The chocolate and hazelnut squares are delicious treats that require no baking. This irresistible dessert can also be made with gluten-free cookies and lactose-free butter. They are quick and easy to prepare and will delight both adults and children. Ideal for parties, as an afternoon snack, as a bar for athletes, or as an end-of-meal treat, 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 even better. The combination of dark chocolate and hazelnuts is one of my favorites and is perfect for creating indulgent desserts.
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 15
- Cooking methods: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Fall, Winter, and Spring
Ingredients
- 7 oz dark chocolate
- 5 tbsp butter (also lactose-free)
- 3/4 cup shelled hazelnuts
- 7 oz tea biscuits (also gluten-free)
- to taste grated orange zest
- 1 pinch vanilla paste or liquid
- 1 tsp Strega liqueur (optional)
Steps
Line a baking dish or pan (rectangular or square) with parchment paper.
If you prefer very thin squares, about the thickness of a finger, the pan should measure approximately 10 x 2 inches; for thicker squares, like those in the photo, a 8 x 2 inch pan works well.
Finely chop both the cookies and hazelnuts together until you achieve a coarse and grainy mixture. Do not reduce them to powder.
Melt the chocolate and butter together in a saucepan over a bain-marie, flavoring them with finely grated orange zest.
Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture over the cookie and hazelnut mixture, add the liqueur, vanilla, and stir until perfectly combined.
Pour the mixture into the pan lined with parchment paper, level it with the back of a spoon, and let it set in the fridge for a few hours, covered with plastic wrap.
Once the mixture has hardened, cut it into cubes of the desired size. The chocolate and hazelnut squares are ready to be enjoyed, and they will be even more delicious the next day.
Bon appetit
