These Nutella bars are an irresistible treat that combines rich chocolate, creamy Nutella, and a soft, chewy texture in every bite.
Quick to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, they’re also an option for balanced snacking—providing energy from healthy fats and protein while keeping preparation simple, making them ideal for busy weekdays or last-minute dessert needs.
Quick And Easy Nutella Bars
Equipment
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch square baking pan
- Cooking spray
- Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup Nutella divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, prepare a 9-inch square baking pan by lightly spraying it with cooking spray. This will ensure your Nutella bars don’t stick and come out cleanly after baking. If desired, you can also line the pan with parchment paper for extra easy removal.
- Combine Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, pour in 12 tablespoons of melted, slightly cooled butter, along with ¾ cup packed light brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. Using a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula, vigorously stir the mixture until it’s completely smooth and glossy. The goal is to dissolve the sugars into the butter, creating a rich, creamy base for your bars.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Next, add 2 large eggs to the butter-sugar mixture, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat or stir thoroughly until the eggs are fully combined and the batter is uniform in color and texture. This step ensures your bars will have a soft, chewy consistency with a balanced sweetness.
- Mix in Salt and Flour: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of salt to enhance the flavors of the chocolate and Nutella. Then, gradually fold in 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, stirring gently until the flour is just incorporated. Avoid overmixing at this stage; overworked flour can make the bars tough rather than soft and tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Add ¾ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter. Use a spatula to fold them evenly throughout the dough, making sure they’re distributed in every corner. This will ensure that each bar has pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
- Swirl in the First Portion of Nutella: Measure out ¼ cup of Nutella and drizzle it over the surface of the batter in the bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir only once to create ribbons of Nutella. The goal is not to fully mix it in but to create beautiful, visible swirls of chocolate-hazelnut flavor throughout the bars.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Scrape all of the prepared batter into your sprayed baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula so the surface is smooth. Make sure the corners are filled in completely for uniform baking.
- Swirl with Remaining Nutella: Take the remaining ¼ cup of Nutella and drop dollops evenly across the top of the batter. Using a knife, gently swirl the Nutella into the batter in a figure-eight or circular motion. This creates a marbled effect, ensuring each bar has pockets of gooey Nutella.
- Bake Until Golden and Slightly Jiggly: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 26 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center should still jiggle slightly when you tap the pan; it will continue to set as it cools. Baking too long can make the bars dry, so watch carefully.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—about 20 to 30 minutes. Cooling fully ensures clean slices and helps the Nutella set slightly without being runny.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the cooled bars into 12 equal squares. Serve them as a decadent dessert, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat for special occasions. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is melted but slightly cooled; hot butter can cook the eggs prematurely.
- Gently swirl the Nutella rather than fully mixing it in to create beautiful, gooey ribbons.
- Use room-temperature eggs for smoother incorporation into the batter.
- Don’t overbake—the edges should be golden, and the center slightly jiggly. Bars will continue to set as they cool.
- Feel free to customize: add nuts, try milk or dark chocolate chips, or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast.
Chef’s Secrets: Tips From Baking Pros
To get the perfect texture, remember that temperature matters.
Melted butter helps the sugars dissolve and keeps the bars soft, while overmixing the flour can make them tough.
For the best Nutella swirls, use a rubber spatula and fold gently—just one or two strokes.
If you want extra richness, toast the chocolate chips lightly before folding them in.
You can also line your pan with parchment for a smooth release. These small tweaks elevate the flavor and texture dramatically.
Serving Suggestions: Delicious Ways To Enjoy
Nutella bars are incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or cut them into smaller squares for an afternoon snack with coffee or tea.
They pair beautifully with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.
For gatherings, arrange them on a platter with assorted chocolates or nuts to impress guests.
They’re also kid-friendly and perfect for lunchboxes or casual office treats.
Storage Tips: Keep Bars Fresh Longer
To maintain soft, chewy texture, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze individual bars in layers with parchment paper between them for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen bars at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving.
Avoid storing them uncovered, as the edges can dry out and lose their signature gooeyness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes! Semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended, but you can substitute milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. Each will slightly change the flavor, but all are delicious.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
You can replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan chocolate and egg substitute. Texture may vary slightly, but the bars will still be rich and tasty.
3. How do I make the Nutella ribbons more prominent?
After drizzling Nutella over the batter, fold gently just once or twice. Overmixing blends it too much, while gentle swirling creates the perfect marbled effect.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch pans. Bake times may increase slightly, so check edges for golden color and a slightly jiggly center to avoid overbaking.
5. What is the best way to serve warm Nutella bars?
Warm bars in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to soften the chocolate and Nutella swirls. Serve with a scoop of ice cream, fresh berries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a simple but decadent treat.
