No-Bake Vegan Nutella Bars Recipe
If you are looking for a deliciously rich and satisfying treat that requires no oven time, this No-Bake Vegan Nutella Bars Recipe is the perfect answer. Imagine creamy hazelnut and chocolate layers nestled atop a chewy oat base, delivering that classic Nutella flavor in a wholesome, plant-based twist. These bars are not only simple to prepare but also packed with textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re craving a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a healthier dessert option, these bars bring a dreamy combination of hazelnut butter, maple syrup, and vegan chocolate that will win over vegans and non-vegans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this recipe are straightforward and easy to find, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and richness. From the wholesome oats providing a chewy foundation to the indulgent vegan chocolate ganache topping, every ingredient enhances these bars in its own unique way.
- 2 ½ cups Iswari Gluten-Free Oats Hazelnut Butter & Cacao: Adds a naturally nutty and chocolatey base while keeping the bars gluten-free and hearty.
- ¼ cup hazelnut butter: Brings smooth creaminess and intensifies the hazelnut flavor in the base layer.
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup: Acts as a natural sweetener, binding ingredients together with a delicate caramel note.
- 2 tbsp water: Helps to adjust the dough consistency for easy pressing into the pan.
- 7 oz vegan chocolate: The star of the ganache, delivering luscious, dairy-free richness and cocoa depth.
- â…” cup hazelnut butter: Combined with chocolate to create a velvety ganache topping.
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup: Adds sweetness and a slight sticky texture to the ganache.
- ¼ cup full fat canned coconut milk (thick part): Provides silky richness and a tropical creaminess to the chocolate layer.
- Toasted hazelnuts (optional): Sprinkle on top for a delightful crunch and extra nutty aroma.
How to Make No-Bake Vegan Nutella Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
First, toss the oats, hazelnut butter, and maple syrup into a food processor and blend them together until they form a sticky, combined mixture. Adding a bit of water here helps the mixture come together into a dough consistency that’s easy to press down. Keep in mind that if you’re using regular oats, you may need to tweak the water or oats ratio to get that perfect dough texture.
Step 2: Form and Chill the Base
Next, lightly grease and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper. Press the oat mixture firmly into the pan, smoothing the surface with a cake scraper or a flat-bottomed glass. This step is where you create that chewy foundation that holds the whole bar together. Once pressed evenly, pop the pan into the fridge to chill for one hour, allowing the base to firm up.
Step 3: Make the Ganache Topping
While the base chills, melt the vegan chocolate gently over a double boiler until smooth and glossy. Pour the melted chocolate into a blender along with hazelnut butter, maple syrup, and the thick coconut milk. Blend until creamy and well combined; this luscious ganache is what transforms these bars into a luscious, indulgent treat without any dairy.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Spread the ganache evenly over the chilled base using a spatula or cake scraper. Create some fun swirls on top with the back of a spoon for a beautiful homemade touch. If you love a bit of texture, scatter toasted hazelnuts on the top to add some roasted crunch and visual appeal.
Step 5: Final Chill and Slice
Allow your assembled bars to chill in the fridge for two hours to set the ganache firmly. Once set, slice into 10 generous servings and get ready to dive into that perfect combo of chewy, creamy, nutty, and chocolatey happiness.
How to Serve No-Bake Vegan Nutella Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are already stunning on their own, but you can easily elevate their look and flavor with extra garnishes. A sprinkle of crushed toasted hazelnuts adds a crunchy complement to the smooth ganache, while a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce makes them look extra fancy. Fresh berries or edible flowers can brighten the presentation beautifully too, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pairing these sumptuous bars with a light and refreshing side can perfectly balance their richness. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or a fresh fruit platter featuring citrus slices or berries, cut through the sweetness and add a burst of juiciness. For a cozy dessert moment, serve alongside a warm cup of plant-based milk latte or a peppermint herbal tea for a soothing finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering these bars into a clear glass jar for an impressive dessert presentation that highlights each decadent layer. They also work wonderfully cut into bite-sized squares for parties and gatherings, making them perfect finger foods. Another fun idea is to sandwich a dollop of vegan whipped cream or coconut yogurt between two bars for a decadent twist on classic ice cream sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, store your No-Bake Vegan Nutella Bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep beautifully for up to 5 days, making them an ideal make-ahead snack or dessert to enjoy throughout the week without sacrificing freshness or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some bars for longer, these freeze very well. Place individual bars on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to enjoy with their perfect texture intact.
Reheating
Since these bars are best served chilled, reheating isn’t typically necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as this can alter the ganache consistency and make the bars messy rather than delightfully firm.
FAQs
Can I use regular oats instead of gluten-free oats?
Yes, regular oats work fine but may require a little adjustment in the amount of water to achieve the right dough consistency. Just add a splash more water if it feels too dry or a bit more oats if it gets too wet.
Is it possible to substitute the hazelnut butter?
You can swap hazelnut butter for another nut or seed butter like almond or cashew, but it will slightly change the classic flavor. Hazelnut butter is key to getting that authentic Nutella taste, so try to stick to it if you want the full experience.
Do I need a food processor, or can I mix by hand?
A food processor makes combining the base ingredients and achieving a smooth texture a breeze, but if you don’t have one, you can mix the ingredients by hand using a sturdy spoon or your hands. Just be patient and ensure the mixture sticks together properly before pressing it into the pan.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Since hazelnuts and hazelnut butter are central to this recipe and the flavor profile, making it completely nut-free is difficult. You could experiment with seed butters like sunflower seed butter, but the nuttiness won’t be quite the same.
How do I know when the ganache is the right consistency?
The ganache should be smooth, creamy, and easy to spread without being runny. If it feels too thick after blending, add a little more coconut milk. If too thin, gently cool it to firm up before spreading.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this No-Bake Vegan Nutella Bars Recipe will become one of your favorite go-to treats. It’s that perfect fusion of indulgence and wholesome ingredients with zero baking involved. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or a simple personal delight, these bars offer a warm hug of chocolate and hazelnut that feels both comforting and special. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how easily these decadent bars come together and how quickly they disappear!
Print
No-Bake Vegan Nutella Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These No-Bake Nutella Bars are a vegan, gluten-free treat combining the rich flavors of hazelnut butter, gluten-free oats, and vegan chocolate ganache. Perfect for a quick, delicious dessert or snack, they require minimal preparation and no baking, making them an easy, indulgent option for any occasion.
Ingredients
Base
- 2 ½ cups Iswari Gluten-Free Oats Hazelnut Butter & Cacao
- ¼ cup hazelnut butter
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp water
Ganache Topping
- 7 oz vegan chocolate
- â…” cup hazelnut butter
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup full fat canned coconut milk (thick part from the top of the can)
Garnish
- Toasted hazelnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Add the oats, hazelnut butter, and maple syrup to a food processor and blend for a few minutes until combined. Add water and blend again until a dough forms. Adjust with more water if too dry or oats if too wet.
- Set the base: Lightly grease an 8-inch square pan and line with parchment paper. Press the dough evenly into the pan and smooth the surface. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Make the ganache topping: Melt vegan chocolate over a double boiler. In a blender, combine the melted chocolate, hazelnut butter, maple syrup, and thick coconut milk. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the bars: Spread the ganache evenly over the chilled base using a scraper or spatula. Create a swirl effect using the back of a spoon. Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts on top if desired.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until firm. Slice into bars and serve.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 5 days for best freshness.
Notes
- If using regular oats instead of gluten-free, adjust water and oats for proper dough consistency.
- Full-fat coconut milk’s thick top layer is essential for the creamy ganache texture.
- Optional toasted hazelnuts add crunch and extra flavor but can be omitted for a nut-free garnish alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan
