Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars

Name: Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped; 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup maple syrup; 1/4 cup almond flour; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Soft Meals

I absolutely love making Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars because they combine my favorite flavors into a delightful treat. The combination of rich chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts, and the subtle sweetness of coconut creates a perfect balance. Whenever I serve these bars, everyone asks for the recipe. They are not only delicious but also simple to prepare and bring a bit of indulgence to any occasion. Trust me, they will quickly become a go-to dessert in your home!

Created by

Opal Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-14T01:21:37.069Z

When I first made these Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars, I couldn’t believe how quickly they disappeared. The key to their flavor lies in toasting the hazelnuts beforehand, which really enhances their nuttiness. I've tried several variations, but this one hits the mark every time. Use quality chocolate for the best flavor; you'll be amazed at the difference.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize the sweetness or even throw in some dried fruit or other nuts. Plus, these bars can be stored in the fridge, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack. I often find myself reaching for them midday!

Why You Will Love These Bars
Decadent chocolate flavor combined with crunchy hazelnuts
Chewy coconut texture that adds a delightful twist
Perfectly portioned for an indulgent snack or dessert

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars plays a crucial role in both flavor and texture. The hazelnuts provide a rich, nutty flavor that complements the dark chocolate beautifully. Toasting them enhances their natural oils and adds an aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish. On the other hand, the shredded coconut introduces a unique chewiness, providing a delightful contrast to the crunchy nuts and smooth chocolate, ensuring that each bite is a textural delight.

Dark chocolate is not just a sweet indulgence; its robust flavor balances the natural sweetness of maple syrup. This syrup is used not only as a sweetener but also as a binding agent, helping to create a chewy texture that’s integral to the bars. If you're looking for a substitute for maple syrup, agave syrup works well, although it may impart a slightly different flavor. Just remember that each type of syrup can affect the final texture slightly, so adjustments may be needed.

Perfecting the Technique

When melting the chocolate, it's important to use a microwave-safe bowl and stir every 30 seconds to prevent burning. Overheated chocolate can become lumpy or seize, ruining its smooth consistency. If this happens, a splash of coconut oil can help restore the chocolate’s glossy finish. Alternatively, you can melt chocolate using a double boiler for even more control over the temperature, especially if you’re unsure about microwave timings.

Pressing the mixture firmly into the baking dish is essential. This step not only helps in creating a compact bar but also ensures that the bars hold together after baking. Use the back of a measuring cup to firmly pack down the mixture, creating an even surface. Make sure to let the bars cool fully before slicing; this allows them to set properly, which can be tempting to rush but is crucial for achieving clean cuts.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create these decadently delicious bars:

Ingredients for Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars

1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup almond flour
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars:

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the toasted hazelnuts, shredded coconut, almond flour, and sea salt. Mix until well combined.

Melt the chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Combine and pour into the pan

Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing down firmly.

Bake and cool

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until set. Let them cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment overhang.

Cut and serve

Once cooled, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Hazelnut Coconut Bars!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking for a sweet and salty finish.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. However, for longer freshness, consider refrigerating them, which will extend their shelf life to about two weeks. If you want to enjoy them cold, simply take them out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly, enhancing the flavor profile.

For an elevated serving idea, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cut bars or dusting them with toasted coconut flakes for added visual appeal. Pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a decadent dessert experience. You can also serve them with a side of fresh berries, which adds a refreshing contrast to their rich flavor.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is a classic, feel free to experiment with flavors! For a fruity twist, consider adding dried cranberries or cherries to the mixture. These will not only enhance the flavor but also add a pop of color. If you're feeling adventurous, try swapping half of the hazelnuts for walnuts or pecans for a different nutty undertone that works harmoniously with the chocolate and coconut.

If you want to make the bars a bit lighter or gluten-free, substitute the almond flour with oat flour or ground almonds. Both will offer similar binding properties without compromising on taste. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, but the overall richness and chewy texture will remain delightful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any nuts you like, such as almonds or walnuts.

→ How do I store these bars?

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

→ Is there a vegan option?

Yes, just use dairy-free chocolate chips to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

→ Can these bars be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.