Y’all ready to take your taste buds on an absolutely EPIC chocolate and hazelnut adventure? This Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars recipe is about to make your kitchen the most irresistible, flavor-packed place in the whole dang world. Get ready for layers of buttery shortbread, silky chocolate-hazelnut ganache, and a dreamy hazelnut crumble that will have you smashing that “make again” button faster than you can say “mind-blowing deliciousness.” Trust me, this dessert is the stuff that food legends are made of!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars
These bars are the ultimate in chocolate-hazelnut indulgence! The rich, creamy ganache is sandwiched between a buttery shortbread crust and a crunchy, golden hazelnut crumble topping. Every bite is an explosion of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds doing a happy dance. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make, so you can whip up a batch anytime you need a little (or a lot of) chocolate-hazelnut bliss. Get ready to become the hero of any party or gathering with this show-stopping dessert!
Ingredients
To make these Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, eggs, heavy cream, chocolate, and hazelnuts. The combination of these classic flavors creates a dessert that’s truly out of this world.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – for the perfect buttery shortbread crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar – to balance the richness of the chocolate and hazelnuts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the foundation for our delectable dream bars
- 1 cup heavy cream – the key to that luscious chocolate-hazelnut ganache
- 12 ounces milk chocolate, chopped – for a smooth, creamy chocolate experience
Ingredient Substitutions
- Hazelnuts: Almonds or pecans (both provide a delightful nutty crunch)
- Chocolate: Dark or white chocolate (adjust cream as needed for the perfect ganache)
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars
Buckle up, because we’re about to take your taste buds on the ride of their lives! This recipe is surprisingly easy, but the end result is nothing short of legendary.
Step 1: Prep Work
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan. Toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet until fragrant and the skins start to peel off, then rub them between your hands to remove the skins. Chop the toasted hazelnuts and set them aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms. Press the dough into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
While the crust is baking, prepare the chocolate-hazelnut ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer, then remove it from the heat. Add the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt, then stir until the mixture is smooth and silky.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pour the ganache over the baked shortbread crust and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the chopped toasted hazelnuts over the top, pressing them in lightly to help them stick.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, until the ganache is set. Slice and serve, and get ready for your taste buds to be absolutely BLOWN AWAY!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle a luscious homemade caramel sauce over the top of the bars for an extra-indulgent treat.
- Nutella Swirl: Stir in a couple of spoonfuls of Nutella into the chocolate ganache for an even more intense chocolate-hazelnut flavor.
- Use Different Nuts: Try almonds or pecans instead of hazelnuts for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt: A pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the bars can really help to balance the sweetness and make the flavors pop.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Storage: Store the Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Enjoy the bars chilled, or briefly warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Make-Ahead: These bars actually get better with a little time in the fridge, so you can make them up to 5 days in advance and store them until you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavor of these Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars, but remember to enjoy them in moderation. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 22 grams of fat, 37 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of protein.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbs: 37 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut instead of hazelnuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute almonds, pecans, or even walnuts if you prefer. The nutty flavor will still complement the chocolate beautifully.
How do I prevent the ganache from cracking when I cut the bars?
To avoid cracking, make sure to let the bars chill in the fridge until the ganache is completely set before slicing. You can also try running a sharp knife under hot water and wiping it dry before cutting for a clean, smooth edge.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars actually get better with a little time in the fridge. You can make them up to 5 days in advance and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Do I have to toast the hazelnuts?
Toasting the hazelnuts is not strictly necessary, but it does help to intensify their flavor and give the bars a delightful crunch. If you’re short on time, you can use raw hazelnuts, but the toasted version is definitely worth the extra effort.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While I love the rich, creamy flavor of milk chocolate in this recipe, you can easily swap it out for dark or even white chocolate. Just adjust the amount of cream as needed to get the perfect ganache consistency.
Try These Next
- Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars
- Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake
- Decadent Chocolate Bacon Cheesecake
Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Hazelnut Dream Bars are a decadent treat that combines rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts for a delightful dessert experience.
Ingredients
1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts.
7. Pour the batter into a greased 9×9 inch baking pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
These bars can be served warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chocolate, hazelnut, dessert, bars