Chocolate Banana Hazelnut Snack Squares

Name: Chocolate Banana Hazelnut Snack Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup oats; 1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped; 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup almond butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely love whipping up these Chocolate Banana Hazelnut Snack Squares for a quick treat. They are not only rich in flavor but also a delightful combination of chocolate, banana, and crunchy hazelnuts. With just the right amount of sweetness and texture, these squares quickly become a favorite in our household. They are perfect for snacking throughout the day or even serving as a dessert. Believe me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Created by

Charlotte Wilson

Last updated on 2026-01-21T18:58:36.027Z

When I first experimented with these squares, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors melded together. The mix of ripe bananas and toasted hazelnuts provided the perfect base for a delicious chocolate layer. One key tip I learned is that using very ripe bananas not only enhances the sweetness but also adds a beautiful moistness to the squares.

As I continued to perfect the recipe, I realized that incorporating a pinch of sea salt on top after baking brings out the chocolate's richness even more. This small detail makes a world of difference, elevating the overall taste of these delightful snack squares!

Why You'll Love These Treats
A harmonious blend of sweet banana and rich chocolate
Crunchy hazelnuts add an irresistible texture
Quick and easy to prep, perfect for any time of day

The Role of Key Ingredients

In this recipe, bananas serve as a natural sweetener and a binding agent, contributing moisture and a tender texture. Opt for very ripe bananas with brown spots; they add more sweetness and flavor to the snack squares. If you're running low on bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be a suitable alternative, although it may alter the flavor slightly. Always ensure to mash them well to avoid large lumps in your mixture, which can affect the overall texture of the baked squares.

Hazelnuts not only introduce a delightful crunch to the squares but also complement the chocolate beautifully. If hazelnuts aren’t your preference or if you have allergies, you can substitute them with walnuts or pecans. Roasting the nuts before chopping them enhances their flavor—you can do this in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until fragrant. Do keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as nuts can turn quickly!

Baking and Cooling Tips

When baking, be mindful of the oven's hot spots; if you notice uneven cooking, consider rotating the baking dish halfway through the baking time. The squares are done when the edges begin to turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can dry them out, so it’s best to check a couple of minutes before the suggested time if this is your first attempt.

After baking, patience is key during the cooling process. Let the squares cool in the pan to set properly—this helps them maintain their shape when cut. They can stick to the pan if removed too soon. Once cooled, I suggest using a sharp knife for precise cutting, as this ensures each square keeps a neat shape and makes serving easier. You can store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week!

Ingredients

For the Squares

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup oats
1/2 cup hazelnuts, chopped
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup almond butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, oats, chopped hazelnuts, dark chocolate chips, honey (or maple syrup), almond butter, vanilla extract, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Cool and Cut

Allow the squares to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled squares before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Banana Hazelnut Snack Squares are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate them as a dessert by dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with melted chocolate. For a more indulgent experience, serve a warm square alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream—this contrasts beautifully with the rich flavors of chocolate and hazelnuts.

For those who enjoy a little protein boost, try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side. It adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the snack squares. Packed in lunch boxes, these squares make a nutritious snack that pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, enhancing the overall taste and nutrient profile of your meal.

Storing and Freezing

These squares store wonderfully, making them an excellent make-ahead treat. To store, simply keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life. If you’d like to enjoy them weeks later, you can freeze the squares. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or gently microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.

If you find that you've made a larger batch than you can savor right away, consider scaling the recipe down. Halving the ingredients is straightforward; just use a 4x4 inch baking dish instead of an 8x8 inch one. This is a great way to ensure freshness without wasting ingredients, especially if you're testing the waters with this delightful recipe.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another nut instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! Almonds or walnuts would work well as substitutes.

→ What can I use instead of honey?

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.

→ How should I store the snack squares?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can these squares be frozen?

Yes! Just wrap them individually and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.