Discover the Indulgent Delights of Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Bars

What is a Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Bar?

A dark chocolate hazelnut bar is simply a chocolate bar made with dark chocolate and containing hazelnuts. The dark chocolate provides rich cocoa flavor and essential nutrients, while chopped and whole hazelnuts give a delightful crunch and nutty taste.

Ingredients

Most dark chocolate hazelnut bars contain just a few simple whole food ingredients:

• Dark chocolate
• Hazelnuts
• Sugar
• Cocoa butter
• Chocolate liquor
• Soy lecithin
• Vanilla

Many commercial brands opt for a chocolate cream filling made with cocoa powder and vegetable oils as well. But high quality artisan bars often skip the filling and let the chocolate and nuts shine instead.

Flavors and Varieties

While traditional dark chocolate and toasted hazelnut is a beloved combo, many bars now feature fun flavor twists such as:

• Sea salt
• Coffee
• Cinnamon
• Chili pepper
• Toffee
• Almond

The possibilities are nearly endless for customizing indulgent chocolate hazelnut bars by playing with ingredients and flavors.

Benefits and Nutrition

Indulging in a dark chocolate hazelnut bar offers several nutritional perks. Heres a look at some of the top benefits of its key ingredients:

Dark Chocolate Benefits

Studies show that high-cacao dark chocolate provides:

• Antioxidants for anti-aging and cellular protection
• Minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc and selenium
• Stimulants to boost mood, memory and energy levels
• Flavanols to lower blood pressure and improve circulation
• Fiber for digestive and cardiovascular health

Hazelnut Benefits

Meanwhile, hazelnuts add an infusion of:

• Plant-based protein
• Vitamin E to fight oxidative damage and inflammation
• Healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats
• Fiber, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc
• Antioxidants like quercetin and oleic acid

Contributes Beneficial Calories

A 1.5 ounce dark chocolate hazelnut bar provides around 230 calories. While certainly a treat, these calories deliver essential brain and body nourishing nutrients unlike empty junk food calories.

Choosing Quality Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Bars

Not all chocolate hazelnut bars are created equal when it comes to ingredients and taste. Heres what to look for when selecting a delicious and nutritious option:

High Cacao Percentage

Choose bars with at least 65% cacao content to maximize antioxidants and nutrients compared to milk chocolate. The cacao percentage indicates how much actual cocoa bean content is present.

Ethical Sourcing

Opt for fair trade bars sourced from eco-friendly, sustainable cacao farms to support livable worker conditions and farming communities.

Minimal Process and Refining

Seek out bars made using traditional techniques like stone grinding and without harsh processing like dutched alkalization which can destroy antioxidant flavanols present in cacao.

Simple, Quality Ingredients

Scan ingredient lists and select bars without excessive additives like vegetable oils, corn syrup or chemical emulsifiers. The fewer ingredients, the better.

Artisan Craftsmanship

Well-crafted dark chocolate hazelnut bars from small batch chocolate makers ensure meticulous flavor and texture care from start to finish.

Delectable Ways to Enjoy Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Bars

From creative desserts to easy snacks, here are mouthwatering ways to indulge in chocolate hazelnut bar deliciousness:

Simple Snacking

Break off a couple squares to enjoy straight up for an afternoon pick me up or after dinner treat. The nuts offer staying power to avoid energy crashes later.

Crumble on Yogurt or Oatmeal

Sprinkle crushed up chocolate hazelnut shards over plain Greek yogurt or overnight oats. The sweet and salty nut pieces take these snacks up a notch.

Blend into Milkshakes

Chop up a bar and mix into your next milkshake for a decadent chocolate hazelnut flavor boost.

Swirl into Ice Cream

Let pieces soften slightly and stir them into bowls of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a frozen twist.

Bake into Desserts

Incorporate chopped bars or hazelnut spread into cookies, brownies, cake batter and more for extra indulgence.

Craft Chocolate Bark

Melt bars with extra chocolate and nuts then spread onto parchment paper for beautiful homemade chocolate barks.

Whip up Chocolate Hazelnut Butter

Process bars in a food processor to create luscious homemade chocolate hazelnut butter spreads perfect for toast or fruit dips.

Storing and Serving Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Bars

Follow these tips for storing and serving dark chocolate hazelnut bars optimally:

Storage

Wrap opened bars tightly in parchment paper then foil and store at cool room temperature away from direct light in an airtight container. Refrigeration can cause sugar bloom.

Shelf Life

When stored properly in a dark, room temperature spot, dark chocolate hazelnut bars keep fresh for up to one year past the production date.

Serving Temperature

Let bars come to room temperature before serving to allow flavors to fully emerge and for an optimal smooth, glossy texture.

Wine and Spirit Pairings

Try matching dark chocolate hazelnut bars with bold reds like Cabernet or Port or spirits like Frangelico, whiskey, cognac or dark rum.

Homemade Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Bar Recipes

Once you taste gourmet dark chocolate hazelnut bars, your standard Nutella on toast just wont cut it anymore. Satisfy cravings by whipping up nutrient-dense homemade versions like:

4-Ingredient Magic Bars

Layer chocolate chips, hazelnuts, sweetened condensed milk and coconut flakes in a pan then chill to slice into no-bake magic bar bliss.

5-Minute Chocolate Hazelnut Energy Bites

Quickly mix oats, nut butter, maple syrup, cocoa powder and chopped hazelnuts into energy bite dough. Roll into balls and devour.

Easy Chocolate Hazelnut Butter

Blend hazelnuts and quality dark chocolate bars in a food processor until smooth then spread on everything imaginable.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.