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!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20

Cooling Time 40

Total Time 1

Servings squares

Calories 286kcal

Author Julia Maz

Ingredients

1 ½ cup raw hazelnuts
1 ¼ cup rolled oats
7 oz. Medjool dates, pitted
⅓ cup cacao powder
¼ cup cacao nibs
1 tbsp. coconut oil
⅓ cup maple syrup
2 tsp. vanilla extract
½ tsp. sea salt
¾ cup vegan chocolate chips

Instructions

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.
Place the rolled oats in a food processor, and process until fine.
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.
Line a prepared pan (9x6 inches) 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.
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.
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!

Video

Notes

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.

Nutrition