Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Snack Squares

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Snack Squares
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups rolled oats; 1 cup hazelnuts, chopped; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Dessert Delights Co.

I love making these Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Snack Squares because they perfectly blend rich chocolate flavor with the earthy crunch of hazelnuts and wholesome oats. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to whip up in less than an hour. Every bite feels indulgent yet satisfying, and they make for a great afternoon snack or a healthy dessert option. Trust me, once you try these squares, they will become a staple in your snack rotation!

Created by

Arabella Scott

Last updated on 2026-01-18T04:19:09.172Z

I experimented with various snack recipes before finding the perfect combination for these squares. The incorporation of oats and hazelnuts provides a hearty texture, while the chocolate brings a delightful sweetness. After trying several methods, I found that baking them at a lower temperature allows for an even bake and enhances the nutty flavor. I recommend using high-quality dark chocolate for the best taste!

What truly makes these squares stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. The crunch from the hazelnuts contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy oats, and the chocolate adds that indulgent touch. When I first served them at a gathering, they disappeared in no time, and everyone was asking for the recipe!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy hazelnuts
Chewy texture that satisfies your sweet cravings
Versatile and perfect for meal prep or on-the-go snacking

      

The Role of Each Ingredient

Each ingredient in these Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Snack Squares plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and taste. The rolled oats are not just a base; they provide fiber and bulk, giving the bars a hearty chew. Meanwhile, chopped hazelnuts add a delightful crunch and an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate. The dark chocolate chips melt into the mixture, adding a velvety texture and deep sweetness that harmonizes with the natural nuttiness of the hazelnuts.

Sweeteners like honey or maple syrup not only bind the ingredients together but also enhance the flavor profiles with a hint of natural sweetness. Peanut butter or almond butter adds creaminess and richness, making each square feel indulgent. Lastly, the vanilla extract and salt heighten the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the cocoa notes in the chocolate. These ingredients work together to create a satisfying snack that checks all the boxes.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Squares

To ensure your snack squares hold together well, pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is essential. This step helps to compact the ingredients, leading to a denser, chewy texture rather than a crumbly outcome. I recommend using the back of a spatula and applying even pressure across the surface. If you're finding the mixture is too sticky or difficult to work with, lightly greasing your spatula with a bit of coconut oil can help manage it more easily.

Baking time is another critical factor. Keep a close eye on your squares as they bake; you want them to reach a golden hue around the edges. If they appear to be getting too dark, you can tent them with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the center continues to set. Allowing the squares to cool completely before cutting is equally important, as this rest time allows them to firm up, making for cleaner cuts and a more stable snack.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create delicious Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Snack Squares:

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 cup hazelnuts, chopped
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Make sure to have everything ready before you begin!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your snack squares:

Prepare the mixture

In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped hazelnuts, chocolate chips, honey (or maple syrup), peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Press into the pan

Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and press it down firmly using the back of a spatula to ensure it holds together.

Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mixture for about 25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.

Cool and Cut

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the squares out and cut them into 16 pieces.

Enjoy these tasty squares as a snack or dessert!

Pro Tips

Store the squares in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.

Storing and Freezing

To keep your Chocolate Hazelnut Oat Snack Squares fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you find yourself making a larger batch, these squares also freeze well. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper and store in a sealed freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months, allowing you to grab a nutritious snack whenever you need it without the hassle of making them from scratch every time.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen squares, simply take them out and allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For a warm treat, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds. Just watch closely to avoid overheating, as chocolate can become gooey or melt too much when reheated.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These snack squares are delicious on their own, but there are plenty of ways to enhance their flavor. Consider serving them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a smear of nut butter to amplify the protein content and flavor. You can also drizzle some melted dark chocolate over the top for added decadence, turning them into an even more indulgent treat that's perfect for sharing during gatherings or potlucks.

For those looking to switch things up, feel free to experiment with different nut and seed combinations. Replacing some of the hazelnuts with walnuts or adding in chopped dried fruit like cranberries or apricots can give your bars a different taste and texture experience. These simple variations can make the recipe even more exciting while still maintaining the balance of flavors and satisfying chews you love.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the hazelnuts?

Yes, you can use any nuts or seeds you like, such as almonds or walnuts.

→ How do I make these squares vegan?

Simply use maple syrup instead of honey and a plant-based nut butter.

→ Can I add extra ingredients?

Absolutely! Dried fruits, seeds, or even coconut flakes can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ How do I store these squares?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for extended freshness.