Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped; 1/3 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup almond butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Ideas

I love starting my day with a boost of energy, and these Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars make that incredibly easy and delicious. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they provide a perfect blend of flavor and nutrition. The rich chocolate meets the nutty crunch of hazelnuts, creating a delightful experience in every bite. Plus, they are super easy to make and are a great grab-and-go option for busy mornings. Trust me, these bars will become your new favorite breakfast treat!

Created by

Emma Parker

Last updated on 2026-01-15T13:38:47.105Z

When I first decided to make these bars, I was looking for a breakfast option that would keep me full and satisfied. Experimenting with the balance of cocoa and hazelnuts led me to create these delightful treats that pack a punch of flavor without being overly sweet. They have since become a breakfast staple in my house!

One key tip I discovered during my trials is to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. This helps them hold their shape better and makes for cleaner cuts, which is especially important if you plan to take them on the go!

        Why You Will Love These Bars
        Decadent chocolate paired with crunchy hazelnuts for a satisfying texture
Perfectly sweet but not overly indulgent, making them guilt-free
Great for meal prep—just grab and go during busy mornings!

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of rolled oats and chopped hazelnuts not only adds a delightful crunch to the Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bars but also provides essential fiber and healthy fats. Oats serve as a great base, delivering sustained energy and keeping you full throughout the morning. If you're looking to switch things up, you can substitute the oats with quick oats or even puffed rice for a lighter texture, though the nutritional impact may vary.

Cocoa powder not only brings that rich chocolate flavor but also acts as a powerful antioxidant. Be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results; sweetened varieties can lead to overly sweet bars. For a specialty twist, try using dark cocoa powder to deepen the chocolate taste, enhancing the overall flavor experience without adding extra sugar.

Baking Techniques for Perfection

The key to achieving the perfect texture in your breakfast bars lies in how you press the mixture into the baking dish. Be sure to firmly press it down, as this helps the bars hold together once baked. If they are too loose, they might crumble when you cut them. A flat spatula or the back of a measuring cup can be helpful tools for this task.

During baking, keep an eye on the bars as the edges should start to become golden. If you notice they are rising too much, which could indicate they are underbaked, you can gently tap the dish in the oven to release air pockets. Allowing them to cool thoroughly in the pan will ensure a firmer texture, making cutting them into squares much easier.

Ingredients

For the Bars

1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup almond butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

These ingredients blend perfectly for a wholesome breakfast.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and salt.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together honey, almond butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until everything is well mixed.

Bake the Bars

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly. Bake for 25 minutes.

Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely before lifting them out of the dish and cutting into squares.

Store bars in an airtight container for up to a week.

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute hazelnuts with any other nut or seed to suit your taste. Adding mini chocolate chips can also enhance the chocolate experience!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These breakfast bars can easily be made ahead of time, making them a perfect option for busy mornings. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them. I recommend wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. They can last in the freezer for up to three months.

To enjoy the bars from the freezer, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before eating. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up slightly—they’re delicious warm!

Flavor Variations to Try

While chocolate and hazelnuts are a classic pairing, feel free to experiment with other flavors. For example, swapping out the hazelnuts for almonds or walnuts provides a different texture and taste. You might also consider adding chocolate chips or dried fruits, such as cranberries or apricots, to the mix for added sweetness and chewiness. Incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also elevate the flavor profile.

If you’re aiming for a nut-free version, using sunflower seed butter instead of almond butter and sunflower seeds in place of hazelnuts can give you a similar crunch without the allergens. Just be mindful of how these changes may affect the flavor, and adjust the sweetener if necessary to balance out the nuttiness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the honey with maple syrup and ensure your almond butter is vegan-friendly.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the bars in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these breakfast bars?

Absolutely! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

→ What can I add to increase nutrition?

Consider adding seeds like chia or flaxseed, or throwing in some dried fruit for added flavor and nutrition.