No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Bar with Sea Salt
A rich, no-bake chocolate hazelnut dessert bar with a crunchy base and a sprinkle of sea salt for a perfect sweet-salty balance. This mediterranean-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers toasted and chopped hazelnuts, rolled oats, pitted dates into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, toasted and chopped hazelnuts
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 8 oz dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup natural almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a food processor, combine 1 cup toasted chopped hazelnuts, 1 cup rolled oats, and 1 cup pitted dates. Pulse until the mixture forms a sticky coarse dough.
- Step 2: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm base.
- Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 8 oz dark chocolate chips, 1/2 cup natural almond butter, and 1/4 cup honey. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy.
- Step 4: Pour the chocolate mixture evenly over the hazelnut oat base, spreading with a spatula to cover completely.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours until the bars are firm. Cut into 12 squares before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Bar with Sea Salt take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Bar with Sea Salt?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Bar with Sea Salt?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Bar with Sea Salt for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Bar with Sea Salt?
Mediterranean desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
