Nutella Shortbread Bars
If you’re looking for a decadent treat that combines the rich, creamy goodness of chocolate hazelnut spread with the buttery, crumbly texture of shortbread, look no further than these Nutella Shortbread Bars. Perfectly sweetened and incredibly satisfying, these bars are an indulgent delight that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, treating yourself, or looking for a delicious dessert to impress your family, these bars are sure to please everyone. Let’s dive into the details that make these Nutella Shortbread Bars a must-bake!
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
Nutella Shortbread Bars are an epitome of comfort food that everyone can enjoy. The combination of buttery shortbread and luscious Nutella creates a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist. They’re easy to make, requiring minimal fuss in the kitchen, and the end result is a stunning dessert that looks as good as it tastes. Each bar offers a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making them ideal for any occasion from casual family dinners to fancy gatherings. Plus, who can say no to Nutella?
Ingredient Breakdown
To whip up these delightful treats, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (3 sticks) butter, at room temperature – This is the base for your shortbread, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar – Adds a deep, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with Nutella.
- 3/4 cup granulated white sugar – For that perfect balance of sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 3/4 teaspoons salt – A crucial ingredient that elevates the sweetness of the bars.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour – The main structure of the shortbread base.
- 1 cup Nutella (or another brand of chocolate hazelnut spread) – The star of the show, providing creamy chocolatey goodness.
- Powdered sugar – For dusting on top, adding a touch of elegance and sweetness.
Equipment Breakdown
Before you get started, gather the following equipment:
- Mixing bowl – For combining your ingredients.
- Electric mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugars a breeze.
- 9×13 inch baking pan – The perfect size for these bars.
- Parchment paper – To line your baking pan for easy removal.
- Spatula – For spreading the batter evenly.
- Cooling rack – To cool your bars before slicing.
Nutella Shortbread Bars: How It’s Done
Creating these Nutella Shortbread Bars is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps to achieve the perfect treat:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This step is key to getting the bars out without breaking them.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Salt
Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined. The aroma of the vanilla will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste!
Step 5: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough bars.
Step 6: Spread the Dough
Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the prepared baking pan. You want a nice, even layer that will hold the Nutella.
Step 7: Add the Nutella
Spread the Nutella over the layer of dough, making sure to cover it evenly. This will be the luscious center of your bars.
Step 8: Crumble the Remaining Dough
Take the remaining dough and crumble it over the Nutella layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect; some gaps are okay as they will create a beautiful texture once baked.
Step 9: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. The aroma will be irresistible!
Step 10: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for that extra touch of sweetness.
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
If you’re looking to make some adjustments to the recipe, consider these swaps:
- Butter – You can use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Nutella – Any chocolate hazelnut spread can work, or you can opt for a homemade version if you prefer.
- All-purpose flour – For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Sugars – Coconut sugar can be used for a more natural sweetener, but adjust the measurements as needed.
Pro Perspective
When it comes to baking, precision is key but don’t forget the joy of creativity! Feel free to mix in some chopped hazelnuts for added crunch or swirl in some caramel before baking for a fun twist. These Nutella Shortbread Bars are incredibly versatile, so let your imagination run wild. The texture of shortbread is meant to be crumbly, but if you find your dough is too dry, a splash of milk can help bring it together without compromising the flavor. Enjoy every step of the baking process, and don’t be afraid to taste as you go!
Make-Ahead & Storage
These Nutella Shortbread Bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, they also freeze beautifully. Just wrap the sliced bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat at any time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dark chocolate hazelnut spread instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate hazelnut spread will give a richer flavor to your bars, which can be a delightful alternative if you prefer darker chocolate.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and when you gently shake the pan, the center should be set and not jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with a few crumbs attached.
Can I add other flavors to the bars?
Definitely! Adding a teaspoon of espresso powder or hazelnut extract can enhance the flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture.
What should I do if the dough is too crumbly?
If your dough feels too crumbly and won’t hold together, try adding a tablespoon of milk or water to moisten it slightly. Mix until the dough is just combined, taking care not to overwork it.
Next Up in Your Queue
Time to Try It
With the simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s time for you to roll up your sleeves and make these Nutella Shortbread Bars! Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with others, you’ll find that these bars are not just a treat, but an experience. The combination of flavors and textures will surely make them a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy every bite!
Nutella Shortbread Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 4: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Step 6: Press about two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Step 7: Spread the Nutella over the layer of dough evenly.
- Step 8: Crumble the remaining dough over the Nutella layer.
- Step 9: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown.
- Step 10: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter.
- Nutella can be substituted with any chocolate hazelnut spread.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
