Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped; 1/2 cup natural peanut butter; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Homemade Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love making Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars, especially when I crave something sweet yet wholesome. These bars are not only delicious, but they also offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy chocolate combined with crunchy hazelnuts and hearty oats creates a delightful snacking experience. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for lunchboxes or a quick pick-me-up during the day. I can’t get enough of these bars and I can’t wait for you to try them too!

Created by

Thea Montgomery

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:11:35.838Z

When I first tried Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars, I was amazed by how such simple ingredients could create such a rich and satisfying treat. Initially, I struggled to find the right balance between dry oats and the creamy chocolate, but after several rounds of testing, I learned that toasting the hazelnuts slightly enhances their flavor, making a significant difference in the overall taste of the bars.

Another tip I discovered is letting them chill in the fridge for a while before slicing. It helps the bars firm up beautifully, making them easier to cut into even pieces. I love also experimenting with the types of chocolate – dark, milk, or a mix of both elevate the flavors depending on what I’m in the mood for!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy hazelnuts
Healthy oats provide energy and fiber
Perfect for snacking at home or on the go

      

Oat Selection and Preparation

Choosing the right oats is crucial for the texture of your Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars. I recommend using rolled oats, as they provide the perfect chewiness and absorb moisture well. Quick oats can work in a pinch but may lead to a denser bar. For added flavor and nutrition, consider toasting your oats in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until they are golden and fragrant before mixing them in.

When mixing the oats and hazelnuts, ensure they are well combined. If they're not, some bars may have dry pockets, which can lead to less than optimal bites. Stir them together in your bowl until you see a consistent mixture. This step is essential to getting a uniform texture and taste throughout the bars.

Peanut Butter and Sweetener Choices

The choice between honey and maple syrup can impact the flavor profile of your bars. Honey provides a warm, rich sweetness which pairs wonderfully with chocolate. However, if you're looking for a vegan option, maple syrup is a great alternative that adds a unique and slightly caramel-like flavor. Remember, if you use a liquid sweetener like maple syrup, adjust the dry ingredients slightly if the mixture seems too wet.

Using natural peanut butter, which often separates in the jar, is key for this recipe. Stir it well before measuring to ensure you're getting a consistent texture. If you’re looking to switch things up, try almond butter or cashew butter for a different nutty flavor. Just keep in mind that the flavor strength may differ, so choose according to your personal preference.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars are completely cool, it's best to store them in an airtight container. They'll keep well at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to two weeks or freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to three months. Simply thaw them at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a quick snack.

These bars are incredibly versatile! While they are delicious on their own, you can also layer them with yogurt or serve them with fresh fruit for a nutritious breakfast. Drizzling a bit of melted chocolate on top or sprinkling additional chopped hazelnuts can elevate their presentation, making them not just tasty but also visually appealing on your table.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious chocolate hazelnut oat bars:

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your own Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars:

Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats and chopped hazelnuts. In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.

Pour the wet mixture into the oats and hazelnuts, stirring to combine well.

Add Chocolate

Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips to the oat mixture. Ensure they are evenly distributed. Line a baking dish with parchment paper, then pour the mixture into the dish, pressing firmly into an even layer.

Bake

Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Once baked, take it out and let it cool completely in the baking dish.

Slice and Serve

After cooling, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars as desired. Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Bars!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top once the bars have cooled completely before slicing.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If you find your bars crumbling when cutting, it may be due to insufficient binding ingredients. Ensure your wet mixture has enough peanut butter and sweetener to hold everything together. If the bars are too dry, you can add a splash of warm water or a bit more melted peanut butter to help the mixture stick better.

On the other hand, if your bars are overly gooey and don’t set properly, this may indicate too much liquid. If this happens, simply return them to the oven for another 5-10 minutes. This additional baking time can help firm up the mixture and give you that desired chewy texture without being overly sticky.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to experiment with mix-ins! Adding dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can give a pleasing tartness that counterbalances the richness of the chocolate. Just keep in mind the moisture level; if you add too many, the bars may become too sticky or crumbly, so balance it with a slight reduction of other dry ingredients.

For a more decadent treat, consider adding a layer of nutella or chocolate spread on top of the cooled bars before slicing. This extra layer not only enhances the chocolate flavor but also adds a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunch of the hazelnuts and oats.

Serving Sizes and Adjustments

This recipe makes about 12 bars, but you can easily adjust the size by cutting them into larger or smaller pieces based on your preference. If you want to serve a larger crowd, consider doubling the recipe and using a larger baking dish. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may require a few extra minutes depending on the thickness of the mixture.

Alternatively, if you're not sure you'll finish them within a week, smaller bars are a great option for portion control. Slice them into bite-sized pieces for an easy snack when you're on the go, and they'd be great for popping into lunchboxes or for fueling up before a workout.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?

Yes, you can substitute with any nut such as almonds or walnuts.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the fridge for longer freshness.

→ Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes, simply replace honey with maple syrup and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to three months.