If you have a soft spot for rich, nutty flavors combined with a luscious chocolate swirl, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Nutella Frangipane Bars Recipe. These bars bring together a delicate almond cream filling, known as frangipane, baked beautifully over a buttery crust, then marbled with decadent Nutella. Each bite is a harmonious blend of sweet and nutty, crisp and creamy, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this Nutella Frangipane Bars Recipe, it might just become your go-to dessert to wow friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Preparing this Nutella Frangipane Bars Recipe is surprisingly straightforward because the ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering that amazing flavor and texture contrast. From the almond flour lending a lovely nutty richness to the buttery crust and the irresistible Nutella swirls, every component has its special job.
- Almond flour: Provides that tender, nutty base for the frangipane filling.
- Sugar: Balances the flavors with the perfect amount of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Key for rich, flaky crusts and creamy fillings.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
- Flour: Supports structure in both the crust and filling.
- Chocolate liqueur (optional): Adds a subtle depth and complexity to the frangipane.
- Nutella: The star swirl ingredient that introduces a silky-hazelnut chocolate surprise.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and aromatic sweetness to both crust and filling.
How to Make Nutella Frangipane Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Crust
Start by greasing an 8×8-inch pan with butter and lining it with parchment paper to make sure your bars lift out easily later. This little prep goes a long way to helping the bars keep their shape while baking and cooling.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until they’re light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust. Next, add the vanilla extract for a subtle sweetness. Then scrape down the sides of the bowl, add the all-purpose flour and salt, and mix on low speed until the dough clumps together. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly with the back of an offset spatula. Chill it in the fridge while you tackle the frangipane filling — this helps the crust set and keeps it from shrinking during baking.
Step 3: Craft the Frangipane Filling
Next up, cream together the remaining butter, sugar, and almond flour until you have a fluffy, pale mixture bursting with nutty aroma. Be sure to scrape the bowl’s sides with your spatula for even mixing before adding in the eggs, blending until fully incorporated. Stir in your flour or cornstarch to thicken, then if you’re feeling a little indulgent, splash in the optional chocolate liqueur for a sophisticated flavor boost that pairs beautifully with Nutella.
Step 4: Assemble With Nutella Swirls
Spread this dreamy frangipane evenly over your chilled crust. The smoothness here makes all the difference in your bars’ final look. Then drop teaspoons of Nutella randomly all over the top. Don’t worry about being perfect—the magic is in the swirls! Take a butter knife and gently twirl through the Nutella to create gorgeous marbled patterns that will make your bars look like a work of art.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pan into a 350°F oven and bake for about 20 minutes. You want to watch for the almond cream filling to set and turn a lovely golden brown on top. Once baked, be patient and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan; this resting time helps them firm up so you can cut clean slices without any mess.
How to Serve Nutella Frangipane Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are stunning on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few toasted almond slivers sprinkled on top adds a charming finishing touch. Fresh berries on the side add a pop of color and refreshing tartness that complements the sweet, nutty flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream turns them into an irresistible dessert treat perfect for after dinner. For a cozy afternoon indulgence, a cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte enhances their rich depth perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Nutella Frangipane Bars Recipe as bite-sized squares on a pretty platter for a casual gathering or dessert buffet. You can also layer crumbled pieces into parfait glasses with whipped cream and berries for an elegant twist, or pack them up as charming homemade gifts wrapped in parchment and tied with a pretty ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Nutella Frangipane Bars Recipe has cooled entirely, keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge is a good idea to maintain their structure and freshness.
Freezing
These bars freeze exceptionally well! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to two months, ready to thaw when a sweet craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, simply allow frozen pieces to thaw at room temperature, then warm gently in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds. This brings back that freshly baked softness and enhances the Nutella’s gooey goodness.
FAQs
Can I use other nut butters instead of Nutella?
Absolutely! While Nutella is classic for this recipe, you can swap in peanut butter, almond butter, or any favorite chocolate-hazelnut spread. Just keep in mind the texture and sweetness might vary slightly.
Is almond flour necessary for the frangipane filling?
Almond flour is key to getting that authentic frangipane flavor and texture. It provides a distinct nuttiness and tenderness that regular flour can’t replicate, so it’s highly recommended to stick with it if you want that true taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy margarine or coconut oil, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. Make sure your dairy-free butter is solid and not melted for best results in the crust and filling.
How thick should I spread the frangipane layer?
Try to spread the frangipane about half an inch thick over the crust for balanced layers. Too thin, and you might miss out on the luscious almond flavor; too thick, and the bars can feel heavy.
Can I double the recipe for a larger pan?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—it may increase by 5 to 10 minutes, so check for a golden top and set filling.
Final Thoughts
This Nutella Frangipane Bars Recipe is truly a heartwarming treat that brings together some of the best flavors and textures in dessert form. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars deliver every time. I can’t wait for you to try them and share the joy of these nutty, chocolaty bites with your loved ones!
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Nutella Frangipane Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
Description
These Nutella Frangipane Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich almond frangipane and swirls of creamy Nutella for a decadent treat. Perfectly baked until golden and set, these bars offer a delightful blend of nutty and chocolate flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Frangipane
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed and room temperature
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch as an alternative)
- 10 mL chocolate liqueur or any liqueur of choice (optional)
- ½ cup Nutella
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease an 8×8 inch pan with butter and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: Using an electric mixer, beat the ½ cup butter and ¼ cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the ½ teaspoon vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the 1 cup flour and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix on low speed until the mixture forms clumps.
- Form the Crust Base: Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, smoothing it with the back of an offset spatula. Chill the pan in the refrigerator while preparing the frangipane.
- Make the Frangipane: In a clean electric mixer bowl, cream the remaining ½ cup butter and ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar together with the 1 ½ cups almond flour until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flour: Scrape down the bowl. Add the 2 eggs and mix to combine. Add the 2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch) and mix until incorporated. Finally, add the optional liqueur and mix gently.
- Assemble the Bars: Carefully spread the frangipane evenly over the chilled crust, smoothing the top as much as possible.
- Add Nutella Swirls: Drop teaspoonfuls of Nutella throughout the top layer. Use the tip of a butter knife to swirl the Nutella into the frangipane by cutting through the drops, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until the almond cream is evenly browned and set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 servings. This ensures they set perfectly and hold their shape.
Notes
- You can substitute the 2 tablespoons flour with cornstarch for a lighter texture in the frangipane.
- The chocolate liqueur is optional and can be omitted or replaced with a different flavored liqueur to customize the flavor.
- Ensure the butter for the frangipane is at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Chilling the crust before adding the frangipane helps prevent mixing the layers and keeps the crust firm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
