The chocolate and hazelnut squares are delicious treats that do not require baking. This irresistible dessert can also be made with gluten-free cookies and lactose-free butter. They are quick and very easy to prepare and will delight both adults and children. Ideal for parties, as an afternoon snack, as a bar for athletes, or as a dessert after lunch, accompanied by a good coffee. The chocolate and hazelnut squares can be prepared well in advance and stored in the fridge for at least 4/5 days, getting better each day. The combination of dark chocolate and hazelnuts is one of my favorites and is perfect for creating delicious desserts.
- Cost: Very economical
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 15
- Cooking methods: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter and Spring
Ingredients
- 7 oz dark chocolate
- 5 tbsp butter (also lactose-free)
- 3.5 oz shelled hazelnuts
- 7 oz plain cookies (also gluten-free)
- to taste grated orange peel
- 1 packet vanillin
- 1 tsp Strega liqueur (optional)
Steps
Line a baking dish or a square/rectangular mold with parchment paper. If you want very thin squares, about one finger thick, the mold should be approximately 10 x 2 inches; for thicker squares like those in the photo, a 8 x 2 inches mold works well.
Finely chop both the cookies and hazelnuts together until you get a coarse and grainy mixture. They should not be powdered.
Melt the chocolate and butter together in a double boiler, flavoring them with finely grated orange peel.
Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture over the cookie and hazelnut mix, add the liqueur, the vanillin, and mix everything until perfectly combined.
Pour the mixture into the parchment-lined mold, level it with the back of a spoon, and let it set in the fridge for a few hours, well covered with plastic wrap.
Once the mixture has hardened, it can be cut into cubes of the desired size. The chocolate and hazelnut squares are ready to be enjoyed and will be even more delicious the next day.
