Name: Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Bars (Vegan, Raw, Paleo) Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Paleo
Ingredients: 1 cup almonds; 1/2 cup desiccated coconut; 1/3 cup Medjool dates; 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 4 ounces unsweetened dark chocolate; Pinch of sea salt; 2 cups cashews (soaked for at least 1 hour and drained); 1 ounce unsweetened dark chocolate; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 2 tablespoons maple syrup or 2-3 dates (adds sweetness and softens texture); 2 tablespoons coconut oil; Non-dairy milk (coconut milk recommended, as needed to adjust texture); Pinch of salt; 1 ounce unsweetened dark chocolate (for drizzling, optional, makes bars not raw); 1 tablespoon coconut oil (for melting chocolate topping, optional); 1/2 cup hazelnuts (peeled, toasted, and chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 28 reviews

If you're on the hunt for a truly indulgent yet wholesome treat, the Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Bars (Vegan, Raw, Paleo) Recipe is going to win your heart. These bars are a harmonious blend of rich chocolate, crunchy hazelnuts, and naturally sweet dates, all wrapped in a nourishing, grain-free crust. They offer a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures with no refined sugar in sight, making them a guilt-free pleasure that suits a variety of dietary lifestyles. Whether you need a midday pick-me-up or a show-stopping dessert, these bars deliver flavor and nutrition beautifully.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows six small white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each containing different ingredients: the top bowl is filled with whole brown hazelnuts; to the right, a bowl holds three dark brown dates that look glossy; below the hazelnuts, a bowl is filled with white shredded coconut, which has a rough, flaky texture; next to the coconut is a bowl with light brown protein powder that has a smooth, powdery texture; below the protein powder is a bowl with reddish-brown cocoa powder, finely ground and slightly mounded; next to the cocoa powder is a smaller bowl with white salt grains, partially filled; below the salt is a white bowl containing clear water, reflecting light softly. On the right side next to the bowls is a brown package labeled

Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to bring a unique flavor, texture, or nutritional boost. From the creamy cashews to the toasted hazelnuts, every element plays a crucial role in making these bars irresistibly delicious and satisfyingly wholesome.

Almonds (1 cup): Provide a crunchy, nutty base that forms the perfect grain-free crust.

Desiccated coconut (½ cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and chewy texture to the crust.
Medjool dates (⅓ cup): Naturally sweet binder that keeps the crust together while imparting rich caramel notes.
Coconut oil (2 tablespoons): Enhances richness and helps bind ingredients with healthy fats.

Unsweetened dark chocolate (4 ounces): The star of the show bringing deep chocolate flavor without any added sugar.
Pinch of sea salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate and nut flavors.
Cashews (2 cups, soaked): Soaked to create a creamy filling with a smooth texture.

Unsweetened dark chocolate (1 ounce): Blended into the filling to deepen the chocolate richness.
Sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Elevates the flavor profile of the filling for a perfect taste experience.
Maple syrup or extra dates (2 tablespoons or 2-3 dates): Adds natural sweetness to the filling – dates will make it softer.

Coconut oil (2 tablespoons): Supports the silky texture in the filling.
Non-dairy milk (as needed): Usually coconut milk, used to adjust filling consistency for smoothness.
Additional unsweetened dark chocolate (1 ounce, optional): For a final glossy topping, note that this makes the bars not raw.

Additional coconut oil (1 tablespoon, optional): Used with final chocolate melt to enhance shine and texture.
Hazelnuts (½ cup, peeled, toasted, and chopped): Adds delightful crunch and a toasty flavor finish.

How to Make Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Bars (Vegan, Raw, Paleo) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Hazelnuts

Start by lining your pan with parchment paper for easy removal. If you want that extra depth of flavor, roast the hazelnuts at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes until golden and fragrant. Once cooled, rub them gently to remove the skins—this step is what unlocks that perfect toasty crunch.

Step 2: Soak the Cashews

Soak your cashews in water for at least an hour to soften them thoroughly. This makes blending easier and ensures the filling becomes creamy and luscious, without any gritty texture.

Step 3: Make the Crust

In a food processor, pulse together almonds, desiccated coconut, dates, coconut oil, dark chocolate, and a pinch of sea salt until the mixture sticks together when pressed. This crust is your base, so press it evenly into your prepared pan. It should feel firm yet pliable—perfect for holding all the filling on top.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Add soaked cashews, an additional ounce of dark chocolate, sea salt, maple syrup (or dates), coconut oil, and non-dairy milk into the food processor. Blend until silky smooth—it should have a creamy pudding-like consistency. Adjust the texture by adding more coconut oil if it feels too stiff or more non-dairy milk if too runny. Sweeten to taste and pour this heavenly filling over your crust.

Step 5: Chill the Bars

Pop the pan into the freezer for at least 30 minutes so the filling sets up and firms nicely, making the bars easier to slice later on.

Step 6: Melt the Topping Chocolate

Using a double boiler method, gently melt the remaining chocolate together with coconut oil over low heat. This will create a glossy drizzle that amps up the chocolate intensity and adds a beautiful finish.

Step 7: Decorate and Chill

Remove your bars from the freezer, drizzle them elegantly with the melted chocolate, then sprinkle on those toasted hazelnut pieces. Press the nuts down lightly to ensure they stick well. Return the bars to the freezer and chill for another hour until set.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once firm, cut into squares using a sharp knife. These bars are best served chilled and can be stored in the fridge to maintain their perfect texture.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Bars (Vegan, Raw, Paleo) Recipe

A square chocolate dessert bar sits on a round white plate with a slight rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The bar is topped with dark chocolate drizzle and scattered pieces of light brown hazelnuts, with visible texture on the bar’s sides showing bits of nuts or grains inside. In the blurred background, there is a white ceramic cup filled with dark coffee, some hazelnuts scattered around, a silver spoon resting on a gray cloth, and parts of a dark textured fabric, all set on the white marbled surface. The lighting is soft, giving a cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top right before serving to enhance the chocolate’s depth. Fresh raspberries or a dusting of cocoa powder can add a beautiful, fresh touch to these bars when you want to impress guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a crisp cup of herbal tea or a frothy coconut milk latte for a lovely snack pairing. They also complement a fresh fruit salad perfectly for a balanced dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, serve the bars stacked on a decorative tray lined with parchment. You can layer slices with little dollops of coconut whipped cream and garnish with whole toasted hazelnuts for a gourmet twist that's super inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cool temperature preserves their texture and keeps them fresh, so you can enjoy a wholesome treat any time.

Freezing

Freezing is a fantastic option if you want to make a big batch ahead. Wrap individual bars tightly or store them in a sealed container between layers of parchment paper. They freeze well for up to two months.

Reheating

You don’t really need to reheat these bars at all—best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you want to soften them slightly, leave them out on the counter for 10-15 minutes before serving for the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts would work beautifully and add their own unique flavor and crunch.

Is this recipe truly raw?

The original recipe is raw if you skip roasting the hazelnuts and the optional melted chocolate topping. Roasting or melting chocolate warms the ingredients above 118°F, which means not strictly raw but still wholesome.

How do I make this recipe nut-free?

Since nuts are a key part of the flavor and texture, nut-free is a bit tricky, but you can experiment with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds and adjust liquids and sweeteners for a similar consistency.

Can I use a different sweetener than maple syrup or dates?

Yes! Agave nectar or coconut nectar also work well, but keep in mind they may affect the texture slightly.

What if I want the bars to be firmer?

Try chilling the bars longer or adding a bit more coconut oil to the filling. Also, ensure you press the crust firmly to give a solid base.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give the Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Bars (Vegan, Raw, Paleo) Recipe a try, because every bite feels like a cozy hug wrapped in chocolate and nuts. Simple ingredients, easy prep, and rich flavors all combine to create a snack that’s as nourishing as it is decadent. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become your go-to treat for whenever you want something homemade, wholesome, and absolutely delicious.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Hazelnut Bars (Vegan, Raw, Paleo) Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need