Nutella Bars

These Nutella bars or squares are an easy dessert that we are always craving. Buttery and chewy oat base crust, a layer of creamy Nutella and toasted chopped hazelnuts covered in a buttery oat crumble topping. The bars are rich in chocolate hazelnut flavour and only require simple ingredients, perfect for all you Nutella lovers out there!

Nutella Bar Recipe Ingredients

• OATS: I use old fashioned rolled oats for these bars but you can also use quick oats as well. Old-fashioned oats provide a chewier texture and hold their shape, while quick oats create a softer, finer texture because they are more processed. Use gluten free is desired.
• FLOUR: All purpose flour is what I use for this recipe. I have not tested these bars with gluten free 1-1 flour but it should work just fine.
• BUTTER: I use unsalted butter for this recipe. Melted and cooled slightly before using.
• SUGAR: Brown sugar is what I use for the base and topping of these bars. Light brown sugar or dark brown sugar works.
• BAKING POWDER: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent in oat bars, creating air bubbles that help the bars rise and give them a lighter, less dense texture
• SALT: Sea salt is what I use but table salt or even kosher salt will work here too. I also like to sprinkle a little malden flaky sea salt on top of these before serving.
• VANILLA: Pure vanilla extract is what I use for best flavor.
• NUTELLA: I always use Nutella but any chocolate hazelnut spread will work here. Of course peanut butter will also work or even a combination of peanut butter and Nutella - how good would that be!
• HAZELNUTS: I like to add in some extra crunch to these bars by adding a sprinkling of toasted chopped hazelnuts over the Nutella filling. This is of course and optional and tasty add in.
  
  

How To Make Nutella Bars (detailed instructions in recipe card below)

1. Prepare Oat Base & Topping: Whisk together oats, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add melted butter and vanilla and use fork, fingers or rubber spatula to mix until a crumbly dough forms and starts to clump together.
2. Prepare Base & Par Bake: Press ½ -⅔ of the crumbly dough mixture into the base of your prepared pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Baking the crust is optional but recommended.
3. Assemble Bars & Bake: Spoon Nutella over warm base, sprinkle over chopped hazelnuts and sprinkle over remaining crumbly dough evenly over top. Bake until lightly golden.
4. Cool Bars: Cool bars completely before slicing.
   
   

Nutella Oat Bar Recipe Tips

• Make sure to line baking pan with parchment paper: Line with parchment paper with overhanging edges makes it easier to lift the Nutella bars out of the pan and slice them neatly
• Press the crust firmly: Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to really press down the bottom layer so it holds together once baked. The top layer does not need to be pressed down.
• Watch the baking time: Pull the bars out as soon as the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly. Over baking can dry them out, so keep an eye on the oven.
• Don’t skip the cooling part: I would recommend at least one hour, but they set even more beautifully if you wait until the next day. Chilling the squares before cutting them with a sharp knife helps achieve cleaner, tidier slices. The Nutella will hold up better and not ooze out everywhere. The oat crumble at room temperature can also break easily so chilling it will get you nicer sliced pieces but the filling won’t be as gooey.
  
  

Nutella Bars Storage & Freezing

• STORAGE: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. For longer storage, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, although they can dry out slightly in the fridge.
• FREEZING: Layer the squares in a freezer-safe, airtight container with parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking. Alternatively, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a larger freezer bag or container. They will keep well in the freezer for 1 to 3 months. Thaw the frozen squares in the refrigerator overnight. You can also let them thaw on the counter, or microwave a single square for about 30 seconds if you want it warm and soft. The texture will be slightly softer once thawed compared to when they were first baked.
  
  

More Recipes You Will Love:

• Blueberry Pie Bars
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars
• Classic Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
• Nutella S’mores Bars
• Chocolate Hazelnut Espresso Brownies
• Nutella Scotcheroos