Oh, Nutella. Just saying the name brings a smile to my face, doesn’t it? It’s like pure, liquid happiness straight from the jar! If you’re anything like me, a spoonful (or three) of that chocolate-hazelnut goodness is basically a food group. And when you can turn that magic into these incredible Nutella Crumb Bars? Well, that’s just a double win! These bars are my go-to when I need a quick, fuss-free treat that still feels totally decadent. Trust me, they’re ridiculously easy to whip up, and their magic lies in that perfect balance of buttery crumb and luscious Nutella filling. I remember whipping up a batch for a potluck last minute, and they were gone in a flash – pure recipe validation!
Why You’ll Love These Nutella Crumb Bars
Honestly, these bars are a dream for so many reasons! You’ll totally get why they’re a favorite:
- Seriously Easy: You can whip these up without breaking a sweat. No complicated steps here!
- Pure Indulgence: That incredible combo of buttery, crumbly dough and rich, ooey-gooey Nutella is just divine.
- So Versatile: Perfect for packing in lunchboxes, bringing to parties, or just enjoying with a cup of coffee. They always disappear fast!
Ingredients for the Perfect Nutella Crumb Bars
Alright, grab your apron because we’re about to assemble the dream team of ingredients for these amazing Nutella Crumb Bars. You probably have most of this in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup (that’s 2 sticks!) of unsalted butter, softened just right.
- 1 cup of granulated sugar – the sweet foundation.
- 2 large eggs, for binding everything together beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – my secret weapon for flavor!
- 3 cups of good old all-purpose flour.
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda, to give them a little lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt, just to balance all that sweetness.
- And of course, 1 whole jar (about 13 ounces) of that luscious Nutella!
Essential Equipment for Making Nutella Crumb Bars
Okay, so you don’t need a whole professional kitchen for these, but having the right tools really makes the process a breeze! You’ll want a good old 9×13 inch baking pan, a trusty electric mixer (handheld or stand, whatever you’ve got!), a whisk, some mixing bowls, and measuring cups and spoons. Oh, and a spatula or spoon for spreading is handy too!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nutella Crumb Bars
Alright, ready to make some magic happen? This is where all those yummy ingredients come together! It’s honestly way simpler than you think, and seeing that golden-brown topping come out of the oven is the best part. Trust me, you’ll be making these over and over again!
Preparing the Crust and Crumb Topping
First things first, get that oven preheated to 350°F (that’s 175°C) and give your 9×13 inch baking pan a good grease and flour. Now, grab your softened butter and sugar and cream them together until they look light and fluffy – think pale yellow and airy. Beat in those eggs one by one, followed by that lovely splash of vanilla extract. In a different bowl, give your flour, baking soda, and salt a quick whisk to combine. Slowly add the dry stuff to the wet stuff, mixing until *just* combined. You don’t want to overmix here, or your bars might get a little tough! Take about two-thirds of this glorious dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This is your delicious crust!
Assembling and Baking Your Nutella Crumb Bars
Grab that jar of Nutella – make sure it’s not too stiff, room temp is best for spreading – and slather it all over that perfectly pressed crust. Try to get it as even as possible! Now, take that last third of the dough and crumble it all over the top of the Nutella. It doesn’t have to be perfect; a rustic crumble looks extra charming! Pop that pan into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for that crumb topping to be a beautiful golden brown. The smell that fills your kitchen during this time? Pure heaven!
Cooling and Cutting for Perfect Nutella Crumb Bars
Okay, this is the HARDEST part: waiting! You absolutely *have* to let these bars cool completely in the pan before you even think about cutting them. If you try to cut them while they’re warm, they’ll just fall apart (trust me, I learned the hard way!). Once they’re totally cool, slice them into squares. A good sharp knife or even a pizza cutter works wonders for clean edges!
Tips for the Best Nutella Crumb Bars
Okay, friends, let’s talk about making these Nutella Crumb Bars absolutely perfect every single time! It’s all about a few little tricks and paying attention to the details. These aren’t complicated, but a few pointers go a long way for that truly knockout flavor and texture. You want that buttery crunch and perfectly melty Nutella, right? I’ve got you covered! Check out some of my other baking tips here, and more cookie ideas too!
Ingredient Quality Matters for Nutella Crumb Bars
Seriously, don’t skimp on the good stuff! Using real, unsalted butter makes such a difference in the richness and flavor. And for the star of the show, a good quality jar of Nutella will ensure that deep, delicious chocolate-hazelnut taste that everyone knows and loves. It just elevates the whole bar!
Achieving the Perfect Crumb Topping Texture
When you’re mixing up that dough for the crust and the crumble, remember: don’t overmix! Just combine until you don’t see dry flour anymore. Overmixing can make the crumb topping a little tough instead of perfectly tender and crumbly. You can even chill the topping mixture for about 10 minutes before crumbling it over the Nutella if you want an extra-crispy, distinct crumble.
Variations and Serving Suggestions for Nutella Crumb Bars
I absolutely love these Nutella Crumb Bars just as they are, but sometimes it’s fun to shake things up a bit! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can totally jazz them up. How about adding a handful of chocolate chips to the crumb topping? Or maybe some chopped hazelnuts for an extra nutty crunch? A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the whole pan before baking *chef’s kiss* – it just makes that chocolate flavor pop even more. And serving them? Oh, they’re fantastic on their own with a cup of coffee, tucked into a lunchbox for a sweet surprise, or even warmed up slightly and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. So good!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
These Nutella Crumb Bars are pretty sturdy, which is great! Once they’re completely cooled, just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay nice and fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. Honestly, they rarely last that long anyway! If you happen to want one warm, just pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. It just melts that Nutella center a little more and makes it taste almost freshly baked again. Yummy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Nutella Crumb Bars
Can I use a different chocolate-hazelnut spread?
Absolutely! While Nutella is amazing, feel free to use any good quality chocolate-hazelnut spread you love. The flavor might be slightly different, but it should still be super delicious! Just make sure it’s spreadable at room temperature.
How long do these Nutella Crumb Bars last?
Once they’re all cooled down, just stash them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re usually best within 3 days, but honestly, they disappear so fast you might not even need to worry about it!
Can I freeze Nutella Crumb Bars?
Yep, you sure can! Let them cool completely, then wrap them well in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They should keep well for about 2-3 months. Just thaw them on the counter when you’re craving a treat!
My bars fell apart when I cut them, what happened?
Oops! That usually happens if you try to cut them while they’re still warm. The big secret is complete cooling! Seriously, let them sit in the pan until they are totally, totally cool. Then use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter for nice, clean slices.
Got any other yummy ideas?
Always! If you’ve got questions or want to share your own twists or just say hi, feel free to reach out here. I love hearing from you!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, the nutrition info below is an estimate for one bar, and it can totally change depending on exactly what you use and how big you cut them! It’s a good ballpark, though, to give you an idea. Enjoy responsibly!
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: ~250
- Fat: ~15g
- Saturated Fat: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Sugar: ~25g
- Protein: ~3g
- Sodium: ~50mg
Nutella Crumb Bars
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy to make bars with a Nutella filling and a crumb topping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 jar (13 ounces) Nutella
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Spread the Nutella evenly over the crust.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the Nutella layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Ensure the Nutella is at room temperature for easier spreading.
- Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Nutella, crumb bars, chocolate hazelnut, dessert bars, easy baking, cookies