Description
Mocha Hazelnut Pastry Bars are a must-try delight that combines rich chocolate and nutty hazelnuts with a hint of coffee.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, mixing them well before setting aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, ensuring each is well blended before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and instant coffee granules until fully integrated.
- Slowly introduce the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Carefully fold in the chopped hazelnuts and chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the bars are baking, warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in any leftover chocolate chips until they melt and create a smooth ganache.
- After baking, let the bars cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the chocolate ganache over the top before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter.
- Hazelnuts can be swapped for walnuts or pecans for a different nutty experience.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Mocha Hazelnut Pastry Bars, Chocolate Hazelnut Delight Bars