Attention all you bold, unapologetic foodies out there! Are you ready to take your taste buds on a wild ride with the ultimate Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars? These irresistible treats are about to become your new obsession – a decadent fusion of rich chocolate, creamy hazelnut, and a touch of pure bliss. Get ready to break some delicious rules and transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars
Prepare to be absolutely blown away by these Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars! These bars are the stuff of dreams – a perfect balance of indulgent chocolate, creamy hazelnut, and a buttery crust that’ll have you coming back for more. The best part? They’re insanely easy to make, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth anytime, anywhere. Imagine the thrill of sinking your teeth into a soft, gooey center surrounded by a crisp, caramelized edge. Trust me, these bars will have your taste buds singing with joy and your friends begging for the recipe. Get ready to become the talk of the town with these Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars!
Ingredients
Gather up your favorite kitchen essentials, because we’re about to create something epic! For the Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars, you’ll need a delectable combination of butter, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and of course, the star of the show – chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips. Trust me, these ingredients are about to come together and transform your life!
- 1 cup (2 sticks) – Unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups – Brown sugar
- 2 – Eggs
- 1 tsp – Vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups – All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup – Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp – Baking powder
- 1/4 tsp – Salt
- 1 cup – Chopped hazelnuts
- 1 cup – Semisweet chocolate chips
Ingredient Substitutions
- Hazelnuts: Pecans or walnuts (for a different nutty flavor profile)
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips (for a richer, more intense chocolate experience)
How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars
Alright, let’s get this party started! First, preheat your oven and line a baking pan with parchment paper. Now, let’s start with the crust. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will ensure your Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars come out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top of the cooled bars for an extra layer of decadence.
- Sprinkling of Sea Salt: Add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the bars for a sweet and salty contrast.
- Hazelnut Ice Cream Topping: Serve the Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars warm, with a scoop of creamy hazelnut ice cream on top. Flavor overload alert!
- Nut Variety: Experiment with different nut varieties, such as almonds or pecans, to find your perfect flavor combination.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Storage: Store the Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: If you’d like to enjoy the bars warm, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Make-Ahead: These bars can be made in advance and stored as mentioned above, making them the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Nutrition Information
Indulging in these Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars is an absolute must, but let’s not forget about the important stuff – nutrition! Each serving packs a decadent punch of 320 calories, with 17g of fat, 40g of carbs, and 4g of protein. While they may not be the healthiest option, they’re definitely worth every single calorie. So go ahead, treat yourself and savor every bite of these sensational bars!
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut instead of hazelnuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the hazelnuts with your nut of choice, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts. The nutty flavor will still complement the chocolate beautifully.
Can I make these bars dairy-free or gluten-free?
For a dairy-free version, simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, like coconut oil or vegan butter. To make them gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
How do I prevent the bars from getting too gooey or cakey?
The key to achieving the perfect texture is to not overbake the bars. Keep an eye on them in the oven and check for doneness around the 25-minute mark. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Additionally, be sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting into them.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Absolutely! These Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Once they’ve cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
How do I get that perfect crackly top on the bars?
To achieve the signature crackly top, be sure to not overmix the batter. Gently fold in the nuts and chocolate chips, and avoid stirring too vigorously. Additionally, baking the bars at the right temperature (350°F) and not overbaking them will help create that irresistible, shiny crust.
Try These Next
- Decadent Chocolate Bacon Cheesecake
- Spiced Honey Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars With Nutty Crust
- Pumpkin Spice Bourbon Bliss Cocktail
Indulgent Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bars are a decadent treat, combining rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts for a delightful dessert experience.
Ingredients
1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the chopped hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In a saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk over low heat.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine the chocolate mixture with the hazelnut mixture until well blended.
6. Spread the mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, then let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
These bars can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: chocolate, hazelnut, dessert, bars