. This extra layer of sweetness adds visual appeal and enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bar even more indulgent.
Storage Tips
To keep these bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to prolong their shelf life, you can refrigerate them, which will also make the topping firmer and easier to cut.
For longer storage, consider freezing the bars. Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a delicious treat anytime.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?
Yes, walnuts or almonds would also work well in this recipe.
→ Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
→ How should I store the leftover bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
→ Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly.
Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars
Indulge in these delightful Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars, a perfect treat for any chocolate lover.
Created by: Lena
Recipe Type: Hearty Food Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
For the Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Topping
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture until combined.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges are golden.
Remove the base from the oven and immediately spread the chocolate hazelnut spread over the hot base. Sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the topping is melted and bubbly.
Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g