Delicious No-Bake Nutella Almond Bars: Easy, Healthy-ish & Irresistible Treat Recipe
As promised, get ready to dive into the world of pure bliss with these incredible Nutella Almond Bars! They are an absolute game-changer, perfectly blending decadent flavor with a surprisingly semi-healthy profile. You’d never guess they lean towards the wholesome side, because every bite tastes like you’re indulging in a luxurious chocolate candy bar – only better. Why better? Because these delightful treats are crafted with my undeniable, current obsession: Nutella. Seriously, I just can’t get enough of it!
My love affair with Nutella reached new heights when I stumbled upon a fantastic “twofer” pack at my local Costco. You simply have to adore the sheer convenience and value of buying in bulk, especially when it involves your favorite hazelnut spread. It was a seemingly ordinary shopping trip, as I ambled down the peanut butter and jam aisle, my cart laden with everyday essentials. Initially, my eyes scanned right past it, but then something clicked. A faint flicker of recognition, a whisper in my mind, urged me to do a double-take. I executed the classic “swirlaroo” maneuver, quickly pivoting and practically jogging back down the aisle, disbelief coloring my every step.
You see, what I thought I had glimpsed seemed too good to be true. But there it was, shining gloriously in its pristine plastic wrap, a magnificent two-pack of generously sized Nutella jars. I paused for a brief second, my jaw quite literally dropping to the floor, taking in the beautiful sight before me. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy for any true Nutella enthusiast.
After the initial shock and awe subsided, I rushed forward, scooped up the precious cargo, cradled it like a long-lost treasure, and then, in a moment of sheer triumph, hoisted it over my head. This, my friends, was a truly exciting moment! Two large jars of Nutella, bundled together in one magnificent pack! I felt like a champion, as if the universe had finally aligned in my favor. It was as if Costco itself was extending a personal thank you for my patronage with this glorious “twofer” of hazelnut-chocolate perfection. Life, I thought, simply doesn’t get any better than this. Oh, but wait. It absolutely does! I joyfully took that twofer pack home, wasted no time in crafting these exquisite Nutella Almond Bars, and then proceeded to devour them. Bam! My day, and indeed my life, just got exponentially better. This discovery not only brought pure happiness but also inspired the creation of these easy and delightful no-bake Nutella treats.
Beyond their ease of creation and delightful taste, aren’t these Nutella bars just the cutest little treats you’ve ever laid eyes on? Their rustic charm combined with their utterly irresistible flavor makes them a perfect addition to any dessert table or snack rotation. And trust me, their taste is downright delightful to boot. They offer a rich, chocolatey experience with a satisfying chewy texture, complemented by the subtle crunch of almonds and the tropical hint of coconut. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that truly elevates them beyond a simple dessert.
The beauty of these bars extends to their convenient storage. Once prepared, they need to be stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to savor each heavenly bite. This makes them an ideal make-ahead treat for parties, meal prep, or simply ensuring you always have a delicious, ready-to-eat snack on hand. Their firm texture, achieved through chilling, allows them to hold their shape beautifully, making them easy to handle and enjoy.
One of the most appealing aspects of these Nutella Almond Bars is how ridiculously easy they are to make. Seriously, you won’t believe the minimal effort required for such a delicious outcome. There’s no complicated baking involved, no multiple bowls to wash, and no extensive prep time. All you literally have to do is gather your simple ingredients, place them all into the bowl of a food processor, and pulse until the mixture comes together smoothly. This “no-bake” characteristic makes them perfect for hot summer days when you want a sweet treat without heating up your kitchen, or for those times when you need a quick dessert in a pinch. The food processor does all the heavy lifting, transforming humble ingredients into a cohesive, flavorful base in mere minutes.
The magic happens as the almonds break down into small, textural chunks, while the Nutella and flaxseed meal work their wonders to bind everything into a perfect consistency. This results in a bar that’s both satisfyingly chewy and subtly crunchy. The entire process, from start to finish, is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss, making these Nutella Almond Bars an absolute winner in any home kitchen. They’re proof that some of the best desserts don’t require an oven at all!
Nutella Almond Bars
Yield: 12 bars
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1/2 cup flaxseed meal
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Directions:
- Line a square 8-by-8 inch pan (or slightly smaller for thicker bars) with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides to easily lift the bars out later. This step is crucial for effortless removal and clean cuts.
- Place all of the measured ingredients – Nutella, raw almonds, flaxseed meal, and shredded coconut – into the bowl of a food processor. Begin to process the mixture, pulsing repeatedly. Continue blending until the ingredients come together to form a cohesive, slightly sticky mixture and the almonds are broken down into small, distinct chunks. This typically takes about 2 minutes, depending on your food processor’s power. Make sure to stop the processor occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated for an even consistency.
- Transfer the blended mixture from the food processor to your parchment-lined pan. Using the back of a spoon, your fingers, or a flat spatula, firmly press the mixture evenly into the pan. Ensure it forms a compact, smooth layer, pushing it into all corners to create a neat square.
- Once pressed, transfer the pan to the refrigerator. Allow the bars to chill and firm up for at least 2 hours. This refrigeration time is essential for the bars to set properly, making them easy to cut and handle.
- After chilling, lift the parchment paper overhang to remove the entire block from the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 12 equal bars using a sharp knife. For storage, place the bars in an airtight container. If stacking layers, separate each layer with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking. These delicious Nutella Almond Bars will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, though they rarely last that long!
Adapted from The Healthy Foodie
All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.
These No-Bake Nutella Almond Bars are not just easy; they are a truly versatile treat. Their simple ingredient list and straightforward preparation make them perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. The combination of rich Nutella with nutrient-dense almonds and flaxseed meal provides a satisfying snack that feels indulgent yet offers some wholesome goodness. They are also incredibly customizable – feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet and salty kick, or perhaps add a handful of mini chocolate chips into the mixture for an extra burst of cocoa flavor. For those who love variety, consider swapping out half of the shredded coconut for finely chopped dried cranberries for a fruity twist. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy them, these bars are bound to become a staple in your recipe collection, offering a quick and utterly delicious solution to satisfy any sweet craving.
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