I’m about to share my absolute favorite treat that combines two irresistible elements: buttery oat crumble and creamy Nutella. These Nutella Crumble Bars have that perfect contrast of textures—crisp, golden crust with a silky chocolate-hazelnut center that’ll make your taste buds dance. They’re surprisingly simple to whip up but look like you spent hours in the kitchen. Want to know the secret to getting that perfect balance of crumbly topping and gooey middle? There’s a little trick I’ve discovered that makes all the difference.
Why You’ll Love these Irresistible Nutella Crumble Bars
Every single bite of these Nutella Crumble Bars delivers a perfect balance of buttery crunch and chocolate-hazelnut bliss. I’m talking about a heavenly marriage of textures—crisp, oaty layers sandwiching that smooth, rich Nutella center.
What makes these bars truly special? The contrast between the crumbly, slightly salty crust and that creamy chocolate filling. And let’s not forget the decadent chocolate drizzle on top, adding another dimension of sweetness.
Perfect for dessert, snacks, or, who am I kidding, breakfast. No judgment here! They’re simple to make but taste like you spent hours.
What Ingredients are in Irresistible Nutella Crumble Bars?
To create these mouthwatering Nutella Crumble Bars, you’ll need a perfect balance of pantry staples and that magical chocolate-hazelnut spread we all adore.
- 1 stick unsalted butter, cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned work equally well)
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup Nutella
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
The quality of your Nutella makes a big difference in these bars, so while store brands might work in a pinch, I recommend using the real deal for that authentic chocolate-hazelnut flavor that makes these treats simply irresistible.
How to Make these Irresistible Nutella Crumble Bars
Making these Nutella Crumble Bars is surprisingly simple, and the results are absolutely divine. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8×8 baking pan—this prep work makes all the difference for clean removal later.
In a large bowl, combine 3/4 cup oats, 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Add in 1 stick of unsalted butter (already cut into chunks) and use your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly mixture. There’s something wonderfully tactile about this step, watching the butter transform those separate ingredients into a cohesive crumble.
Next comes the layering magic. Press half of your crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan to create a solid base, then pop it in the oven for about 8 minutes. While it’s baking, gently warm 1 cup of Nutella in the microwave for 20-30 seconds—just enough to make it more spreadable but not hot. Once the crust comes out of the oven, spread that gloriously smooth Nutella over the warm base, then sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly on top. Back into the oven it goes for 20-25 minutes, until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like heaven, trust me.
For special occasions, you could also use a Waffle Maker Premium to create unique shaped Nutella treats with the same crumble mixture. For the finishing touch that takes these bars from great to extraordinary, melt 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips with 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil. The oil gives the chocolate that perfect drizzling consistency. Once melted, artfully drizzle this chocolate mixture over the still-warm bars. Now comes the hardest part—waiting. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, and for truly clean slices (perfect for photos or impressive presentations), chill the bars in the refrigerator for an hour before cutting. The contrast between the crunchy oat crumble and that silky Nutella center is worth every minute of patience.
What to Serve with Irresistible Nutella Crumble Bars
These rich, decadent Nutella Crumble Bars deserve the perfect companions to create a complete dessert experience. I love pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, which melts slightly against the warm bars, creating a heavenly contrast of temperatures.
A dollop of freshly whipped cream works wonders too, cutting through the chocolate intensity. For drinks, try a glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or even a dessert wine if you’re feeling fancy.
Want something fruity? Add sliced strawberries or raspberries alongside for a tart balance to the sweetness.
Leftovers and Storage for these Irresistible Nutella Crumble Bars
Now that we’ve covered the perfect pairings, let’s talk about what happens after everyone’s had their fill. These delicious Nutella bars will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Want them to last longer? Pop them in the fridge for a week of chocolate-hazelnut bliss.
You can even freeze these treats for up to 3 months. Just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Defrost at room temperature when those late-night cravings hit.
Remember my tip about chilling before cutting? This works wonders for storage too.
Irresistible Nutella Crumble Bars Substitutions and Variations
Three simple tweaks can transform these Nutella Crumble Bars into completely different treats while keeping that irresistible texture we all crave. First, swap Nutella for peanut butter or cookie butter—trust me, the results are mind-blowing. Second, mix in dried cherries or cranberries to the crumble for a tart contrast against the sweet spread. Finally, consider adding chopped nuts (walnuts or hazelnuts work beautifully) to the topping for extra crunch.
Feeling adventurous? Try a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom in the crumble mixture. The warming spices elevate these bars from delicious to unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
I’ve fallen head over heels for these Nutella Crumble Bars, and I’m betting you’ll too. There’s something magical about that perfect balance of buttery crumble against rich, creamy Nutella that makes these bars impossible to resist.
What’s not to love? They’re simple enough for baking novices but impressive enough for company. That final chocolate drizzle takes them from homey to heavenly in seconds.
Remember to chill before cutting if you’re after those picture-perfect squares. Though honestly, who’s the patience when these beauties are calling your name?
If you enjoy these bars, you might also love making cookies with cookie butter spread for another irresistible treat with a similar warm, spiced flavor profile.