Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars
Highlighted under: Balanced Healthy Meals Recipes
I absolutely love starting my day with something that not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also fuels me for the morning ahead. These Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars are the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and the nutty crunch of hazelnuts. Made with wholesome ingredients, they provide a delightful balance of taste and nutrition. Each bite is a little piece of heaven, and I can enjoy them guilt-free knowing they’re homemade. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to have them every morning!
During my recent kitchen experiment, I was on a mission to create a breakfast option that would both excite my taste buds and keep me energized. After several trials, these Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars emerged as the clear winner! The combination of oats, chocolate, and hazelnuts not only tastes divine but proves to be a great source of lasting energy.
I discovered that adding a touch of maple syrup not only sweetens the bars nicely but also gives them a delightful chewiness. A tip: allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them to ensure they hold together well!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy hazelnuts
- Made with wholesome ingredients for a healthy start
- Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack
A Wholesome Start to Your Day
These Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can sustain you through the busy morning. The rolled oats are a great source of complex carbohydrates and provide lasting energy, while the hazelnuts add healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. Together, they create a hearty texture that prevents them from being overly dense, making each bite a delightful combination of chewiness and crunch.
Incorporating dark chocolate into the mix not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also brings beneficial antioxidants into your diet. Choosing high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70% ensures you get the most health benefits while enjoying an indulgent treat. This balance of ingredients makes these bars a wholesome choice for breakfast without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect Texture Every Time
To ensure your bars achieve the perfect texture, it's important to mix the wet and dry ingredients thoroughly. This process allows the oats to absorb the moisture properly. If your mixture seems too dry, a splash of water or additional maple syrup can help to bind everything together better. Conversely, if it’s too sticky, adding a few more oats can absorb excess moisture and keep the bars from falling apart.
Also, when it comes to baking, keep an eye on your bars during the final minutes. The edges should look golden brown, while the center may still appear slightly soft. Remember, they will firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them which can lead to a dry texture.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper.
Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped hazelnuts, chocolate chips, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, mix the almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Bake the Bars
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely before lifting the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles as desired.
Pro Tips
- Feel free to customize these bars by adding dried fruits or substituting other nuts if desired. For a more intense chocolate flavor, use chocolate chunks instead of chips.
Storage and Keep Fresh
These Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, consider wrapping individual bars in plastic wrap and placing them in the freezer, where they can last for up to three months. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead option for busy mornings. Simply grab one from the freezer the night before and let it thaw in the fridge; by morning, you'll have a delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast.
If you live in a particularly warm climate, refrigeration may be necessary to maintain their texture. Just keep in mind that chilling may make them slightly harder than when stored at room temperature, so allow them to sit for a few minutes before enjoying.
Variations to Explore
Feel free to customize your Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars! For a different flavor profile, try substituting almond butter with peanut or sunflower seed butter based on your preference or dietary restrictions. You could also experiment with other nuts or seeds like walnuts or chia seeds to mix in for added nutritional benefits.
If you want to reduce the sugar content, consider using mashed ripe bananas or applesauce in place of some or all of the maple syrup. This will also add a lovely sweetness and moisture to your bars; just be aware that it may slightly alter the texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use another type of nut?
Absolutely! You can easily substitute hazelnuts with walnuts, almonds, or any nut of your choice.
→ How should I store the bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
→ Can these bars be frozen?
Yes, these bars freeze wonderfully! Just wrap them individually and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
→ What can I replace almond butter with?
You can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute if you prefer.
Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars
I absolutely love starting my day with something that not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also fuels me for the morning ahead. These Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars are the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and the nutty crunch of hazelnuts. Made with wholesome ingredients, they provide a delightful balance of taste and nutrition. Each bite is a little piece of heaven, and I can enjoy them guilt-free knowing they’re homemade. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to have them every morning!
Created by: Harriet Bloom
Recipe Type: Balanced Healthy Meals Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 bars
What You'll Need
Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped hazelnuts, chocolate chips, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, mix the almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely before lifting the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles as desired.
Extra Tips
- Feel free to customize these bars by adding dried fruits or substituting other nuts if desired. For a more intense chocolate flavor, use chocolate chunks instead of chips.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 6g