Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup ground hazelnuts; 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely adore making these Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars whenever I crave something indulgent yet wholesome. The combination of rich chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts, and sweet coconut offers a delightful treat that I can feel good about enjoying. These bars are super easy to whip up, making them perfect for an afternoon snack or a satisfying dessert. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making batch after batch to share with friends and family—it’s hard to resist their mouthwatering charm!

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-01-15T14:52:18.924Z

When I first experimented with these Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars, I was aiming for a dessert that satisfies both my sweet tooth and my love for healthy ingredients. I found that using ground hazelnuts adds a wonderful nutty flavor, which pairs beautifully with the richness of chocolate and the subtle sweetness from coconut. The bar holds its shape well, thanks to a combination of natural sweeteners and binding ingredients.

I’ve learned that letting the bars set in the refrigerator for a bit before cutting makes a world of difference. They stay firmer and are easier to slice into perfect squares! Each bite presents a delightful blend of texture and flavor that leaves everyone wanting more.

        Why You Will Love These Bars
        Decadent chocolate flavor meets crunchy hazelnuts and chewy coconut.
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion.
Great for meal prep or as a grab-and-go snack.

      

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When making Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars, the quality of your ingredients plays a pivotal role in achieving the best flavor and texture. Opt for raw, unsalted hazelnuts for the base, as they provide a rich, nutty flavor. If you're short on hazelnuts, you can substitute them with almonds or walnuts, but the taste and crunch will vary slightly. Additionally, selecting a high-quality cocoa powder will enhance the chocolate flavor, making the bars even more decadent.

For the coconut, it's essential to use unsweetened shredded coconut to avoid overpowering the sweetness of the maple syrup. The unsweetened variety also ensures that the bars remain wholesome. Coconut oil is necessary for binding and adds a pleasant richness. If you prefer not to use coconut oil, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or a neutral vegetable oil, keeping in mind that the flavor profile might change.

Tips for Perfect Texture

Achieving the ideal texture in these bars hinges on how well the ingredients are mixed and pressed into the baking dish. After combining the ingredients in the bowl, ensure the mixture resembles a thick dough without dry spots. This will help the bars hold together nicely once baked. The pressing step is also crucial; use a flat-bottomed measuring cup to evenly compact the mixture into the dish, which will ensure a uniform texture throughout.

When baking, monitor the bars closely as ovens can vary. A good indicator of doneness is when the edges start to pull away from the sides of the dish, and the top appears set, typically around the 25-minute mark. Allowing the bars to cool completely is vital, as they will firm up further during this time, making cutting them into squares much easier without crumbling.

Storing and Enjoying Your Bars

Once cut, these Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, where they will last for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months. If freezing, consider wrapping each bar in parchment paper and placing them in a zip-top freezer bag for easy grabbing later. Just allow them to thaw for a few minutes at room temperature before enjoying.

These bars make for a versatile snack or dessert. You can enjoy them on their own, pair them with a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent sundae, or even crumble them over smoothies or oatmeal for added texture. The delightful combination of flavors and textures means they can seamlessly fit into a variety of serving styles, making them a great addition to gatherings or a midday pick-me-up.

Ingredients

For the Bars

1 cup ground hazelnuts
1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Topping

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
2 tablespoons chopped hazelnuts

Mix the ingredients well and press them into a lined baking dish for easy removal.

Instructions

Prepare the Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground hazelnuts, shredded coconut, cocoa powder, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.

Press into the Dish

Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the dish and press it down firmly to create an even layer.

Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes. Once baked, allow to cool completely in the dish.

Prepare the Topping

Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler. Drizzle over the cooled bars and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.

Chill and Cut

Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set. Once hardened, remove from the dish, cut into squares, and enjoy!

These bars are perfect to store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Pro Tips

For an extra crunchy texture, consider adding some crushed hazelnuts to the top before chilling.

Variations to Try

While the original recipe is fantastic on its own, consider adding a pinch of spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile. You could also experiment by folding in other mix-ins, such as dried fruits like cherries or cranberries, which will introduce a chewy contrast to the bars. For a touch of sea salt, sprinkle a small amount on top just before the chocolate sets to enhance the chocolate’s richness.

If you want to jazz it up even more, try incorporating a layer of nut butter over the base before adding the chocolate topping. Almond butter or peanut butter complements the existing flavors beautifully and adds creaminess to each bite, resulting in a truly decadent treat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bars come out too crumbly, it may be due to insufficient mixing or not enough binding agent. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed, and consider adding a little more maple syrup or melted coconut oil to help with cohesion. On the other hand, if the bars seem too soft and don't hold their shape, they might need a bit longer in the fridge to set, so give them the full 30 minutes—or even longer if needed.

If the chocolate topping does not adhere properly to the bars, it might be because the chocolate was too thick. Melt your chocolate chips until they are smooth and glossy, which will help them spread easily. Meanwhile, ensure the bars are adequately cooled so the chocolate doesn't slide off; a little chill time can work wonders for a perfect topping.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these bars vegan?

Yes! The ingredients listed are already vegan-friendly.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I swap hazelnuts for another nut?

Absolutely! Almonds or cashews would work well as substitutes.

→ Is there a non-coconut option?

You can use oats instead of shredded coconut for a different texture.