Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted; 1/2 cup crushed hazelnuts; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Busy Food

I love starting my day with something that’s not only delicious but also gives me a boost of energy, and these Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars are just perfect! Made with wholesome ingredients and a rich chocolate flavor, they keep me satisfied until lunch. I enjoy the nutty crunch combined with a hint of sweetness, making these bars an irresistible choice for breakfast or a snack. Plus, they’re easy to make in advance, so I can grab one on my busy mornings. You’ll definitely want to give this recipe a try!

Created by

Ivy Sanderson

Last updated on 2026-01-15T19:57:35.815Z

When I first experimented with chocolate hazelnut flavors, I was amazed at how beautifully they paired together. I decided to combine them in a breakfast bar for a treat that feels indulgent while still being nutritious. The key is to use high-quality hazelnuts and cocoa, as they really elevate the flavor profile!

In crafting this recipe, I discovered that chilling the mixture for just a bit before cutting the bars makes a huge difference in texture. It helps them hold together well and makes them easy to slice. Plus, I love knowing I have a batch ready to go for the week!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy hazelnuts
Sweetness balanced with a touch of salt
Perfect for busy mornings or snacking on the go

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of rolled oats and almond flour provides a hearty base for these breakfast bars. Rolled oats contribute fiber and texture, while almond flour lends a moist, nutty flavor that elevates the overall taste. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination. The cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate flavor, making these bars a delightful treat that doesn’t compromise on nutrition.

Honey or maple syrup not only sweetens the bars but also acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the ingredients together. If you're aiming for a lower-sugar version, agave syrup can be a suitable alternative, though it may alter the flavor slightly. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in ensuring the bars have the right consistency and flavor profile, so be sure to measure accurately.

Mastering the Baking Process

Baking the bars at 350°F ensures they cook evenly and develop a pleasing texture. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; you're looking for the edges to turn a golden-brown and a slightly firm texture in the center, which should still be a bit soft to the touch. Letting them cool completely in the pan is essential; this will help them set up properly and make slicing easier without crumbling.

When slicing the bars, use a sharp knife and clean cuts to maintain their shape. If they seem too crumbly, it might be a sign of underbaking, or perhaps not enough binding agents were used. If they don't hold together well, I recommend pressing the mixture firmly into the baking dish to compact the ingredients before baking.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup almond flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup crushed hazelnuts
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Make sure everything is fresh for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your bars:

Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, cocoa powder, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the melted coconut oil and honey (or maple syrup) together until well blended.

Combine and Fold

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until fully combined. Fold in the crushed hazelnuts and dark chocolate chips.

Bake the Bars

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool before slicing into bars.

Enjoy your delicious homemade breakfast bars!

Pro Tips

For a twist, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavors.

Storage Tips

These Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider refrigerating them; they will last for up to two weeks in the fridge. For long-term storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap each bar individually in parchment paper, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag for quick grab-and-go snacks on busy mornings.

To defrost, simply take a bar out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds to warm it up—a perfect way to enjoy these treats slightly gooey and fresh again.

Delicious Variations

While these bars are perfect as-is, you can easily customize them to suit your taste preferences. Try adding dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots for a chewy texture and added sweetness. For a protein boost, consider mixing in a scoop of your favorite protein powder or incorporating seeds like chia or flaxseeds, which will also add healthy fats.

For an extra layer of flavor, experiment with different nut butters in place of the coconut oil, such as almond or hazelnut butter, which would complement the hazelnut crunch. Spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract can be added to enhance the flavor profile without adding calories.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! Almonds or walnuts will work great as alternatives.

→ Can these bars be stored for later?

Yes, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.

→ What can I substitute for honey?

Maple syrup or agave syrup are excellent vegan alternatives.

→ Are these bars gluten-free?

Using certified gluten-free oats will make these bars gluten-free!