Hazelnut Chocolate Squares

These Hazelnut Chocolate Squares are an easy, gluten-free dessert that can be served to guests or made ahead for a simple dessert whenever. I warn you: their nutty, sweet flavor is highly addictive!

These Hazelnut Chocolate Squares are so rich and decadent, yet really easy, too. You can put this together with basic pantry ingredients, and besides the toasting of the hazelnuts, this is a no-bake recipe. With dates and maple syrup as the sweeteners, you can also enjoy the fact that there is no refined sugar here, and it's gluten-free.

This is a great recipe to use when entertaining because it's easy to make ahead for no-stress prep and it's just such a crowd-pleaser! Gooey, rich, sweet, and a little salty, these treats are addictively good. Serve them with other desserts, as a snack, or just with some coffee and tea after dinner. They are versatile enough for anything. Let's look at what you'll be using to make these scrumptious squares.

Video Tutorial

What you'll need

• Hazelnuts. We'll toast them for extra crunch and flavor.
• Rolled Oats. We'll turn these into flour.
• Medjool Dates. These are soft, sweet, and chewy.
• Cacao Powder. Try to use good-quality cacao.
• Cacao Nibs. Optional, but recommended.
• Coconut Oil. Optional.
• Maple Syrup. Or agave syrup.
• Vanilla Extract.
• Sea Salt.
• Vegan Chocolate.

How to make these bars

1. Place the hazelnuts onto a baking tray and bake at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Place on a clean kitchen towel and gently rub the hazelnuts to release their skins. Set aside.

2. Place the rolled oats in a food processor, and process until fine.

3. To the oats, add hazelnuts, dates, cacao powder, cacao nibs, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process until you have a sticky dough that you can press together with your fingers.

4. Line a prepared pan (9x6) with parchment paper and spread the hazelnut dough evenly. You can use a bottom of a cup to press it. Place it in the freezer for 20 minutes.

5. In the meantime, melt the chocolate. Remove the hazelnut cake from the freezer, pour the chocolate on top, and spread it nicely with a spoon.

6. Sprinkle some cacao nibs and a little bit of sea salt on top. Place it in the fridge and allow it to cool. Cut into squares, and enjoy!

Tips for the best Hazelnut Chocolate Squares

• Toast the hazelnuts. Not only does this give them lots more flavor and a crunchy texture, but it also makes removing the skins so much easier.
• Use a cup to press down the batter. Your hands can do the job, but because they are warm, they will quickly begin to stick to the batter. A glass will be quicker and less messy.
• Melt the chocolate carefully. You can melt the chocolate in the microwave or on the stovetop. Go slowly, only warming it enough to melt, but not burn.
• Add the salt and cacao nibs quickly. While the melted chocolate is still wet, add the sea salt and cacao nibs so they will adhere to the top as the chocolate solidifies.

Add-ins and Substitutes

• Add dried fruit. These Hazelnut Chocolate Squares would also taste good with some cranberries, dried cherries, currants, or dried apricots.
• Substitute other nuts. If hazelnuts aren't your favorite, you can make this recipe with macadamia nuts, cashews, almonds, and pecans. This may result in a different consistency though.
• Add some heat. Chocolate is so yummy with a little spice. If you like, you can add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to these squares for a little kick.
• Substitute other extracts. Besides vanilla, you could also flavor these treats with orange, rum, almond, coconut, or mint extract for the holidays.

How to Store

Store these Hazelnut Chocolate Squares in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They can be refrigerated for up to one week, or frozen for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What to Serve them with

• Cookies and bars. Add these to a cookie platter with Best Vegan Oatmeal Cookies, or serve them with Strawberry Oatmeal Bars and 3-Ingredient Puffed Cereal Bars.
• Pumpkin desserts. Making these for the holidays? Serve them with some Pumpkin Filo Rolls or a slice of Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake.
• Coffee. These rich treats are perfect with a hot coffee, or try them with a dairy-free Macchiato.
• Nutella. Pair these squares with some Homemade Nutella for a decadent dessert that highlights the hazelnuts.

I hope you enjoy these scrumptious Hazelnut Chocolate Squares. They make such a tempting treat that you might want to keep a few individually wrapped ones in the freezer for easy access 🙂

More tasty vegan treats:

• Homemade Nutella
• Avocado Brownies
• Pumpkin Filo Rolls
• Vegan Zucchini Muffins