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Creamy Hazelnut Cream Bars

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These creamy hazelnut cream bars feature a buttery crust and a smooth, nutty filling, perfect for cozy nights in. Easy to make with simple pantry staples, they deliver a rich yet balanced dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour (for gluten-free option, use almond flour)
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (130g) hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
  • Optional toppings: chopped toasted hazelnuts, powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter and blend with a food processor or pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter bits.
  2. Press crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan. Bake for about 15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add hazelnut spread, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract; mix until creamy and well combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into the hazelnut mixture to keep filling light and airy.
  5. Pour filling over cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 20–25 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
  6. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to firm up the filling.
  7. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped toasted hazelnuts and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired. Cut into 12 squares.

Notes

Keep butter cold until mixing for a flaky crust. Whip cream to soft peaks and fold gently to maintain light texture. Do not overbake the filling; it should jiggle slightly when done. Chill bars for at least 2 hours or overnight for best texture. For dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: hazelnut cream bars, creamy dessert, easy dessert, homemade bars, hazelnut spread dessert, cozy dessert, quick dessert

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/creamy-hazelnut-cream-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-cozy-dessert-ideas/