What makes a perfect dessert even better is a crumbly topping and Nutella filling. These easy homemade bars combine a rich chocolate hazelnut spread with a crunchy oat topping, making them a family favorite. Save this idea for a quick weeknight treat to enjoy with your loved ones, try it soon and indulge in the gooey Nutella goodness.

Nutella Crumble Cake Bars

Introduction

Indulge in the rich flavors of Nutella, perfectly combined with the crunch of a crumble topping and the moistness of a cake, all in the convenience of a bar. These Nutella Crumble Cake Bars are a masterclass in ease, flavor, and creativity, using everyday ingredients to create a dessert that’s both impressive and effortless. Whether you’re a fan of Nutella, a lover of texture contrasts, or simply looking for a new dessert to wow your family and friends, these bars are sure to hit the spot. With their straightforward preparation and the ability to be made ahead, they’re perfect for any occasion, from a quick weeknight dessert to a special celebration.

Why This Works

The balance of flavors between the deep, chocolate-hazelnut taste of Nutella and the light, buttery crumble is perfectly offset by the sweetness of the cake, creating a delightful harmony of tastes.
The accessibility of the ingredients means you likely have most of what you need in your pantry, making this a convenient option for a last-minute dessert.
The preparation is remarkably easy, with each component – the cake, the Nutella layer, and the crumble topping – being straightforward to make, and the assembly requiring minimal effort, resulting in impressive bars that look like they came from a professional bakery.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for these Nutella Crumble Cake Bars include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, Nutella, and rolled oats for the crumble topping. The Nutella provides the core flavor, while the cake base offers a moist and soft texture. The crumble topping, made with oats, flour, sugar, and butter, adds a delightful crunch. For practical substitutions, you can use other types of sugar or flour, and if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, if Nutella isn’t your preference, you can experiment with other chocolate-hazelnut spreads or even peanut butter for a different twist.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt for the cake base. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Step 2: Bake the cake base for about 20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and set. While the cake is baking, prepare the Nutella layer by spreading the Nutella evenly over the baked cake base once it has cooled slightly.
Step 3: For the crumble topping, mix together the rolled oats, flour, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture forms a crumbly consistency. Spread this mixture evenly over the Nutella layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the bars are set.
Step 4: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and cut them into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Handy Tips

To ensure your crumble topping stays crunchy, avoid overmixing the ingredients. Stop mixing once the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
If you find your Nutella is too stiff to spread, you can warm it slightly by placing the jar in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
For an extra crunchy topping, consider adding some chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to the crumble mixture.

Heat Control

Maintaining the right oven temperature is crucial for baking the cake base and the crumble topping correctly. Ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F (180°C) before baking. The cake base should be baked for about 20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and feels firm to the touch. The crumble-topped bars should be baked for an additional 25-30 minutes after adding the topping, or until the top is golden brown and the bars feel set. Keep an eye on the bars during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent the topping from becoming too dark.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right crunch factor in these Nutella Crumble Cake Bars is largely dependent on the crumble topping. To ensure it stays crunchy, make sure not to overbake the bars. The topping should be golden brown but still retain some crunch when you press on it lightly. If you prefer a crunchier topping, you can broil the bars for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For a professional finish, press the crumble topping gently into the Nutella layer before baking to ensure it adheres well and bakes evenly.
Consider using a food processor to mix the crumble topping ingredients for a more uniform texture and to speed up the process.
To make cleanup easier, line your baking pan with parchment paper, allowing you to lift the bars out easily once they’re cooled and cut them neatly without any sticking issues.

Storage Tips

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them for up to 5 days or freezing for up to 2 months. If freezing, it’s best to cut the bars first and then freeze them individually for easy thawing and serving.
For reheating, place a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to gift these Nutella Crumble Cake Bars, consider packaging them in decorative tins or jars, wrapped individually in parchment paper or cellophane bags and tied with a ribbon. You can also place them in a gift basket filled with other sweet treats or coffee for a complete dessert experience. For a more personalized touch, add a handwritten note or a small bag of gourmet coffee to pair with the bars.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg added to the crumble topping for a unique twist.
Try creative toppings such as chopped nuts, shaved chocolate, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce over the bars once they’re cooled.
For ingredient swaps, consider using peanut butter or another nut butter instead of Nutella for a different flavor profile. You can also substitute the rolled oats with other grains like quinoa flakes for added nutrition.

Troubleshooting

If your cake base turns out too dense, check that you didn’t overmix the batter. For the next batch, try mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately and gently folding them together.
For a crumble topping that’s too crunchy or dark, reduce the baking time or check your oven temperature to ensure it’s accurate.
If you’re having trouble with the Nutella layer being too runny, refrigerate the bars for about 10 minutes before cutting to firm up the Nutella.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze them individually for easy thawing and serving.
Is it gluten-free? The recipe as given contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can make a gluten-free version by substituting the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just ensure you have a sufficiently large baking pan, such as a 9×13 inch pan, and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

With their irresistible combination of moist cake, rich Nutella, and crunchy topping, these Nutella Crumble Cake Bars are sure to become a favorite. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, impressing guests, or as a special treat for the family. Feel free to experiment with the recipe, trying out different flavor combinations or ingredients to make it your own. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these bars are a great way to explore your creativity in the kitchen and enjoy the process of making something truly delicious.

Nutella Crumble Cake Bars becomes Crumble Nutella Cake