If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for a spoonful of Nutella straight from the jar, you’re not alone—and you’re going to love Nutella Bars. These decadent, gooey, and ultra-satisfying dessert bars blend the nostalgic comfort of homemade cookie dough with the sophisticated indulgence of chocolate-hazelnut spread. With Google Trends showing a steady rise in interest for “Nutella desserts,” it’s clear that this iconic spread is a staple in kitchens around the world.
But what makes Nutella Bars truly stand out is their ease. In under 45 minutes, you can have a pan full of rich, chewy bars that look bakery-worthy but are simple enough for a beginner baker. At SofyaRecipes, founder Sofya Petrova—a Chicago-born culinary expert—believes in elevating the everyday. Her approach to food celebrates bold flavors, creative pairings, and confidence in the kitchen, and these Nutella Bars are a delicious example of that mission in action.
Ingredients List
Creating Nutella Bars doesn’t require any special equipment or obscure ingredients—just everyday pantry staples and a generous scoop of Nutella. Each component adds its own magic, from the richness of melted butter to the depth of brown sugar. Here’s your go-to list:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional but delicious)
- 1 heaping cup of Nutella
Looking to make substitutions? Try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option, or use a gluten-free flour blend like almond flour for a celiac-friendly version. Dairy-free? Swap the butter for coconut oil and use vegan chocolate chips. You can even experiment with spreads like homemade peanut butter or almond-hazelnut blends to customize the flavor profile ana Muffins or Hazelnut Chocolate Lava Cakes, two fan-favorites on SofyaRecipes.
Timing
Speed and simplicity are the hallmarks of this recipe. With no mixer required and minimal prep, these bars are a lifesaver when time is short and cravings strike hard. Here’s the full timing breakdown:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
Compared to more complex layered desserts like cheesecakes or filled cupcakes, Nutella Bars come together in nearly half the time. Plus, they don’t require chilling or frosting—just slice and serve. If you’re pressed for time, pair them with our 5-Minute Chocolate Mug Cake for an effortless dessert duo.e.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving extra over the edges so you can lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the paper or use non-stick spray. This simple trick ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be thick and creamy, like the base of a classic chocolate chip cookie dough.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as no streaks of flour remain. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in now for extra bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Step 4: Layer the Dough and Nutella
Spread half of the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan. It will be thick, so press it into the corners with a spatula or your fingertips. Next, gently warm the Nutella in the microwave (10–15 seconds is enough) and spread it in an even layer over the base dough. Then, drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough on top and carefully spread it out to cover the Nutella.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect). Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the approximate nutrition per serving (1 of 24 bars):
- Calories: 260
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Fiber: 1g
Nutella Bars are undeniably indulgent, but their rich flavor means a little goes a long way. For a lighter option, serve smaller portions alongside fresh fruit or use our healthier Nutella alternative for a less sugary spin.
Healthier Alternatives
Looking to lighten things up? There are several easy modifications you can make to this recipe:
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version
- Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or whole wheat flour
- Swap Nutella for a lower-sugar hazelnut spread or almond butter
- Substitute sugar with coconut sugar or a mix of maple syrup and monk fruit sweetener
- Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate for added antioxidants
You can even skip the chocolate chips altogether and swirl in a bit of mashed banana or pumpkin puree to reduce sugar and add moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Nutella Bars can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled for a firmer texture. Want to dress them up?
- Top warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish
- Cut into mini squares for party platters
- Stack with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast
They also make excellent gifts—wrap individual squares in wax paper or package a batch in a festive tin. Great for holidays, birthdays, or as part of a dessert table with other favorites like Blueberry Banana Nut Bread or Classic Vanilla Cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe like this, there are a few common pitfalls:
- Overbaking: Nutella Bars should be slightly gooey in the center. Overbaking will dry them out and ruin the texture.
- Overmixing the dough: This leads to tough, dense bars. Mix just until the flour disappears.
- Using cold Nutella: This makes spreading difficult and can tear your base dough. Warm it slightly first.
- Cutting too soon: Let the bars cool before slicing to avoid a crumbly mess.
Take your time and follow each step closely. The extra care will pay off with perfectly gooey bars that hold their shape and wow every bite.
Storing Tips
Nutella Bars store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you need them to last longer:
- Refrigerate: Keep in a sealed container for up to 7 days. Let come to room temp before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic and freeze in a container or zip bag. Thaw at room temperature for one hour or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
These are great for make-ahead treats, school lunches, or midnight cravings. If you’re into batch baking, consider pairing them with freezer-friendly treats like Raspberry Cheesecake Bars or Strawberry Shortcake for variety.
Conclusion
Nutella Bars are the perfect storm of flavor, texture, and ease. With a buttery cookie base, a rich Nutella center, and endless room for customization, they’ve earned a top spot in the SofyaRecipes dessert lineup. Whether you’re baking them for a crowd or just for yourself, they offer that magic combination of homemade comfort and gourmet taste.
No special tools, no complicated techniques—just real ingredients and a little kitchen joy. So preheat that oven, grab your favorite mixing bowl, and discover the reason these Nutella Bars are stealing hearts (and taste buds) everywhere.
Ready to bake? Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments. Don’t forget to explore more delicious ideas from our growing dessert collection like Moist Chocolate Cake or Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups.
