Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I absolutely love these Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars! They offer a delightful combination of rich chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts, and chewy coconut. Every bite is a burst of flavor and texture that leaves you wanting more. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, I often whip these up for gatherings or just as a sweet treat for myself. They’re easy to make and satisfy that sweet craving without the need for complicated ingredients. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be hooked!
My journey with chocolate hazelnut coconut bars began when I was experimenting with ingredient combinations in my kitchen. I thought, why not blend the creamy texture of chocolate with the crunch of hazelnuts and the delightful chew of coconut? Surprisingly, the result was magnificent! Each component complements the others, making every bite an experience.
When I first shared this recipe with friends, I was met with rave reviews. The secret is in toasting the hazelnuts before mixing—they bring out a wonderful depth of flavor that elevates the entire bar. Whether served at a party or enjoyed alone, these bars have become a favorite for good reason.
Reasons You'll Love These Bars
- Decadent flavor combination that tantalizes your taste buds
- Simple ingredients come together for an impressive treat
- Perfect for snacks, desserts, or any special occasion
Understanding the Ingredients
Each ingredient in the Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect blend of texture and flavor. The hazelnuts add a delightful crunch, complementing the chewy coconut. When incorporating cocoa powder, ensure to use high-quality cocoa for a more intense chocolate flavor. I've found that using cacao powder instead enhances the richness, but stick to cocoa if that's what you have on hand.
Maple syrup serves not only as a sweetener but also helps bind the ingredients together, creating a firm yet chewy bar once baked. If you're looking for alternatives, agave syrup can work well, although it might make the bars slightly softer. Don't forget the melted coconut oil; it contributes to the bar’s moistness while also enhancing the flavor.
Baking Tips for Success
When you bake these bars, keep a close eye on the timing. The baking should produce a firm structure without becoming too dry. Look for a set appearance around 25 minutes; you'll want to see the edges lightly pulling away from the sides of the pan without excessive browning. If they puff up during baking, don’t worry; they will settle as they cool.
After drizzling the chocolate topping, it’s essential to let the bars cool completely in the fridge. This helps the chocolate set nicely, ensuring clean cuts when slicing. If you’re in a rush, let them cool at room temperature first, but refrigerating them will prevent the chocolate from being too gooey and messy.
Ingredients
Before you get started, gather the following ingredients:
For the Bars
- 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars:
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make removal easier after baking.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine chopped hazelnuts, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, oat flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Transfer and Bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it evenly into the bottom. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until set.
Add Topping
Once baked and slightly cooled, melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle over the bars and sprinkle with additional chopped hazelnuts.
Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the fridge before lifting out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Store the bars in an airtight container for up to a week, if they last that long!
Pro Tips
- For an added crunch, consider adding some sea salt to the chocolate drizzle. This contrast enhances the overall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even a quick breakfast on the go. For added flair, consider serving them with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of coconut yogurt to create a more rounded treat.
If you're planning a gathering or party, cutting the bars into small squares can make for a perfect bite-sized snack. Pair them with coffee or tea to balance the sweetness. Just be sure to keep them chilled until serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
These bars store well, making them perfect for meal prep. After cutting, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge where they can last up to two weeks. If you’d like to make them even further in advance, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-tight freezer bag, where they can be stored for up to three months.
To enjoy frozen bars, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight. This way, they'll be perfectly set and ready to indulge in whenever a sweet craving strikes!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use another type of nut?
Absolutely! Almonds or walnuts can be great substitutes for hazelnuts.
→ Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats for the flour, these bars are gluten-free.
→ Can I make these vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan since it uses maple syrup and coconut oil.
→ How should I store the bars?
Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars
I absolutely love these Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars! They offer a delightful combination of rich chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts, and chewy coconut. Every bite is a burst of flavor and texture that leaves you wanting more. Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, I often whip these up for gatherings or just as a sweet treat for myself. They’re easy to make and satisfy that sweet craving without the need for complicated ingredients. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be hooked!
Created by: Camilla Rhodes
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 16 bars
What You'll Need
For the Bars
- 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make removal easier after baking.
In a large bowl, combine chopped hazelnuts, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, oat flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it evenly into the bottom. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until set.
Once baked and slightly cooled, melt dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle over the bars and sprinkle with additional chopped hazelnuts.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the fridge before lifting out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Extra Tips
- For an added crunch, consider adding some sea salt to the chocolate drizzle. This contrast enhances the overall flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 40mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 3g