Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup chopped hazelnuts (toasted); 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/3 cup almond butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips; 1 tbsp chopped hazelnuts

Highlighted under: Clean Healthy Meals Inspiration

I love starting my day with a treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome. These Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars are a perfect fusion of rich chocolate and crunchy hazelnuts. They are easy to make and packed with flavors that awaken my senses every morning. I appreciate how the combination of oats and nuts not only satisfies my sweet cravings but also gives me energy for the day ahead. Trust me, once you try these bars, they will become a breakfast staple in your home too!

Created by

Grace Walker

Last updated on 2026-01-15T12:25:36.293Z

Making these Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars has been a delightful experience for me. I experimented with various ingredients to achieve the perfect texture that combines chewiness with crunch. It’s essential to properly roast the hazelnuts for optimal flavor, and I found that a slight sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweetness beautifully.

One unique twist I incorporated was adding a splash of vanilla extract, which significantly elevates the overall taste. As you prepare these bars, don’t hesitate to let your creativity flow; for example, you can swap hazelnuts with almonds or even add some dried fruit for an unexpected surprise!

        Why You Will Love These Bars
        Decadent chocolate flavor that satisfies sweet cravings
Nutty crunch from hazelnuts gives a delightful texture
Easy to prepare, making breakfast a breeze

      

The Role of Oats and Nuts

The rolled oats in these breakfast bars are not just a base; they provide a fulfilling texture and a source of slow-releasing carbohydrates. This keeps you energized throughout the morning without that dreaded sugar crash. For a gluten-free version, ensure that you select certified gluten-free oats, which maintain the same great chewiness and flavor of regular oats while being safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Hazelnuts contribute not only to the delightful crunch but also to heart-healthy fats and protein. Toasting the hazelnuts enhances their flavor, bringing out a nutty richness that complements the chocolate. If hazelnuts aren't available, feel free to substitute with walnuts or almonds, keeping in mind that different nuts will impart varying flavors and textures.

For an added nutritional boost, consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flaxseed to the oat mixture. These seeds will increase the fiber content and omega-3 fatty acids, making your breakfast bars even more wholesome without compromising taste.

Baking Tips to Perfect Your Bars

When pressing the mixture into the baking dish, use a flat measuring cup or your hands to compact it tightly. This prevents the bars from crumbling once they cool. If the mixture feels too crumbly while pressing, your almond butter might be too stiff; warming it slightly in the microwave can help achieve a smoother consistency for better binding.

While baking, keep an eye on the bars as they should take about 20 minutes until the edges are slightly golden and the top appears set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs. Underbaking by a few minutes can lead to softer bars, while overbaking will result in a crunchy texture, so find your perfect bake time based on your preferred bar consistency.

Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the dish; this step is crucial. If you attempt to slice them too soon, they may fall apart. Cooling can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. You can speed this up by placing the dish in the refrigerator, which can help the bars hold together even better when cut.

Ingredients

For the Bars

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped hazelnuts (toasted)
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/3 cup almond butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp sea salt

For Topping

2 tbsp dark chocolate chips
1 tbsp chopped hazelnuts

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, toasted hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Line a baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the dish, pressing it down firmly to ensure the bars hold together.

Add Toppings

Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts on top, gently pressing them into the mixture.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20 minutes. Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before slicing them into squares.

Pro Tips

For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds into the mixture. Also, these bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep.

Serving and Storing

These breakfast bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a quick breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or even a post-workout treat. To elevate their indulgence, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate over the top just before slicing for a decadent touch. They also pair beautifully with yogurt or a side of fruit for a balanced meal.

When it comes to storage, keep the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can be stored at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them; simply wrap individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months and can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight for a quick grab-and-go option.

If you're entertaining or preparing meals ahead of time, doubling the recipe is a great strategy. These bars freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy the chocolate-hazelnut goodness anytime. Just remember to adjust your baking dish size and increase the baking time slightly if you make a larger batch.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to get creative with the flavor profile of these breakfast bars. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the chocolate flavor while providing warmth and depth. You could also include mashed bananas for natural sweetness or applesauce to replace the honey/maple syrup, further diversifying the flavor and moisture.

To enhance texture, consider mixing in seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for added crunch and nutrition. Dried fruits like cranberries or apricots can also complement the chocolate-hazelnut combination, adding chewiness and a hint of tartness that balances the sweetness of the bars.

For a competitive twist, why not add a scoop of protein powder to your mixture? It boosts the protein content and can be a great energy source for those busy mornings. Just be aware that you might need to balance the moisture by increasing the almond butter or honey slightly to maintain the right consistency.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work wonderfully as substitutes.

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes, you can use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure your almond butter is vegan.

→ How do I store these bars?

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

→ Can I freeze these breakfast bars?

Definitely! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.