Imagine biting into a chewy, chocolatey bar loaded with crunchy nuts—all without dirtying a single bowl! That’s right, this No-Bowl Chocolate Nut Bars recipe is as effortless as it gets. Everything comes together right in the baking pan, making cleanup a breeze.

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Perfect for a quick snack, a sweet treat, or even a last-minute dessert when you need something homemade and delicious, these bars are a game-changer. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: No extra dishes—everything mixes right in the baking pan!

Rich & Nutty: A perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and crunchy nuts.

Easy & Quick: Just a few simple steps, and they’re ready to bake.

Customizable: Use your favorite nuts or mix in some dried fruit for extra flavor.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for lunchboxes, coffee breaks, or a midnight snack.

Ingredients

Butter: Melts directly in the pan to create a rich, buttery base.

Brown Sugar: Adds a deep caramel-like sweetness and chewy texture.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.

Egg: Binds everything together for the perfect chewy texture.

Flour: The foundation of these bars, giving them structure.

Cocoa Powder: For that rich, intense chocolate flavor.

Baking Powder: Ensures a light, slightly crisp texture.

Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Chopped Nuts: Adds crunch and extra flavor—walnuts, pecans, or almonds work great.

Chocolate Chips: Melts into the bars for extra gooey deliciousness.

Instructions

Melt the Butter: Place the butter in your baking pan and pop it into the oven to melt while it preheats. Swirl it around to coat the bottom.

Mix in Sugar & Vanilla: Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in the brown sugar and stir to combine right in the pan. Add the vanilla extract for extra depth.

Add the Egg: Crack the egg into the pan and mix until fully incorporated.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt over the mixture. Gently mix until just combined—no over-mixing!

Fold in Nuts & Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake until the bars are set and slightly crisp on the edges.

Cool & Slice: Let them cool before slicing into squares—this helps them hold their shape.

Enjoy! Serve warm or at room temperature for a perfect chocolatey treat.

How to Serve No-Bowl Chocolate Nut Bars

With a Glass of Milk: The ultimate classic pairing.
With Ice Cream: Warm bars topped with vanilla ice cream = pure bliss.
As a Breakfast Treat: A great on-the-go snack with coffee.
For a Dessert Platter: Serve alongside other baked goodies for a sweet spread.

Additional Tips

Customize It: Add coconut flakes, dried cherries, or white chocolate chips for variety.
Make It Healthier: Swap some flour for whole wheat or use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
Storage Tips: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months—just thaw and enjoy!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different sweetener?
A1: Yes! Coconut sugar or maple syrup can work, but it may slightly alter the texture.

Q2: What’s the best type of nuts to use?
A2: Walnuts, pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts all work great.

Q3: Can I make these gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend to replace the regular flour.

Q4: Do I have to use chocolate chips?
A4: No, but they add extra gooeyness! You can use chunks of chocolate or skip them altogether.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
A5: Yes! Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.

Q6: How do I prevent them from being too dry?
A6: Don’t overbake—check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.

Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Absolutely! Use a larger pan and adjust baking time accordingly.

Q8: Can I add peanut butter?
A8: Yes! Swirl in some peanut butter for an extra flavor boost.

Q9: How do I make them extra fudgy?
A9: Reduce the baking time slightly and add an extra tablespoon of butter.

Q10: Can I use a sugar substitute?
A10: Yes, but the texture may be slightly different. Try monk fruit or a 1:1 sugar alternative.

Final Thoughts

These No-Bowl Chocolate Nut Bars are a dream come true—easy, delicious, and minimal cleanup! Whether you’re making them for a quick snack or a sweet treat, they’ll be a hit every time.

No-Bowl Chocolate Nut Bars

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Author: Maria
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Western

Print Recipe

Description

These chocolate nut bars are incredibly easy to make—no mixing bowl required! Everything is layered and baked straight in the pan, making them the ultimate quick-fix treat. With a caramel-like chewiness, chocolate richness, and a nutty crunch, they’re like a caramel slice but with peanuts—and much faster to make!

Ingredients

Scale

100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into chunks
1 cup (100g) plain biscuits, crushed (Marie, Arrowroot, Digestives, or Graham crackers)
1 cup desiccated coconut (unsweetened)
1 cup unsalted peanuts, or other nuts of choice
1 cup dark chocolate chips (semi-sweet for US)
395g (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk (1 can)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan:

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) (or 160°C fan-forced).
Lightly spray a 20cm (8-inch) square baking pan with oil.
Press in a sheet of parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

2. Melt Butter:

Place butter in the pan and let it melt in the oven for 5 minutes.
Swirl the pan to spread the melted butter evenly.

3. Layer the Ingredients:

Sprinkle crushed biscuits over the butter and gently press down.
Scatter coconut evenly.
Add ⅔ of the peanuts and ⅔ of the chocolate chips, reserving some for the top.
Pour over sweetened condensed milk, spreading gently for even coverage.
Top with the remaining nuts and chocolate chips.

4. Bake:

Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.

5. Cool & Serve:

Let the bars cool completely before cutting (3 hours at room temperature or 1 hour on the counter + 1 hour in the fridge).
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out, slice into 16 squares, and enjoy!

Notes

Biscuit Base: Use any plain biscuit like Marie, Arrowroot, Digestives, or Graham crackers.
Nut Options: Swap peanuts for almonds, cashews, or walnuts.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days or in the fridge for up to 10 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 60mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg