No Bake Healthy Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Bars

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating irresistible **Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Bars** – a delightful treat that captures the essence of Nutella in a far healthier, guilt-free package. Imagine a rich, nutty base, perfectly sweet and deeply chocolatey, crowned with a luscious layer of vegan chocolate ganache. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, designed to satisfy your deepest cravings without any processed sugar, dairy, or gluten. These no-bake bars are not just incredibly easy to make, but they’re also a wholesome alternative for anyone seeking a nourishing yet indulgent dessert. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a heavenly, Nutella-inspired snack that you’ll want to make again and again.

As we navigate the desire for delicious treats that also align with a healthy lifestyle, these **healthy vegan chocolate hazelnut bars** emerge as a true champion. This holiday season, or any time of year, treat yourself to something truly special that’s both nourishing and unbelievably delicious. These bars are a revelation: gluten-free, entirely vegan, free from processed sugars, and completely dairy-free. What’s more, their no-bake nature makes them incredibly simple and quick to prepare, perfect for busy schedules or when a sweet craving strikes without warning.

The origin of this delightful recipe is quite charming, actually born from a happy accident. My initial intention was to craft a hazelnut chocolate spread, but as often happens in the kitchen, things took an unexpected turn. The mixture, perhaps due to a slight imbalance of cocoa powder and vanilla extract, stiffened up far more than anticipated. Instead of a smooth spread, I found myself with a firm, pliable base. Far from being a setback, this ‘mistake’ led to the creation of these phenomenal **vegan Nutella bites**. I couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome; they are simply amazing!

Why These Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Bars Are Your New Go-To Snack

I confess, during the testing and photography process, I indulged in at least seven pieces of these exquisite bars. They possess an addictive quality that will have you reaching for more, so consider yourself warned – self-control might be a challenge! But honestly, in a world full of rules, food shouldn’t be one of them. As long as you’re mindful, it’s perfectly fine to treat yourself. You absolutely deserve it.

Born from an unexpected culinary twist, my love for these hazelnut chocolate bars grew instantly, compelling me to share them with you as quickly as possible. And so, here we are, celebrating the birth of the most delightful, nutty, and chocolatey snack you could imagine. These bars aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience – a moment of pure bliss with every bite. The rich flavor profile, combined with their healthful qualities, makes them an undeniable winner in the realm of plant-based indulgence.

The Irresistible Appeal: What Makes These Vegan Chocolate Squares So Special?

While the accompanying images beautifully convey their allure, allow me to elaborate on why these **vegan chocolate squares** are truly exceptional and destined to become a staple in your recipe repertoire:

• Effortlessly Delicious: These are **no-bake vegan bars**, meaning you can whip up a batch of these exquisite treats in remarkably little time, without ever needing to turn on your oven. Perfect for quick desserts or last-minute gatherings.
• Dietary-Friendly Excellence: Proudly **gluten-free**, these bars cater to those with sensitivities or preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy a decadent chocolate experience.
• Unapologetically Chocolatey: Each square is generously packed with deep, rich chocolate flavor, satisfying even the most intense cocoa cravings. The combination of cocoa butter and cocoa powder creates an intense, authentic chocolate experience.
• The Magic of Nutella-Inspired Flavor: Prepare for a delightful illusion! Every bite tastes remarkably like your favorite hazelnut spread, Nutella, yet this recipe contains absolutely no store-bought Nutella. It’s pure culinary magic, crafted from whole, natural ingredients.
• Wholesome Goodness: Beyond their incredible taste, these bars are made with wholesome ingredients, free from refined sugars and dairy, making them a healthier indulgence you can feel good about.
• Perfect Texture: The base offers a satisfyingly dense, almost fudgy texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, rich ganache topping, creating a truly luxurious mouthfeel.

Essential Ingredients for Crafting These Vegan Nutella Bites

To embark on the journey of creating these healthy and vegan chocolate hazelnut bars, gather the following high-quality ingredients:

• Hazelnuts: The star of our show! For optimal flavor and texture, it’s crucial to use peeled and toasted hazelnuts. This step enhances their natural sweetness and nuttiness, forming the rich foundation of our Nutella-inspired base.
• Cocoa Butter: This unique ingredient is key to achieving an authentic chocolate flavor and a firm, smooth texture in your vegan hazelnut bars. It imparts a subtle cocoa aroma that beautifully complements the other ingredients.
• Maple Syrup: Our chosen natural sweetener. Maple syrup provides a delicate, earthy sweetness that makes these bars perfectly balanced without being overly sugary. It’s a fantastic vegan-friendly alternative to refined sugars.
• Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: Easily found in most grocery stores, Dutch-processed cocoa powder has been alkalized to reduce its acidity. This results in a darker color and a mellower, less bitter chocolate flavor, making it ideal for rich desserts like these.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract is essential for adding depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile, elevating the chocolate and hazelnut notes.
• Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt works wonders in balancing the sweetness of the bars, enhancing all the other flavors, and preventing them from tasting flat.
• Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips: These are vital for creating the luscious, thick vegan chocolate ganache topping that blankets our hazelnut base. Ensure you choose a high-quality brand for the best results.
• Coconut Cream: Traditionally, chocolate ganache calls for heavy cream. For our vegan version, rich and creamy coconut cream is the perfect substitute. Be sure to use the thick cream from the top of a can of full-fat coconut milk, chilled beforehand.

Understanding Cocoa Butter: A Vegan Chocolate Essential

For those unfamiliar, **cocoa butter** is the natural fat extracted directly from the cocoa bean. It’s a 100% plant-based, vegan-friendly fat that plays a crucial role in creating the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture of chocolate. Unlike cocoa powder, which provides the deep color and bitter notes, cocoa butter contributes to richness, stability, and that characteristic chocolatey aroma. Its subtle cocoa flavor blends seamlessly into these vegan chocolate hazelnut bars, providing an authentic chocolate experience without any dairy. It’s also what gives the base its delightful firmness and helps it set beautifully in the freezer.

Mastering Hazelnuts: Toasting and Peeling for Superior Flavor

The secret to truly flavorful **vegan chocolate hazelnut bars** lies in properly toasting and peeling your hazelnuts. This simple step intensifies their natural oils and removes the slightly bitter skin, resulting in a much richer and smoother base.

How to Toast Hazelnuts:

• **Preheat Oven:** Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• **Spread Evenly:** Arrange your raw hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven toasting.
• **Roast to Perfection:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 12-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as nuts can burn quickly. You’ll know they’re ready when they become fragrant and their skins appear slightly cracked.
• **Cool Completely:** Once toasted, remove the hazelnuts from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. This allows them to continue cooking slightly from residual heat and helps loosen their skins.

How to Peel Hazelnuts with Ease:

Once your hazelnuts are cool, peeling them becomes a breeze:

• **The Dish Towel Method:** Transfer the cooled, roasted hazelnuts to a clean, dry dish towel. Gather the corners of the towel to form a pouch around the nuts.
• **Gentle Rubbing:** Gently but firmly rub the hazelnuts together within the towel. The friction will cause the skins to flake off effortlessly. This is the quickest and most effective method for perfectly peeled hazelnuts, ensuring a silky-smooth base for your bars.

Simple Steps to Craft Healthy Vegan Nutella Squares

Creating these delightful no-bake bars is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time:

• Prepare Your Pan: First, line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This makes for easy removal later. Set it aside.
• Process the Hazelnuts: Add your freshly toasted and peeled hazelnuts to a high-speed food processor. Process until the hazelnuts break down and transform into a smooth, creamy butter. This can take anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes, requiring patience and a few pauses to scrape down the sides. The mixture will transition from coarse crumbs to a finer meal, then to a thick paste, and finally, a smooth, glossy butter as the oils are released.
• Combine Base Ingredients: Once the hazelnut butter is smooth, add the melted cocoa butter, maple syrup, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt to the food processor. Process again until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is uniform and creamy.
• Form the Base Layer: Pour the hazelnut mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Using a rubber spatula or the back of a spoon, spread it evenly and press it firmly into a tightly packed layer. This compaction is crucial for a stable base.
• Chill the Base: Place the pan in the freezer for at least 20 minutes. This chilling period allows the base to set firm, making it ready for the ganache topping.
• Prepare the Vegan Chocolate Ganache: While the base chills, combine the dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut cream in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Alternatively, you can melt them over a double boiler.
• Layer the Ganache: Retrieve the chilled hazelnut base from the freezer. Pour the warm chocolate ganache evenly over the hazelnut layer, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
• Final Chill & Serve: Return the pan to the freezer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chocolate ganache is completely set and firm to the touch. Once set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, slice them into squares or bars using a sharp, warm knife, and enjoy your homemade **healthy vegan chocolate hazelnut bars**!

Tips for Success with Your Vegan Chocolate Hazelnut Bars

• **Food Processor Power:** A good quality, powerful food processor is essential for achieving a smooth, creamy hazelnut butter. If your processor struggles, take breaks to prevent overheating and scrape down the sides frequently.
• **Hazelnut Quality:** Always start with good quality, fresh hazelnuts. Their flavor is the cornerstone of this recipe.
• **Parchment Paper is Key:** Don’t skip lining your pan with parchment paper. It makes removing and slicing the bars incredibly easy and prevents sticking.
• **Chill Time Matters:** Allow sufficient chilling time for both the base and the ganache. This ensures the bars set properly and have the perfect firm, yet tender, texture.
• **Warm Knife for Slicing:** For clean, professional-looking slices, run your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and then slice the bars. Repeat for each cut.
• **Adjust Sweetness:** Taste the hazelnut base mixture before chilling. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a tiny bit more maple syrup, but remember that the ganache will also add sweetness.

Creative Variations for Your Hazelnut Chocolate Bars

While delicious as is, feel free to customize your vegan chocolate hazelnut bars:

• **Nutty Add-ins:** Fold in a handful of chopped toasted almonds or walnuts into the hazelnut base for added texture and flavor.
• **Espresso Kick:** Add ½ teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the hazelnut base or ganache for a subtle coffee note that enhances the chocolate.
• **Minty Fresh:** Incorporate a few drops of food-grade peppermint extract into the ganache for a refreshing mint-chocolate twist.
• **Citrus Zest:** A teaspoon of orange zest mixed into the ganache can add a bright, aromatic counterpoint to the richness.
• **Flaky Sea Salt Finish:** Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the ganache before it sets for a sophisticated sweet and salty crunch.

More Vegan Recipes You Will Love!

• Healthy Chocolate Chip Vegan Mug Cookie
• Vegan Chocolate Mousse [Aquafaba]
• Vegan Chocolate Orange Avocado Mousse (for two)
• Healthy Vegan Double Chocolate Brownies

How to Properly Store These Healthy Hazelnut Chocolate Bars

Proper storage ensures your delicious **vegan Nutella bars** remain fresh and delightful for as long as possible:

• **Refrigerator Storage:** Store the sliced vegan chocolate hazelnut bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. This keeps them firm and ready for a quick snack.
• **Freezer Storage:** For a longer-term solution, these bars freeze beautifully. Place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper if stacking, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

I personally prefer to keep them in the freezer. When a craving hits, I simply pull a bar out and let it thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes (depending on your room’s warmth). This brings it to the perfect consistency, allowing you to savor every delicious, healthy bite. Freezing also helps prolong their life and ensures you always have a wholesome treat on hand!

Vegan & Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Bars Recipe

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5 from 4 votes

Vegan and Healthy Chocolate Hazelnut Bites

These vegan, healthy, gluten-free chocolate hazelnut bars are the perfect snack for when you have a sweet tooth. The best part is that they taste just like Nutella!

Prep:
10 mins

Total:
50 mins

Servings:
32 squares

Print Recipe

Equipment

9″x5″ loaf pan

Parchment paper

Food processor

Rubber spatula

Ingredients

• 2 cup Hazelnuts toasted and peeled
• 1 tbsp Cocoa butter
• 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup Maple syrup
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt

Vegan Chocolate Ganache

• 3 tbsp Coconut cream
• 3 oz Dairy-free chocolate chips

Instructions

• Start by lining a 9″x5″ loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, and set aside.
• Add the toasted and peeled hazelnuts to a food processor. Process for 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until the hazelnuts transform into a smooth and creamy butter. Then, add the melted cocoa butter, maple syrup, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process again until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is uniform.
• Pour the hazelnut mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Using a rubber spatula, spread it evenly and press it down firmly to create a tightly packed layer. Place the pan in the freezer for 20 minutes to allow the base to set.
• While the base chills, prepare the ganache. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the dairy-free chocolate chips and coconut cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
• Remove the hazelnut base from the freezer. Pour the warm chocolate ganache evenly over the base, spreading it gently to cover the surface. Return the pan to the freezer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the chocolate ganache is completely set. Slice into desired portions and enjoy!

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Notes

Store these delicious bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best texture from the freezer, let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before enjoying.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 77 Calories |
Carbohydrates: 5g |
Protein: 1g |
Fat: 6g |
Saturated Fat: 1g |
Sodium: 23mg |
Potassium: 71mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 3g |
Vitamin A: 16IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 16mg |
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Thank you for following along and diving deep into the world of healthy and delicious vegan treats. We truly appreciate you making it this far!

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