When I was a kid, my family always kept a stash of Ferrero Rocher chocolates hidden away for special occasions. The excitement of unwrapping that golden foil, the smell of rich chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of hazelnuts was pure joy.
Fast forward to today, and while my love for those little bites of heaven hasn’t faded, my desire for healthier, homemade treats has grown. So, I decided to create a cleaner, plant-based version of this classic treat—Homemade Ferrero Rocher Bars! With a few simple swaps and a lot of experimenting in the kitchen, I was able to perfect my Homemade Ferrero Rocher Bars recipe. Now, I can indulge in that same indulgent taste, but without all the unhealthy ingredients. And that’s not all—I’ve also been working on perfecting a homemade twix bars recipe, so I can enjoy another childhood favorite in a healthier way.
These little bars are just as decadent as the original, but they’re made with only six simple ingredients and no refined sugar. It’s like having your cake and eating it too!
The Ingredients for Your Healthy Chocolate Fix
Making these bars is super easy, and you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. They’re made with natural, wholesome ingredients that are not only delicious but also good for you.
For the Base:
- 1 cup (140g) hazelnuts: The star of the show! Hazelnuts give these bars that signature Ferrero Rocher flavor. Plus, they’re rich in healthy fats and vitamin E.
- 1 cup (100g) ground almonds: Almonds add a nice texture and are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- 12 large Medjool dates: These naturally sweet and sticky dates help bind the base together and add a caramel-like sweetness without any added sugar.
- 1/4 cup (60g) peanut butter or chocolate hazelnut butter: This adds a creamy, nutty flavor and helps bind the ingredients together. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand!
- 3 tbsp cacao powder: For that rich, chocolatey taste. Cacao powder is packed with antioxidants and gives these bars a deep chocolate flavor.
For the Topping:
- 150g dark vegan chocolate (at least 70% cocoa): The higher the cocoa content, the better! This keeps the chocolate rich and slightly bitter, which balances the sweetness of the dates.
- 2 tbsp peanut or chocolate hazelnut butter: Adding nut butter to the melted chocolate creates a softer, more manageable topping that cuts easily and adds a layer of creamy flavor.
- Chopped hazelnuts to decorate: For a bit of crunch and a beautiful finish.
How to Make Homemade Ferrero Rocher Bars
These bars are quick to make and don’t require any baking, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your treats!
1️⃣ Prepare the Base:
Start by adding all the base ingredients to a food processor. Blend until the mixture is fully combined and forms a sticky dough. You want the nuts to be finely ground with no large pieces remaining. If the mixture seems a bit dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or maple syrup (if you prefer a sweeter base) and blend again. This will help everything come together nicely.
2️⃣ Press into a Tin:
Once your base is ready, press it firmly into a lined loaf tin. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to press it down evenly. Pop the tin in the fridge while you prepare the topping. This helps the base firm up and makes it easier to spread the chocolate on top.
3️⃣ Make the Chocolate Topping:
Melt the dark chocolate gently in a microwave or over a double boiler. Once melted, stir in the nut butter until it’s fully combined and smooth. This creates a luscious, creamy topping that’s easy to cut through once set.
4️⃣ Assemble the Bars:
Pour the chocolate mixture over the chilled base, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts over the top while the chocolate is still wet, pressing them down slightly so they stick. Place the tin back in the fridge for about an hour or until the chocolate has set completely.
Storing and Enjoying Your Bars
These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prep or when you need a quick, satisfying snack. They’re great straight from the fridge or at room temperature, and they pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for the Perfect Ferrero Rocher Bars
- Use Fresh Nuts: Fresh hazelnuts and almonds will give the best flavor. If your nuts have been sitting around for a while, consider toasting them lightly in a dry pan to bring out their natural oils and enhance their flavor.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter treat, feel free to add a bit more maple syrup to the base or use a sweeter variety of dates.
- Experiment with Nut Butters: While I love the flavor of peanut butter in these bars, you can easily switch it up with almond butter, cashew butter, or even a homemade chocolate hazelnut spread for an extra indulgent twist.
Servings | Chilling Time | Cuisine | Meal Type |
---|---|---|---|
14 bars | 1 hour | American | Snack/Dessert |
These Homemade Ferrero Rocher Bars are a deliciously healthy take on a classic favorite. With just six simple ingredients and no refined sugars, they’re a treat you can feel good about enjoying. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack to get you through the afternoon or a healthy dessert to share with friends, these bars are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
No Bake Ferrero Rocher Bars
Ingredients
Base ingredients:
- 1 cup 140g hazelnuts
- 1 cup 100g ground almonds
- 12 large medjool dates
- ¼ cup 60g peanut butter or choc hazelnut butter
- 3 tbsp cacao powder
Topping ingredients:
- 150 g dark vegan chocolate at least 70% cocoa
- 2 tbsp peanut or chocolate hazelnut butter
- Chopped hazelnuts to decorate
Instructions
- Blend all the base ingredients together in a food processor until fully combined. It should be sticky and soft with no large nut pieces remaining. If it seems dry add 1-2 tbsp water (or maple if you prefer things sweeter) and blend again
- Press down into a lined loaf tin and refrigerate whilst you make the topping
- Melt the chocolate then stir through the nut butter and spread over the top and then sprinkle over the chopped nuts and put back into the fridge to set
Notes
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different nut instead of hazelnuts?
A: Absolutely! While hazelnuts give these bars their classic Ferrero Rocher flavor, you can use almonds, cashews, or any nut you prefer.
Q: Is there a substitute for Medjool dates?
A: Yes, if you don’t have Medjool dates, you can use any other soft date variety. Just make sure to adjust the quantity as needed to get the right texture. If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
Q: How can I make these bars nut-free?
A: To make these bars nut-free, you can substitute the hazelnuts and almond flour with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. For the nut butter, use sunflower seed butter or tahini. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Q: How should I store these bars?
A: Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can also be frozen for up to a month.
Enjoy these delicious homemade Ferrero Rocher bars and feel good about indulging in a healthier treat! 🍫🌰
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