No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Bars
These no-bake bars combine rich chocolate and nutty hazelnuts for a crunchy, sweet treat that sets in the fridge. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers hazelnuts, semi-sweet chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk 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 210 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 hazelnuts
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Roughly chop 1 cup hazelnuts and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned; set aside to cool.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 3 tbsp unsalted butter over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Step 3: Remove the chocolate mixture from heat and stir in 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 cup graham cracker crumbs until fully combined.
- Step 4: Fold in the toasted hazelnuts and 1/4 tsp sea salt, mixing gently to incorporate.
- Step 5: Line an 8x8-inch square pan with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly, pressing down firmly.
- Step 6: Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours until the bars are firm enough to cut into squares.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Bars take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Crunch Bars?
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 Crunch Bars?
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 Crunch Bars 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 Crunch Bars?
American 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.
