Chocolate Banana Hazelnut Snack Squares

Name: Chocolate Banana Hazelnut Snack Squares
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup smooth almond butter; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Home Healthy Meals Collection

I absolutely love these Chocolate Banana Hazelnut Snack Squares for their incredible blend of flavors and textures. The combination of ripe bananas, rich chocolate, and crunchy hazelnuts creates a delightful snack that's both satisfying and nutritious. Whether I’m looking for a quick energy boost or a sweet treat to share with friends, these squares never disappoint. Plus, they're easy to make, which means I can whip them up in no time whenever the craving strikes.

Created by

Marlowe Sinclair

Last updated on 2026-01-21T18:50:38.384Z

I remember the first time I made these Chocolate Banana Hazelnut Snack Squares. I had some ripe bananas to use up and wanted to create a treat that was both healthy and indulgent. The combination worked beautifully, and everyone who tried them was amazed at how delicious they were. Using hazelnuts adds a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft banana and rich chocolate!

A tip I discovered is to let the squares cool completely before cutting them. This way, they hold their shape better and make for cleaner slices. The contrast of textures really makes each bite special!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Decadent chocolate meets sweet banana for a perfect treat.
Crunchy hazelnuts provide delightful texture.
Ideal for snack time, dessert, or a healthy breakfast option.

The Role of Ingredients

Each ingredient in these Chocolate Banana Hazelnut Snack Squares plays a vital role in achieving the final texture and flavor. Ripe bananas not only sweeten the mixture naturally but also provide moisture and binding, making them a key player in this recipe. Meanwhile, smooth almond butter adds richness and a subtle nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste experience. If you’re allergic to nuts, sunflower seed butter could be a suitable alternative.

The cocoa powder is essential for imparting the chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the bananas. When choosing your cocoa, opt for a high-quality unsweetened variety to avoid any bitterness in your final product. The rolled oats act as a wholesome base, giving the squares structure while still keeping them chewy. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the oats with gluten-free rolled oats.

Baking Tips for Perfect Squares

Achieving the right texture comes down to proper baking. Make sure to smooth the mixture into the baking pan evenly, as this helps it bake uniformly. Keep an eye on it during baking; the squares should feel firm to the touch and may need an extra minute or two if they still feel soft in the center. If underbaked, they may crumble instead of cut cleanly into squares.

After baking, it’s crucial to let the squares cool completely in the pan before slicing. This cooling period allows them to set further, making it easier to achieve neat cuts. Use a sharp knife to cut them into squares, and consider wiping the blade clean between cuts for cleaner edges. If you prefer a softer texture, you can cool them for just 10-15 minutes before cutting.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious snack squares:

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup smooth almond butter
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Once you have everything prepared, you're ready to get started!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Chocolate Banana Hazelnut Snack Squares:

Preheat the oven

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

Combine wet ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and almond butter. Mix until smooth. Then, stir in the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract.

Add dry ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until well combined.

Incorporate hazelnuts

Fold in the chopped hazelnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Bake

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 20 minutes, or until firm to the touch.

Cool and cut

Allow the squares to cool in the pan before lifting them out and cutting into squares.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Banana Hazelnut Snack Squares!

Pro Tips

To enhance the chocolate flavor, try adding a handful of dark chocolate chips to the mixture before baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Chocolate Banana Hazelnut Snack Squares can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, I recommend refrigerating them, where they can last up to a week. For even longer storage, these squares freeze beautifully. Just wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen square, simply let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This means you can whip up a batch ahead of time, ensuring you always have a quick snack or breakfast option on hand.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These snack squares are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. You can enjoy them as they are, or for a more indulgent treat, drizzle some melted dark chocolate on top before serving. They make a fantastic addition to breakfast; serve them alongside a smoothie or yogurt for a complete meal.

Feel free to get creative with mix-ins as well. Adding a handful of dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes can elevate the flavor even further. If you’re looking to make them more decadent, consider incorporating dried fruit like cranberries or apricots. The possibilities are endless, and each variation offers a unique twist on this delightful treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the almond butter?

Yes, you can use peanut butter or any other nut butter of your choice.

→ How should I store these snack squares?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze these squares?

Absolutely! Cut them into squares and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

→ Are these squares gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you choose certified gluten-free oats, these squares will be gluten-free!